July 27, 2006 -- David Hernandez is an example of the entrepreneurial spirit in so many Hispanics in Texas. He was one of thousands who became a victim in the Enron scandal. Instead of a dark time in his life, it was a moment of opportunity.

David Hernandez, the CEO of Liberty Power said, "I was laid off from Enron, and we started with the idea that we could bring to small businesses the same level of service that large businesses receive."

His business, Liberty Power, sells electricity to small businesses and creates competitive prices in the $300 billion power industry. He hopes to talk about the success of his business and many other Hispanic-run businesses at this year's TAMACC

Hernandez said, "It's an annual celebration, bringing together Hispanic businesses, to celebrate our cultures, our history, and the entrepreneurial spirit, of Hispanic owned businesses. Just coming together as a group, and discussing, having a dialogue about what are the things that need to happen in the future, to continue empowering Hispanic businesses."

An important thing to do with Hispanic run businesses growing at an unbelievable rate.

Hernandez said, "Last year, Hispanics as a population, grew at a rate, gross domestic product, of Hispanics, grew at 11 percent, which is slightly higher then that of China, which is considered one of the fast growth economies throughout the world."

According to Hernandez, the goal of this year's convention is to look towards expand beyond the traditional businesses hispanics have started in the past, much like he has with liberty power.

David Hernandez, CEO, Liberty Power: "As our generation becomes more educated, and as we continue growing professionally, there are other sectors, entrepreneurial sectors, that as Hispanics we will be taking on, energy is just one of those sectors."

The convention is expected to bring in $825,000 for the city of El Paso.

TAMACC's 31st Annual Convention and Business Expo will be held at the El Paso Convention Center and the Camino Real Hotel, July 26-29.

For more information on TAMACC, log on to tamacc.org or call the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 915-566-4066.