Hispanic Business Council Celebrates Growth, Culture

Information by State  Print version   Shreveport/Bossier City is seeing a growing number of Hispanic-owned businesses Greater Shreveport Chamber Manager of Minority, Women and Small Business Development, Booker White, with Shreveport Mayor's Office representative Liz Swaine, and Hispanic Business Council vice presidents Jessica Olvera and Theresa Davis

The Hispanic population in the Shreveport-Bossier City area is just under 2% according to the 2000 census, while only 30 miles away in Marshall, Texas, Hispanics comprise almost 9% of the population. Although the Hispanic population in northwest Louisiana seems small, it is steadily growing. The 2000 census figures for the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA reflect a growth of 64% from 1990 to 2000.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Shreveport reports increasing numbers of Hispanic members over the last 12 years, and increased demand for Spanish speaking services and bilingual classes. Spanish speaking masses are now offered every day of the week in different locations.

Also emerging is a growing number of Hispanic-owned businesses. About a year ago, a group of Hispanic business leaders approached the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and expressed the desire for an initiative to focus on and support Hispanic owned businesses in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Through their persistence and dedication, the Hispanic Business Council, an affiliate of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce was born. Its mission is to promote economic development, professional growth and networking opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses in northwest Louisiana. They meet each month at the Greater Shreveport Chamber, with the ongoing support of Booker White, the Chamber's manager for Minority, Women and Small Business Development.

In less than a year, the Hispanic Business Council has engaged over 30 Hispanic business owners, and with the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month event Tuesday, September 16th. Attended by almost 100 local Hispanic business owners, corporate sponsors, economic development officials and other supporters, "Diez y Seis de Septiembre" commemorated the 16th of September, the anniversary of Mexican Independence and a celebration of Hispanic culture. The first such annual celebration sponsored by the Hispanic Business Council, the event included Hispanic food, music and decorations, and the announcement of the establishment of a Hispanic Business Council scholarship for two deserving high school students from the Hispanic community that will be awarded in the spring.

This vibrant and growing group of citizens is adding zest, diversity and strength to the Northwest Louisiana business community, with a wide range of businesses, cultural and educational activities enriching the lives of all Northwest Louisiana residents.
"Trabajo bueno, nuestros amigos!"