Have you ever watched a small child enter a new social situation?

Perhaps it’s a playgroup or a local park. Depending on the child, she will likely take a while to play on the perimeter and observe the others, before picking someone to play beside.

Eventually, the child will interact with the strangers, finding some point of common interest -- the same yellow shovel, a cute flower on both their dresses. She doesn’t mind if they’re boys or girls, black or white. She doesn’t ask about religion or politics. She just finds something in common and makes a new friend.

It’s remarkable, really. And according to research on the science of networking, it’s something that adults should be emulating.

The sad truth is that people instinctively gravitate toward people like themselves. This is the easiest way to form associations -- we know that people like us will share the same norms. And if they broadly share our opinions about the world, we won’t have to deal with too much conflict. Sounds great, right? READ MORE

With fully 67 percent of Internet users on social networks, social media is an established mainstream activity. But while 67 percent of the online population uses Facebook, the demographic portrait of the smaller services varies greatly, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center that shows its first comparisons of usage by whites, blacks and Hispanics. Twitter is especially popular with people 18-29 and blacks, while Instagram is particularly appealing to Hispanics, blacks and women. READ MORE

While Minnesota has much to be proud of when it comes to being a great place to work and live, reports in recent years have revealed the state is one of the worst in the nation for employing and educating people of color.

Minnesota’s gap between white and black employment is one of the largest in the United States. In Minneapolis, people of color make up 40 percent of the population but hold only 17 percent of the jobs, according to the Minneapolis Foundation. The racial gap in workforce participation is nearly 40 percentage points between the highest (whites, 78 percent) and the lowest (American Indian, 39 percent). And children of color are finishing high school at a rate that is 25 percent to 50 percent below the graduation rate of white children, according to figures provided by Minneapolis Public Schools. READ MORE

Based on a recent survey, Hispanic Mobile Banking Trends Study, by Zpryme and ThinkNow Research, nearly seven out of ten (69%) Hispanic mobile bank users consult their smart/cell phones to do mobile banking, with almost half (44%) visiting their primary bank’s Facebook page. More poignantly practically one-third (30%) said they would switch primary banks to get mobile banking services.

“With seven out of ten Hispanic mobile bank users deferring to smartphones to bank mobile and almost one-third swapping banks that are ‘mobile friendly’, banks that incorporate social networking to address banking issues will lead to greater customer loyalty and extol the mobile banking features that are available,” said Jason Rodriguez, CEO and Director of Research for Zpryme. “It is not enough just to translate pixels of the mobile experience into Spanish, financial institutions such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo are shining examples of listening to the voice of Hispanics via social media; translating a tweet, a like, a comment into real-world results.” READ MORE

Por favor, preste atención: Telemundo Media, the largest producer of Spanish Language prime time content in the U.S. and audiences around the world; and Fandango, the nation's leading moviegoer destination representing more than 70% of U.S. screens online, today launched Fandango Cine, www.fandangocine.com the most comprehensive web and mobile movie site specifically geared toward Hispanic movie fans. Fandango Cine’s launch partners are Universal Pictures’ “Fast & Furious 6” and Sprint.

Fandango Cine will be integrated into www.telemundo.com, mun2.tv and www.fandango.com, and will offer movie-related content in Spanish, as well as provide Fandango’s comprehensive movie show times, unparalleled ticketing expertise and access to over 20,000 screens across the country. READ MORE

Credit unions from the West Coast to the South and the Midwest are waking up to the fact that reaching out to potential Hispanic members is an important part insuring a growth for the industry.

According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, there are roughly 52.0 million Hispanics living in the United States, representing approximately 16.7% of the total population, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority. The U.S. Hispanic population is estimated to reach 132.8 million by 2050. READ MORE

It was Social Media Week in Miami and I had the honor to be part of the LATISM panel "The Evolution of Hispanic Social Media" with Fernando Rodríguez and Cristina Rua from the Ford Motor team and Juan Rótulo, digital editor of PeopleenEspañol.com.
I was asked by many fellow tweeps to share some of the discussions. The panel was too intense (and extensive), making it hard to capture all the insights. I'd rather focus on sharing some of the content I presented. Hopefully, the other participants can do the same in the coming days.
The Cultural Connection
Social media is allowing people to (re)connect with their Latino tribe. Either by leveraging their social spirit or identity construction. Social media is fueling Latinos to connect to their Latino culture, even for those that - formerly - didn't feel the need to. Shared social causes and interests are making diverse and divergent Latino groups come together.
Mainstream interests and Latino passions. Latinos are cultural chameleons, and social media is the perfect playground for them to show their colors. Depending on the topic, their colors might be more Latino (the way they socialize) or American (at work). But in many cases they show a bicultural behavior where they combine both. Entertainment is a perfect example. Take the Xfinity Latino Facebook page. It provides a comprehensive take on entertainment, both mainstream and Latino. But it provides a take on Latino entertainment that you can't find on the general market page, making it for everyone who's passionate about Latino entertainment (not just Latinos). READ MORE

Young adults in Generation X are as likely to connect with friends, family and co-workers online as they are in person, according to a University of Michigan study.

In a typical month, adults in their late 30s report that they engaged in about 75 face-to-face contacts or conversations, compared to about 74 electronic contracts through personal emails or social media.

"Given the speed of emerging technologies, it is likely that electronic contacts will continue to grow in the years ahead, eventually exceeding face-to-face interactions," said Jon D. Miller, author of the latest issue of The Generation X Report. "But the young adults in Generation X are currently maintaining a healthy balance between personal and electronic social networking."

