Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) at the 21st Annual Hispanic Business Conference and Consumer Expo.<\/p>\n
Mayor Jacobs provided the opening remarks at the Hispanic Business Conference and acknowledged the small business community for their invaluable contributions to the growth and expansion of Orange County\u2019s diverse economy. Conference attendees participated in breakout sessions featuring distinguished business speakers, economic development experts and a luncheon with business leaders from Central Florida.<\/p>\n
Later that afternoon, Mayor Jacobs, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, HCCMO President Diana Bolivar, and other noted community leaders celebrated the opening of the Expo during a commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe success of our Hispanic Business Conference and Consumer Expo is due in great part to the support we receive from our elected officials,\u201d said Diana Bolivar, HCCMO President. \u201cWe thank Mayor Jacobs and Mayor Dyer for being co-honorary chairs of our conference and for participating in the Expo\u2019s grand opening ribbon cutting celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than 200 local businesses and approximately 12,000 attendees participated in the Expo. Orange County Government had a large presence at the event with 18 divisions represented at the County\u2019s pavilion. Volunteers shared information about available services and civic engagement opportunities. Orange County has supported the Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo for several years.<\/p>\n
Exhibitors interacted with potential customers and many said that the event enabled them to expand their consumer base in Central Florida.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an important event for the community because it facilitates interaction between business and consumers,\u201d said Central Florida visual artist and small business entrepreneur Julio Sanchez. \u201cThe attendees this year demonstrated great interest in my products and were very receptive to the artwork. The Expo was a success!\u201d<\/p>\n