News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

March 26, 2002

HARMAN MEETS WITH SOUTH BAY LATINO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO DISCUSS LOCAL BUSINESS CONCERNS

-- Helps Recruitment Effort and Welcomes San Pedro Fish Market as SBLCC's Newest Member--

SAN PEDRO - Congresswoman Harman today attended a lunch meeting of the South Bay Latino Chamber of Commerce (SBLCC) to discuss the concerns of local area Latino business leaders, and to help the group recruit new members.

"In the months since the attacks of 9/11, our nation has learned that our national security and our economic security go hand in hand," said Harman. "We cannot have one without the other," she added.

"While our troops fight bravely thousands of miles away to secure America's homeland, it is the hard work of small business owners, such as the members of the South Bay Latino Chamber of Commerce, that ensures our nation's economic security and prosperity. Latino owned businesses are one of the fastest growing and most crucial segments of our economy, and we must help them grow."

The lunch, held at the San Pedro Fish Market - SBLCC's newest member - was also attended by dozens of potential SBLCC members who came to learn about the Chamber and to meet Congresswoman Harman.

The South Bay Latino Chamber of Commerce is headed by Candy Saenz and was founded two years ago, in large part due to the efforts of founding Board Member and Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

Membership is growing quickly, and SBLCC already represents over 70 area Latino businesses as members. In addition to providing a forum for local Latino leaders to share and discuss their common concerns, the SBLCC also helps small business members with loan applications and is implementing a scholarship program for local business students.

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