Kansas City 'BizFest' to Teach Youth How to Launch a Business; To Feature Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Congressman Dennis Moore and Kansas City Mayor Carol Marinovich

Business Wire, June 3, 2004

Business Editors

KANSAS CITY, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 2004

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USHCC Foundation), in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Greater Kansas City, will host a Youth Entrepreneurship "BizFest" in Kansas City, Kansas to teach Latino youth how to turn their hobbies and skills into profit-making ventures. The "BizFest" will be held from June 9-12, 2004 at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City and is sponsored by the General Motors Corporation, Aquila, Sprint Corporation, Cable Dahmer Chevrolet, University of Missouri Kansas City, KCKS Community College, the Kauffman Foundation, the Hispanic Development Fund and U.S. Bank.

Kansas State Governor Kathleen Sebelius will address the "BizFest" students on Wednesday, June 9 at 2 p.m. Kansas City Mayor Carol Marinovich and U.S. Congressman Dennis Moore will provide remarks on Saturday, June 12 at 12:30 p.m.

Thirty students from the greater Kansas City school districts will be chosen to participate in the "BizFest." Participants will compete for cash prizes, long-term business support, and the opportunity to participate in the National "BizFest" Training and Competition at the USHCC 25th Annual National Convention & Business Expo this September in Austin, Texas.

"The 'BizFest' in Kansas City is a way to provide local Hispanic youth with an opportunity to become key players in the business world and GM Fairfax Assembly is excited to host and sponsor this year's event," said Raul Villarreal, area manager of the General Motors Corporation Fairfax Assembly Plant and chair of the Kansas City 'BizFest.' "GM supports diversity initiatives corporate-wide and recognizes how they strengthen the organization."

"BizFest" is the USHCC Foundation's signature youth entrepreneurship training camp. The intensive 3 1/2-day workshop will equip students with the tools to be successful in business and in life. Participants will learn not only how to launch their own business, but also how to establish entrepreneurial and leadership goals, create plans for business and life, become effective leaders and team players, identify investment opportunities and make public presentations. During the "BizFest," local Kansas City-area students will have the opportunity to tour the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant, one of the largest and most progressive state-of-the-art automotive plants in the country.

"BizFest is an invaluable opportunity for aspiring professionals to convert their dreams of owning a business into a reality--and to network with successful business leaders at the same time," said Frank Lopez, USHCC Foundation President. "The Kansas City event is unique because it gives the students a chance to interact in a corporate setting, versus only a classroom."

The Kansas City "BizFest" is one of several regional "BizFests" held throughout the country. Major components of "BizFest" include sales training, where students learn about the sales cycle, and a curriculum called "Foundation for Success," which focuses on five core life skills: attitude, discipline, sense of urgency, level of commitment and education/knowledge.

About USHCC Foundation

The USHCC Foundation is committed to the purpose of giving Latino youth alternatives for life preparation and life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture the entrepreneurship spirit. The Foundation will leverage corporate and public support to ensure that Latino youth gain access and achieve success in the world of business. More information about the USHCC Foundation and the USHCC is available at www.ushccfoundation.org.

About GM Fairfax Assembly

General Motors Fairfax Assembly is the exclusive manufacturer of the Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx. There are approximately 3,000 employees at the facility. PLANT NOTICE: PLAN TO ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY TO WATCH A SAFETY VIDEO. CLOSED TOE/CLOSED HEEL SHOES ARE REQUIRED. RECOMMENDED NO HIGH-HEELS OR SKIRTS FOR WOMEN.