In the US, Hispanic businesses generated more than $345.2 billion in sales according to the latest latest Census stats. In Maryland, Hispanic-owned firms represent 5% of all business in the state and sales of $3.6 billion. They are definitely one of the most dynamic and growing segments of the entire small business community.

This Thursday's guests on Biz Talk With Josh Smith know all about Maryland Hispanic businesses, since they are the top executives in Maryland's Hispanic Business Conference (MDHBC) - the premier Hispanic Business event in the entire Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. Please join host Josh Smith as he and his guests, Mr. Bill Villaneuva, founder of the MDHBC and Ms. Maria Rodriguez, Executive Director of the organization, discuss their upcoming event and the impact of Hispanic-owned businesses on the economy.

Bill Villanueva is known throughout Maryland not only as the founder of the Maryland Hispanic Business Conference, but also as a strong advocate for the Latino/Minority Business Community. He is the founder and former Board President of the non-profit organization, Centro De La Communidad (the Latino Center of Baltimore), which provides a full range of supportive services involving: healthcare, housing, employment, education and legal assistance. He is also a founding member of the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and served as President & CEO of his own small business, M&W Medical Equipment, from 1990 to 2003.  In addition to serving as Executive Director of the MDHBC, Maria Rodriguez is owner of MPR Translation Services.

On Tuesday, September 4, 2012, the 11th Annual MDHBC will take place at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Rockville, MD. Joshua Smith will provide a keynote address on that date.