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CONTACT: Yohana de la Torre
(239) 896-4695
ytorre@thelatinocoalition.com
                                                                            

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Latino Coalition (TLC), one of the largest membership and advocacy organizations for Latino-owned small businesses, announced today a partnership with the Direct Selling Association (DSA), national trade association. DSA represents companies that market products and services directly to consumers through an independent, entrepreneurial sales force and is committed to raise awareness around the contributions of Hispanic-Americans to direct selling.

“Hispanic-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment of the small-business community, and the purchasing power of this community will soon surpass $1.3 trillion in the United States,” said Hector Barreto, TLC’s Chairman and Former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  “The Latino Coalition looks forward to partnering with DSA— jointly we will work together to provide access to economic development and entrepreneurial opportunities for the Latino community”

“More than one-fifth of the 18.2 million Americans involved in direct selling in every state, Congressional district and community in the United States are Hispanic,” said Joseph N. Mariano, President of the Direct Selling Association. “We are pleased to join forces with an organization that like direct sellers is committed to empowerment and opportunity.”

The Latino Coalition-Direct Selling Association partnership will provide a strong relationship between two entities committed to empower and equip entrepreneurs with information and resources needed to succeed.  DSA will co-host two small business summits this year- one in Washington D.C. and one in Los Angeles, CA.

“We’re excited to welcome DSA to our coalition, because direct selling offers upward mobility to millions of Hispanic Americans.  As all small business owners, Latino entrepreneurs value hard work and independence.  The formation of this partnership will significantly benefit small businesses and strengthen them in the long run,” said Allen Gutierrez, National Executive Director of The Latino Coalition.

 ABOUT THE LATINO COALITION

The Latino Coalition (TLC) was founded in 1995 by a group of Hispanic business owners from across the country to research and develop policies solutions relevant to Latinos.  TLC is a non-profit nationwide organization with offices in California, Washington, DC and Guadalajara, Mexico.  Established to address and engage on key issues that that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States, TLC’s agenda is to create and promote initiatives and partnerships that will foster economic equivalency and enhance and empower overall business, economic and social development for Latinos.  Visit www.thelatinocoalition.com.

 ABOUT THE DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION

The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is the national trade association for companies that offer entrepreneurial opportunities to independent sellers to market and sell products and services, typically outside of a fixed retail establishment. More than 18 million Americans are involved in direct selling in every state, congressional district and community in the United States. In 2014, direct selling generated more than $34 billion in retail sales. For more information, visit www.dsa.org.

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