3 minute read
COS Hispanic Chamber Leads Growing Sector of Business Community
NORTH LEADERSHIP PROFILES
Meet Mr. Joe Aldaz, President and CEO, Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber
The growing Latino population has dramatically changed the complexion of the United States and the State of Colorado. By 2050, population estimates predict that one in three Americans will be Latino. El Paso county is one of the five counties in Colorado with the highest Latino population growth from 2010-2014. In Colorado, more than 21% of the population is Latino, with an average age of 26, compared to 42 for non-Hispanic whites.
The need to support the work of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber (CSHC) and to commit to diversity and inclusion is ever more apparent, given that the Latino demographic represents the eighth largest economy in the world ($2.7 Trillion GDP), eclipsing the combined GDP of the European Union. Supporting the CSHC enables businesses and individuals to engage a constituency with purchasing power of $1.5 trillion dollars, comprising 17% of the American workforce.
Mr. Joe Aldaz, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Property of COS Hispanic Chamber
Over the next 20 years, Colorado’s Latino population will increase from its current share of 21% to 33%. The growing segment will characterize the demographic destiny of Colorado and the United States. In fact, Latinos will have an impact on all aspects of life, specifically in small business enterprises. As of 2017, there are more than 6,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in the Pikes Peak region; that number is projected to reach 9,000 by the end of this year.
As the fastest-growing segment of our population, the Latino community in the Pikes Peak region will bring more Hispanic-owned small business enterprises. By 2050, it is projected that the Latino population will reach 40% in El Paso County. With rapid growth comes great opportunity and potential challenges. It is incumbent upon our community to take the necessary steps now to assist small business enterprises with the necessary resources to succeed in the private sector through the work of the CSHC.
The Hispanic Chamber continues to gain relevance in El Paso County as Hispanic start-ups and entrepreneurs emerge. In order to support this growth, the CSHC has put in place seasoned executive leadership to advocate for Hispanic-owned small business enterprises in El Paso County. The credibility and influence of the CSHC’s leadership has enabled direct access to City of Colorado Springs leadership, as well as representation on the Colorado Springs Chamber Board of Directors since 2020.
As I work with our Board of Directors to lead the Hispanic community, we are committed without reservation to work tirelessly to champion the cause of the Hispanic Chamber, to steward its mission, and to strengthen and secure its future.
¡La Vida! Colorado Springs - A hallmark event for the Hispanic Chamber, Saturday, August 20, 2022 | 5:30pm
To learn more about the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber, or ¡La Vida! on August 20th, go to: https://www.cosconcilio.com/
Subscription to NORTH is always Free! Subscribe today and stay in the know! ColoradoMediaGroup.com/Subscribe
