On Sept. 14, The Latino Coalition (TLC), the leading, national non-partisan advocacy organization representing Hispanic businesses and consumers, hosted the Capturing the Momentum Summit: The Hispanic Economic Agenda at the World Trade Center, Washington D.C. (Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.).

The summit brought together leading executives, small business owners and government officials to discuss economic policies that can boost entrepreneurial opportunities. The one-day event provided entrepreneurs with a series of informative panels, key breakout sessions, procurement meetings and an opportunity to expand personal and professional networks. Attendees and speakers delved into topics ranging from the current federal regulatory conditions to international trade, and from immigration to the unfolding tax reform debate on Capitol Hill.

"The Capturing the Momentum Summit provided an opportunity to speak plainly about what helps and hurts Hispanic business development," said Hector Barreto, TLC Chairman and former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. "We also, for the first time ever, facilitated a town hall meeting of Hispanic leaders who discussed the state of Latino economic and political power. This provocative conversation touched on topics that should be top-of-mind for the political leaders of today."

Speakers at the event included: U.S. Treasurer Jovita Carranza; U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross; Gerónimo Gutiérrez, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States; Melissa Lavinson, Vice President Federal Affairs and Policy, PG&E Corporation; Bernie McKay, Chief Public Policy Officer, VP Global Corporate Affairs at Intuit; Jackie Puente, Executive Director for External Affairs Comcast; Thomas M. Sullivan, Vice President of Small Business Policy at U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46), U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (WI-07), U.S. Rep. Peter J. Roskam (IL-06) and U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus (PA-12).

During the event, Chairman Barreto announced new partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding with BAU International University, the U.S. Guatemala Chamber of Commerce and The 60 Plus Association. These organizations join TLC's network of 100+ partners working to enhance the overall business, economic and social objectives of the Hispanic community.

"The entrepreneurial spirit of this nation is something to be celebrated, especially when America's 28 million small businesses account for half of the nation's economic output. Our event showcased that entrepreneurial strength, and pushed for business initiatives that leverage partnerships, create more jobs and grow this nation's economy. We look forward to building on this message on October 12 at our Upward Mobility Summit in Kansas City, MO," Barreto added.

The Latino Coalition would like to thank the following Title Sponsors: Wal-Mart and Google. TLC also acknowledges and is grateful for all its partners: 1800 Contacts, Act Wireless, AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Altria Client Services, Alvarado Smith, American Express Open, AT&T, Bank of America, California Resource Corporation, Centene Corporation, Coca-Cola, Comcast/Universal, CTIA, Direct Selling Association, Dun & Bradstreet, East West Bank, Edison Electric Institute, Herbalife, Hispanic Business Roundtable Institute, Honda, International Franchise Association, Intuit, JP Morgan, KOCH, Master Your Card, MasterCard, National Association of Broadcasters, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, NV Energy, Paychex, PG&E, PhRMA, Quicken Loans, Reset Public Affairs, Ronald Reagan Trade Center, Southern California Edison, The Latino Coalition Foundation, The Libre Initiative, T-Mobile, Tributo Tequila, U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, Univision, Verizon. Media Partners: Conexión, Finding Productions, Tico Sports Productions, LLC.

ABOUT THE LATINO COALITION- The Latino Coalition (TLC) was founded in 1995 by a group of Hispanic business owners from across the country to research and develop policies and solutions relevant to Latinos. TLC is a non-profit nationwide organization with offices in California, Washington, DC and Guadalajara, Mexico. Established to address and engage on key issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States, TLC's agenda is to create and promote initiatives and partnerships that will foster economic equivalency and enhance and empower overall business, economic and social development for Latinos. Visit www.thelatinocoalition.com.