The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host its 2022 The State of Hispanics – Data Summit at the Intercontinental Houston Medical Center. The program will feature a day filled with discussions on Houston’s Economic Outlook, and the hard data and true impact of Hispanics across the region, state, and country. Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will dialogue with speakers to include Jesse Thompson, Senior Business Economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and Dr. Jim Granato, Dean and Professor at the Hobby School of Public Affairs, University of Houston.

According to Dr. Jim Granato, Hispanic Texans play a key role in driving population growth, meeting workforce needs of the state, contributing with taxes and spending, and holding substantial voting power. Houston contributes in large part; Hispanics are 36.1% of the Houston labor force and 16% of Hispanic earnings went to Federal taxes, 9% to state and local taxes and 76% to other spending. The Hispanic population has increased26.9% in the last 10 years.

The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has continued its advocacy and leadership on the issues most pertinent to the Hispanic business community. Highlighting key data points, the Chamber will discuss the ongoing impact that the Hispanic community is having on the Greater Houston region. “Hispanics in the region represent one of the fastest-growing – and most impactful – demographic groups in the region”, said Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Dr. Laura Murillo. “Whether it is comprising more than 40% of Houston’s population, representing more than $54 billion in annual spending power, or powering 38% of the region’s small businesses, this much is clear – Hispanics are having a significant impact on our region, our businesses, and our economy.”

The 2022 State of Hispanics – Data Summit which is underwritten by AARP and PNC, will impact large business, community leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs.

“With more than 400,000 members in Harris County, AARP in Houston works tirelessly to empower people to choose how they live as they age. Our business community is a vital component of this mission," said Rosalinda Martinez, Associate State Director of Outreach & Advocacy with AARP Texas.

“PNC’s Main Street Banking model is focused on our community’s prosperity in the Houston area, and that extends especially to the significant Hispanic population that calls this vibrant area home,” said Julie Young Sudduth, PNC Regional President for Houston. “Our partnership with the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce reflects our aligned efforts to help advocate for the Hispanic business community and continue to build a strong future for it. It is our honor and privilege to be an impactful contributor to this summit.”

“Despite the meteoric demographic and economic growth of our community in recent years, there is still so much need in terms of the equitable distribution of resources, access to capital, and representation across all legislative bodies, corporations, and boards”, said Dr. Laura Murillo.