Negocios Now

14 August 2013 NegociosNow Viene de la página 12 porate staff. Without that certification, and without our being involved with that organization, I wouldn't have had the chance to run across Rona and have that meeting. So certification, in that sense, has been a huge factor. Q. Where do you see your company in five to ten years? A. We are going to continue to grow in the markets that we work in. Walgreens provided an opportunity for us to get into the retail industry. That sort of legitimized us in the retail market. After that, we were able to get a meeting with Macy's, and now we are doing a lot of work for Macy's. We are doing a large project now for Macy's on State Street in Chicago. We are also doing work in the food and beverage industry for Kraft Foods. We are doing work in the pharmaceutical industry for a couple of large pharmaceutical companies, and we are doing a lot of industrial work. My goal for five or ten years from now is to be working for the clients I am working for now, and additional clients similar to these. My goal is not to be the biggest company. Growing up in the construction industry, the expression that I learned was, "Volume is Vanity; and Profit is Prosperity." So we are trying to focus on strong accounts where we can make a fair profit and build on those relationships. Q. So the economy is not a problem right now? A. Well, we are trying to pick markets. Everything is affected by the economy. Healthcare is a market that we work in, and healthcare is a market that is not going away. We work in the food and beverage industry; people are always going to need to eat. We are trying to be diversified. We work in the pharmaceutical industry, and people are always going to need medicines. We try to be in markets that will be there through the highs and lows of the economy. Q. What is your advice for Hispanic businesses? A. I would tell them not to be afraid to pursue clients that they don't think they can get. Let me clarify that. Understand that there are opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses in the private sector. Don't be afraid to pursue clients, and be creative in the way you build your business. Look for additional resources so that when you approach those big clients you have something that is attractive to them and you can offer something that is an added value to their businesses. "Supplier Diversity is a business imperative for Walgreens and as we effectively partner with diverse-owned businesses, we are better positioned to present customers with the best experience and products aligned to our mission to help people get, stay and live well." Rona Fourté, CFE, Director, Supplier Diversity, Walgreen Co. As Mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago, it is my pleasure to welcome all of those gathered for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 34th Annual National Convention. ¡Bienvenidos! With our iconic skyline, incredible lakefront, and inviting neighborhoods, Chicago is one of the world's great cities and I hope that you have the opportunity to explore and take advantage of all of the exciting restaurants, nightlife, great universities and world-class museums that Chicago has to offer. On behalf of the people of Chicago, I hope you have a productive and enjoyable conference and submit my very best wishes for much continued success. Rahm Emanuel Mayor www.negociosnow.com

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