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Published: March 08 2013

HOLLYWOOD, FL – Returning for a third year, the Entrepreneur Summit 2013 is a day-long learning and networking event which showcases the diverse array of businesses that contribute to South Florida's economy. This year's event will be held on Friday, April 12 at The Westin Diplomat
Resort & Spa in Hollywood from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Produced by Hispanic Unity of Florida, the Entrepreneur Summit will provide emerging entrepreneurs and established business owners with access to seasoned experts and educational resources to help their businesses grow. Last year's event was a resounding success and attended by more than 500 guests from throughout South Florida. This year's event is expected to draw capacity crowds.
"As more South Floridians venture out on their own with dreams of starting a new business the Entrepreneur Summit becomes even more relevant. It's also helpful for those in second stage expansions," said Josie Bacallao, President and CEO of Hispanic Unity of Florida. "It is encouraging to see the progress and dramatic results of these entrepreneurs."

Attendees are a mix of business-owners, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 companies, economic development specialists, government staffers, small business experts, procurement officers, educational institutions, media and corporate partners and others interested in entrepreneurship.

The event Keynote speaker is Keith Koenig, Founder and President of City Furniture, a retail furniture company of 24 showrooms in South Florida under two brands, City Furniture and Ashley Furniture HomeStores.

American Dreamers are individuals who will be recognized for their steadfast success, business acumen and community service. Honorees include:

· Mitchell Kaplan - Founder of Books & Books and Co-Founder of the Miami Book Fair International
· Maria Elena Ibañez – Founder and President of Intermark Foods / El Latino Brands, which focus on the Hispanic market in Florida and the East Coast
· John Ruffin, Jr. – Founder of J.D. Ruffin Associates, Inc. and civic and community leader involved with organizations such as NAACP, UNCF, Urban League of Broward County and many more
Stanley, Kenny & Jimmy Tate of Tate Capital, as well as founders of several national and international real estate development, general contracting, management, and finance companies
· Remedios Díaz-Oliver – Founder and President of All American Containers, Inc. and the only Florida woman to be a member of the Board of Directors of three Fortune 500 companies, simultaneously

"Our goal is to inform, connect and inspire new and emerging business owners while encouraging attendees to learn and network within a stimulating and engaging environment," said Bacallao. "We are all looking forward to another exciting event."

Pricing
Cost for the entire event, including workshops, networking, Keynote Speaker Lunch and the American Dreamer Awards Breakfast is $45 in advance, day-of registration costs $55.  For more information visit www.hufesummit.org or contact Wendy DeLucca at wdelucca@hispanicunity.org or 954-646-5403.

Entrepreneur Summit  2013 is made possible thanks to the committed support of our Sponsors:, Ana G. Méndez University System, Baptist Health South Florida; Comerica;  Coventry Health Care of Florida; JM Family Enterprises, Inc.  and Southeast Toyota Distributors; J.P. Morgan Chase; MasTec, Inc.; Montero Law Center; Nova Southeastern University; Soldani Group; State Farm; Wells Fargo; WSVN Channel 7 News and Zeno Office Solutions.

Media Partners: Ambit Advertising and Public Relations; Comcast; el Venezolano; Portada; Salud al Día; el Sentinel; Univision 23; enUSA and WSVN Channel 7 News.

Hispanic Unity was founded 31 years ago by community leaders to ease the acculturation transition for newcomers from other nations. Today this nonprofit provides assistance through 19 programs - in three languages - to Broward's diverse community.  Hispanic Unity remains the county's largest agency dedicated to the immigrant population, providing them with the tools they need to build a new life. In 2012, the agency served 20,000+ clients, from toddlers to adults. The agency offers assistance in eight  Broward County sites. Its mission is: Empowering Hispanics and other members of the community to become self-sufficient, civically engaged and lead productive lives.