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LULAC Brings National Convention to Little Rock

Arkansas’ State Capital the setting for 76th Annual National Convention & Exposition

Little Rock, AR--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--June 27, 2005--Today the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States, kicked-off its 76th Annual National Convention and Exposition in Little Rock, AR. The week-long event is expected to draw 10,000 participants who will attend informative workshops and seminars, engage leading Hispanic experts, enjoy top-notch entertainment, and learn about new opportunities through the LULAC Exposition which features a career, college and health fair and more than 400 companies, government agencies and non-profits highlighting their programs and services.

LULAC officials selected Little Rock as the convention site to reinforce this year’s message, “Emerging Latino Communities: Strengthening America.� “Little Rock is one of the fastest growing Latino communities in the United States and is contributing to the new face of America,� said LULAC National President Hector Flores. “There are 40 million Latinos in the U.S. and we hope this year’s convention will shine a light on emerging Latino communities and the unique contributions they offer,� Flores added.

Speakers will address pressing Hispanic issues including education, women’s health, youth, employment, immigration, civil rights and political empowerment. A separate series of workshops are targeted to middle school, high school and college students. One of this year’s evening celebrations will be held in the newly-opened Clinton Presidential Center. “We are honored that our city was selected,� said Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey. “This convention will have a strong economic impact to our local business and give an opportunity for us to leave a lasting impression with the nation,� added North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays.

The convention kicks off with the opening of the LULAC Federal Training Institute. This two-day event is an intensive training program for government and public sector employees with a focus on enhancing career development, strengthening employee relations and promoting diversity in the workforce. This forum and workshops serve as an opportunity to discuss the status of the federal government’s Hispanic Employment Initiative and the under-representation of Hispanics in federal employment.

Participating in the three-day Expo are over 500 corporations, government agencies, employers, colleges, and non-profit organizations. Opening on Wednesday, June 29, the LULAC Exposition features a corporate plaza, a job fair, a government plaza, an armed forces plaza, a health fair, and a college fair. Admission is free and open to the public.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.