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LATINA Style Magazine
made McAllen, Texas
their first stop for the
2007 LATINA Style
Business Series!
LATINA
Style Magazine, the
premier magazine
addressing the needs of
the Latina professional
and business owner,
brought together a group
of resourceful
organizations that
provide business
services to the business
community of the Rio
Grande Valley.
Held on February 23,
2007, at the Renaissance
Casa de Palmas Hotel,
the event offered
potential and existing
small businesses
knowledge-filled
sessions crucial to
their continued
successes. From
technical assistance
providers to lenders,
attendees received a
wealth of business
development information
to enhance their
potential and existing
small businesses.
Attendees received
training sessions on
financing, marketing
strategies, investment
protection, technology
solutions, and
entrepreneurial success
stories.
After a warm welcome by
LATINA Style
president and CEO Robert
Bard, and McAllen Mayor,
Richard Cortez, the
Innovative Resources for
Access to Capital
session set the tone for
all who were present.
The main key points
given were research,
proper planning, and the
importance of requesting
and obtaining financing
options for a small
business. Panelists,
Robert Chavarria from
the U.S. Small Business
Administration, Maria D.
Juarez, program director
for the Small Business
Development Center and
Janie Barrera, CEO of
ACCION Texas, spoke
about how business
owners can prepare to
obtain loans and develop
their small business.
They noted the
importance on loan
decisions and thus, the
critical attention and
care credit deserves,
especially the need to
build good credit.
Between sessions,
attendees gathered
valuable information at
the expo which was
comprised of over 20
small business resources.
“It was good to see so
many entrepreneurs
participating at this
event and learning more
on what it takes to move
their businesses forward,”
said Richard Carrera,
advisor for the Small
Business Administration.
“Attendees expressed
interest in funding
options, what lenders
require in a proposal,
opinions on the local
business development. We
had the opportunity to
share with them an
overview of the SBDC and
its services. As SBDC
business advisors who
meet with business
clients on a daily basis,
we understand just how
fundamental it is for
business owners to
prepare themselves with
quality information and
know-how. It is the
foundation for success
in any endeavor.”
More than receiving
information, keynote
speaker Maria Marin,
president of Voice of
Empowerment, inspired
attendees to “speak up,
demand more and get
more.” Marin focused on
how important it is for
women to become
responsible in becoming
who they want to be,
demand consideration and
respect in the workplace.
While the direct impact
of business conferences is potentially
immeasurable, it is the
information shared and
motivation felt
throughout the event
that certainly deserves
the focus and the
applause.
SPONSORS:
American Airlines,
UnitedHealthcare, Wal-Mart,
Sam’s Club, ExxonMobil,
IBM, State Farm
PARTNERS:
US
Small Business
Administration, Texas
Valley Communities
Foundation, ACCION
Texas, Small Business
Development Center
Network, SW Community
Investment Corporation,
McAllen Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce, MANA,
Digital 101.5, La Ley
102.5 and NSHMBA
By
Maria D. Juárez-Serna
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Ingrid Moulckers & Irene
Roberts both of IBM |
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Attendees enjoying the
conference |
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Keynote speaker, Maria
Marin; Award recipient,
Zenia Marroquin; Emcee,
Letty Valdez Garza |
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Mayor Richard Cortez
welcomes the audience |
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