WASHINGTON, May 2, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) commends President Barack Obama for nominating Penny Pritzker as the next Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce. The nomination comes after several months of vacancy for the role.
"As one of our country's premier business leaders, Ms. Pritzker possesses unique qualifications to serve as the next Commerce Secretary," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "She has shown her capacity to lead some of the nation's largest companies, but she has also prioritized small businesses and community development. She has worked tirelessly throughout her career to ensure that small businesses have the opportunities they need to expand into the leading enterprises of the future."
Pritzker has founded several successful business ventures – including PSP Capital Partners, Artemis Real Estate Partners, Vi and The Parking Spot. She volunteers on President Obama's Council for Jobs and Competitiveness. She has also served as a board member of Hyatt Hotel Corporation, Transunion, and the Council on Foreign Relations, among many others.
Additionally, Pritzker volunteers as Advisory Board Chairman of Skills for America's Future, a national initiative aimed at developing a 21st century workforce. In 2012, she helped launch Skills for Chicagoland's Future, the first city model of SAF. She's past chair of the Chicago Public Education Fund, the first venture philanthropy to raise private equity to invest in public schools. Pritzker also serves on the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago.
"The nomination of Penny Pritzker is a signal to entrepreneurs across the country, who are the true engine of job creation, that President Obama will prioritize the promotion of business growth throughout his second term," added Palomarez. "Based on her proven track record as a business and civic leader, the USHCC urges a swift Senate confirmation of Penny Pritzker as the next Secretary of Commerce."
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of over 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States that contribute in excess of $465 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Follow us on Twitter @USHCC.