Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month each year from September 15 – October 15. Initially proclaimed in the late 1960s by President Lyndon Johnson and then expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, this is a time to celebrate the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the culture, history, and achievements of the United States.

September 15^th was picked because it is the independence date of five Hispanic countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Three other countries, Mexico, Chile & Belize, also celebrate their independence days in mid-September.

Now more than ever, we have an increasing role to play in building the American Dream.  The 2020 United States Census shows that Hispanics and Latinos are 18.7% of the U.S. population and 13.4% of Oregon’s population.

So how can Oregon’s Hispanic owned businesses celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in a meaningful way?

We can build up our families, support and cultivate the development of our co-workers and employees, and get involved with local causes that positively impact our communities.

The 2020 US Census revealed that 5.6% of businesses in the United States are Hispanic or Latino-owned and the top three industries we are represented in are construction; accommodation and food services; and professional, science and technical services.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month here are a few practical ideas your company could pursue this year:

• Encourage business minded Hispanic Oregonians to run for public office
• Support worthy charities in our communities
• Serve in an industry trade association leadership role that needs Hispanic representation
• Connect with a local university, community college, or trade school to recruit qualified job candidates
• Network through the local chamber of commerce
• Cultivate a work culture that values families
• Support employees who are active in their faith community

Hispanic owned businesses play an important role in Oregon and Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on our past achievements and to plan a road map for new ones.