U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Honor Congress Members Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Nydia Velazquez with 2008 Legislative Awards

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/-- The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), representing the nation's 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, announced today that it will present its 2008 Legislative Awards to Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) at the organization's 18th Annual Legislative Awards Dinner on March 13, 2008. Speaker Pelosi will deliver the dinner's keynote address.

"We have selected two outstanding public servants who have supported the interests of our Hispanic business community," said David C. Lizarraga, USHCC Board Chairman. "These legislators have been specifically instrumental in advancing those policy positions that help foster economic growth in our community and among all small businesses. Their work serves as an example and inspiration to the millions of Hispanic entrepreneurs throughout our nation."

The President's Achievement Award is conferred upon an outstanding public servant who has demonstrated continued commitment, service, and dedication to the Hispanic community throughout their distinguished career. The Chair's Award is granted to a public servant who best exemplifies the mission and goals of the USHCC and whose proven leadership and dedication to the Hispanic community has resulted in the growth, expansion and empowerment of Hispanic influence in the realms of business and government.

President's Achievement Award - Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)

The first Hispanic woman elected to Congress, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen has been a powerful advocate for the promotion of democratic values in Latin America and expansion of hemispheric trade. This marks her long involvement in foreign affairs, including previous service as a senior member on the International Relations Committee; Chair of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia; member on the Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights; and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

Chairman's Award - Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY)

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez has made history several times during her tenure in Congress. In 1992, she was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In February of 1998, she was named Ranking Democratic Member on the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Hispanic woman in the history of the House to serve as Ranking Member on a full committee. Most recently, in 2006, she was named Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Latina to ever chair a full congressional committee.

"The USHCC is privileged to honor two of the nation's leading Latinas with our prestigious 2008 Legislative Awards," said Augustine Martinez, USHCC President and CEO. "Latinas are leading the growth in Hispanic-owned businesses and are also leading the U.S. Congress in small business and international trade policy. This year's honorees are a source of inspiration for Hispanic entrepreneurs and Americans across our nation."

The Legislative Awards Dinner will draw Hispanic entrepreneurs and Chamber leaders from across the nation, as well as key representatives from Corporate America and top-level members of Congress and the Administration.

For a complete list of major events at the 2008 USHCC Legislative Conference, or for more news on the lineup of speakers and dignitaries, special events and registration information, visit http://www.ushcc.com, the interactive source for all Legislative Conference information.

Note to journalists:

General press and analyst registration is available at http://www.ushcc.com/news-legislative18th.html. Journalists are encouraged to submit their media credential applications by Friday, March 7 to take advantage of all the Legislative Conference press events.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate more than $388 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.

    UPCOMING EVENTS:
    -- Briefing on White House*
    Wednesday, March 12, 11:00 AM

    -- Latina Leaders Reception*
    Tuesday, March 11, 6:30 - 8:00 PM

    -- Breakfast on the Hill*
    Wednesday, March 12, 8:00 - 9:15 AM

    -- Workshops
    Thursday, March 13, 8:30 AM - 5:10 PM

    -- Legislative Luncheon*
    Thursday, March 13, 12:30 - 2:00 PM

    -- Legislative Reception*
    Thursday, March 13, 6:00 - 7:00 PM

    -- Legislative Awards Dinner*
    Thursday, March 13, 7:00 - 9:30 PM

* Please note: These events are closed with limited entrance given to journalists.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional information about the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, please visit the USHCC Web page at http://www.ushcc.com/about on USHCC's information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of release, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact USHCC's Communications Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.ushcc.com/contact.html.