Denver hosts national Hispanic convention

HISPANIC HERITAGE SPECIAL SECTION
DENVER - After more than two years of campaigning, planning, and preparing by Denver leaders, the 2009 National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention will begin on Thursday.

More than 5,000 Hispanic business leaders are expected to converge at the Colorado Convention Center for the event, which provides an opportunity for businesses to meet and share with each other. That's especially good news for companies here in Colorado.

"It's a great opportunity for local business here to network with large corporations across the country for business opportunities and it's a great way to show off our city and we're really excited about that part of it," Jeff Campos, the president and CEO of the Denver Hispanic Chamber, said.

Campos and other Hispanic business leaders had lobbied for two years to bring the 30th annual convention to Denver.

"It's a great accomplishment for us as a local Hispanic chamber and the city of Denver... We were competing against many other cities across the country. We just talked about our dynamic city and the economy here," Campos said.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is known for often taking stands on controversial issues, and it's expected to do just that during this convention.

"Health care is especially an issue we'll address at the conference. There are quite a few sessions that are dedicated to healthcare. The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will address those issues and communicate what our stand is on the national level and what we need to do to get this reform in check," Campos said.

The convention will also provide a number of workshops to help teach members how to steer and adapt their companies through these difficult economic times.

Campos says he's optimistic the recession is easing, however.

"Some are struggling, but we see an upturn in a lot of our membership," Campos said.

"We're really excited about what's ahead for us, even in the recession we're in," he added.

For more about the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's National Convention and Business Expo, CLICK HERE.

The Denver hosts of the event are also organizing a special event during the conference, called SABOR. It will feature international wines, beer and signature foods from a variety of restaurants in the Denver metro area. CLICK HERE for more information about SABOR.