Latino Issues Convention and Business Exposition

LATINO ISSUES CONVENTION AND BUSINESS EXPOSITION TO BE HELD

APRIL 23-24, 2008 AT THE MEADOWLANDS EXPO CENTER

Newark, New Jersey—The Latino Institute, Inc. today announced the celebration of the fourth annual Latino Issues Convention and Business Exposition. The convention will take place Wednesday, April 23rd and Thursday, April 24th, 2008.

The Latino Issues Convention and Business Expo is a unique event, convening over 5,000 Latinos each day, from all points of the New York and New Jersey metro tri-state area. The convention is the largest indoor Latino event of its kind in the region.

“We are exited about our move to the Meadowland Expo Center, as it is located smack in the center of the largest Latino population centers in North Jersey and is a facility capable of hosting 200 plus exhibitors and up to 10,000 visitors per day,” expressed William (Bill) Colón, President and CEO of the Latino Institute, the event organizer.

The event will start with the Latino Parent Education Conference and the “Nuestros Niños” Award Breakfast, the expo-consumer show and convocation, and the Latino College Fair on Wednesday, April 23rd. Over 500 parents are expected at the conference and more than 3,000 students at the college fair, a 10% increase over last year’s attendance.

On Thursday, April 24th, as part of the convention, the AARP will be hosting its second summit on Health Issues for Latinos. Over 500 seniors are expected to attend.

Mr. Colón added that “on Thursday, April 24th, at 11:30 a.m., we are also hosting a VIP Reception for New Jersey and New York Legislators and other elected officials. At the VIP Reception, we are recognizing our new Latino state Legislators. After the VIP reception, we will host the Unity Luncheon for 1000 delegates from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. We are inviting the Honorable Albio Sires, our Congressman from the 13th district, as the keynote speaker for the Unity Luncheon. The luncheon will also feature superb folkloric presentations and festive musical entertainment.”

The luncheon will be the highlight of the event on Thursday and the Institute is saluting and honoring the Latino entrepreneurial spirit in New Jersey, by recognizing five outstanding business leaders who make us proud in the Latino community. These are Samuel Delgado, Vice-President, Verizon; Betty M. Manetta, President and CEO, Argent Associates; Cid Wilson, Director of Equity Research, Kevin Dann & Partners LLC; Marino Roa, General Manager of La Fe Food Products; and Bob Medina, President and CEO, Medina Associates. .

They represent the more than 70,000 Latino-owned businesses in New Jersey, which generated over $9 billion dollars in revenue in 2006.

The convention will feature over one hundred and twenty exhibitors, including commercial entities, institutions of higher education, school districts, government agencies, non-profit community groups, arts and crafts artisans, and food vendors.
Admission is free and open to the general public.

This event is sponsored by The Latino Institute, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization. The institute’s mission is to serve as a bridge between the Latino community, and the educational, governmental, social and economic institutions of society.

For more information on the convention and business expo, and opportunities to exhibit, contact the Latino Institute at 973-481-2522, or via e-mail at ctorres346@optonline.net.

Additional information on the Latino Issues Convention and Business Exposition will be posted at www.latinoinstitute.us

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