Thread: Latinos own 30% of new business in Waukegan

Latinos own 30 percent of new Waukegan businesses

By Ryan Pagelow Rpagelow@scn1.com

WAUKEGAN — More immigrants and their children are opening their own small businesses in Waukegan to get a piece of the American dream.

Last year in Waukegan, about 30 percent of the new businesses opened were Latino, said Larry Schutz, license administrator for the city who has kept track of the number of new business starts during the last few years.

"They're mostly small businesses — a few restaurants, gift shops and home businesses," he said.

Those operating out of their home include landscapers that use their residences as offices, and Internet and mail-order businesses.

So far, about 27 percent of the 139 business applying for new licenses with the city this year are Latino owned. Latinos are 45 percent of the Waukegan population according to the 2000 Census.

Mireya Gomez opened a small store in Waukegan two years ago which caters mostly to Hispanics by selling clothes and gifts for baptisms, communions, quinceaños and baby showers.

Originally from Ixtapan de la Sal, Mexico, she immigrated to Waukegan eight years ago and worked in a factory in Round Lake for four years.

Using her husband's experience of operating stores in Mexico, she opened the store to spend more time with her 6-year-old daughter who she can watch while at the store.

But she admits owning her own business means she has to work longer hours.

"You have to be here seven days a week all day," Gomez said. "There is a lot of competition."


09/04/06http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/top/5_1_WA04_LABOR_S20904.htm

Mireya Gomez opened a small store in Waukegan two years ago which caters mostly to Hispanics by selling clothes and gifts for baptisms, communions, quinceaños and baby showers.

Again.....catering to Hispanics

But she admits owning her own business means she has to work longer hours.

"You have to be here seven days a week all day," Gomez said. "There is a lot of competition."

What? Longer hours than a regular job? I thought that's how long they were forced to work as it is. All day long, 7 days a week. Just like alot of American citizens who are hardworking and need to care for their families.

This Ryan Pagelow has to be stopped. Did you read his other pro immigrant article today?##$$%^%%$. I'm going to post that too.

Illinois get with it!!!