For Immediate Release:
Contact:  Shana Mosher 202-361-5028
Lauren Hames 407-246-3106

USHCC FOUNDATION & FORD MOTOR COMPANY FUND
TO BRING AUTO INDUSTRY ‘BIZFEST’ TO ORLANDO

ORLANDO, FL (November 9, 2004) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation, in partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund, will hold a Youth Entrepreneurship “BizFest” on Wednesday, November 10, 2004, at the National Entrepreneur Center at 315 E. Robinson St. Mayor Dyer will provide the welcome at 8:30 a.m.

The Orlando “BizFest” is part of a five-year $1 million grant from Ford Motor Company Fund to boost the number of Hispanics in all aspects of the automotive industry through a series of automotive-specific “BizFest” training camps. This will be the first time a “BizFest” program will be held in Orlando.

“BizFest” is the USHCC Foundation’s signature youth entrepreneurship training program. Hosted and co-organized locally by the Central Florida YMCA Achievers Program in partnership with the Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center, Girl Scouts of the USA and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, this intensive 4-day workshop will equip students with the tools to be successful in the automotive industry, teaching students about dealership development, automotive supplier development, automotive technology, marketing/sales & service, engineering/manufacturing, information technology and product development.

Twenty-five to thirty students from Orlando and the surrounding areas will be chosen to participate in the BizFest. Participants will compete for scholarships, prizes, long-term business support and the opportunity to participate in the National “BizFest” Training and Competition at the USHCC 26th Annual National Convention & Business Expo next September in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Orlando “BizFest” is one of several regional “BizFests” held throughout the country. “BizFest” participants learn not only how to launch their own business, but also how to establish entrepreneurial and leadership goals, create plans for business and life, become effective leaders and team players, identify investment opportunities and make public presentations.
 

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