IBM Shares Business Solutions & Strategies with USHCC Conference Participants.

ARMONK, N.Y. -- Managing and growing their businesses was a priority for thousands of participants in the 27th Annual United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) convention held recently in Philadelphia, and conference attendees found the perfect forum for learning and sharing strategies during the "Innovation, Productivity Through Technology" seminar, sponsored by IBM. Moderated by Marilyn Johnson, Vice President, IBM Market Development, the panel of speakers highlighted business solutions and technologies that can help Hispanic business owners become more efficient and productive.

IBM recently extended its sponsorship of the USHCC's national convention through 2008. At its booth at the Business Expo, the company showcased IBM Express Solutions for small to mid-sized businesses, while IBM Supplier Diversity representatives met with Hispanic business owners interested in doing business with IBM. Luis Cuneo (2nd left), Business Offering Manager, IBM Market Development and a member of the USHCC advisory board, and Raul Cosio (far right), Vice President, Services, Systems and Technology Group/IBM, are pictured here greeting USHCC President and CEO Michael L. Barrera (2nd right), David Lizarraga (center), a USHCC board member, and Margie Garza-Carlson, President of Alliance Technology Solutions, LLC and an IBM Business Partner.

IBM has identified small and medium businesses owned by Hispanics to be "strategic clients" that are key to the company's growth. The USHCC represents more than two million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, which earn more than $350 billion annually.