Miller directs the Longitudinal Study of American Youth at the U-M Institute for Social Research. The study has been funded by the National Science Foundation since 1986, and the current report includes responses from 3,027 Gen Xers interviewed in 2011. READ MORE

Did you know that even with a spotless résumé, you can still end up at the bottom of the candidate pool? There’s a group ahead of you, a group that’s gone the extra step in their search. Who am I talking about? The networkers.

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is more than a poignant cliché, especially in today’s market. A good number of the people interviewing for the job you know you’re qualified for found a way to “warm up” their application. And if they don’t land this job, there will be other interviews because they already have people selling for them—if even just a few words. It could be as simple as “This person has been active on our Facebook page,” or “I’ve engaged with this person on Facebook/Twitter. Their application is worth taking a looking at.” READ MORE

"A lot of business comes through networking groups," runs the received wisdom. But are the standard versions the best choice for your business? A number of niche networks are starting to emerge – is it worth picking the right one and sticking with that instead?

Steve Bustin, a journalist, trainer and PR man from Vada Media in Brighton, thinks it may be. He began his PR operation at a branch of a large, established networking group when he lived in Shoreditch, but found his local version since moving to Sussex operated on a smaller scale. "This was 2002 and Shoreditch was just becoming the creative hub that it is today," he says. "The chapter emerged out of the fringes, so you had partners in major City firms and you had freelancers like me." This effectively kickstarted his business when he first went freelance. On moving he found the local group operated on a different scale. His business had thrived with the budgets people in the London group had at their disposal; the level of referral in the Sussex group was more along the lines of people buying flowers from a member florist rather than elsewhere. There were slim pickings for anyone wanting longer term, substantial contracts. He was simply in the wrong place. READ MORE

A report published in January by the state of California projects that Hispanics will become the state's largest demographic group early next year and will represent nearly half of all residents by 2060.

Most of the growth among Hispanics has been in Southern California and the Central Valley, while Asians now make up one in four residents in many counties in the Bay Area. The northern part of the state, which is the least populous area, has remained predominantly white. READ MORE

By Gabriela Fernandez

Travel journalist and web content writer
at International TEFL Academy

Members of HispanicPro were present at the 31st National Conference of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), called: “2013 National Conference: Empowering the E-Generation”. The event took place at Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, from February 14th until the 17th.

“The USHLI Conference mission is to train a broad cross section of Hispanic leaders by promoting education, unity, leadership development, and servant leadership. It has been held in Chicago for the last 30 years. The conference attracts leaders from over 40 states and 1,000 affiliated groups and organizations to celebrate our heritage and further empower our communities and is the largest cross-generational Hispanic conference in the nation, attracting high school and college students, young and mid-career professionals, senior citizens, and public officials representing all levels of government. This is an extraordinary opportunity for vendors to meet consumers, universities to recruit students, constituents to meet national policy-makers, and for employers to meet future employees, while also providing sponsors an opportunity to contribute to the development of these nation´s present and future leaders and connect with a broad cross section of America´s $1.3 trillion Hispanic consumer market.” (http://ushli.org/events/index.php)
Leadership Awards Dinner, Friday 15th 2013

The Awards dinner held some of the most inspirational speeches from featured Hispanic leaders of 2013 to promote other Hispanic members to follow their dreams and be “Leaders of future generations”. This time, Dr. Juan Andrade President of USHLI welcomed the guests and opened the meeting.

The Assembly stood out for the speeches of their special guests: Richard P. Montañez, Executive, Multicultural Sales & Community Activation, PepsiCo North America. Mr. Montañez thrilled the audience. He highlighted his career at Pepsi Co, to symbolize that even coming from nothing, it’s possible to build your future, especially when you have the strength of mind and you appreciate yourself. He called for young generations to follow their dreams and believe that everything is possible. He said that there are different powers of action which will help us achieve our goals and become leaders. "A good leader has vision, as well as an understanding of strategy, the use of power and drive, while an inspirational leader goes beyond all this and achieves more."

In the Presentation of Honorees, other Hispanic leaders were honored in recognition of their distinguished careers and achievements:

David Diaz, Assistant Area Director, recipient of the “William C. Velasquez Volunteer of the Year Award”.

Juan Cartagena, President & General Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, who received the “Cesar Chavez Community Service Award”

Dr. Jaime Regalado, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, CSU/LA. Mr. Regalado was honored with the “Dr. Henry L. (Hank) Lacayo Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Dolores C. Huerta, matriarch of the Latino movement for civil rights, who was awarded the “Dolores C. Huerta Woman of Courage Inaugural Medallion”.

Undoubtedly, this was a conference to remember, to feel proud about who we are, and also an invitation to reflect on what are we able to achieve if we follow our dreams.

The Chicago Auto Show will be held Feb. 9-18 at McCormick Place, Lake Shore Drive at 23rd St. In addition to serving as an official weekday discount ticket repository, Fifth Third will host an interactive display where the public can enjoy racing simulators, see the bank's #17 NASCAR Ford Fusion, and talk to bankers about all things related to auto financing.

"We are delighted to join forces with this wonderful organization and enjoy the opportunity of meeting the tens of thousands of visitors that the show will draw daily," said Robert A. Sullivan, President & CEO of Fifth Third Bank (Chicago). To find a nearby banking center, visit the branch locator at www.53.com.

The Chicago Auto Show, the largest of its kind open to the public, spans more than 1 million square feet of contiguous one-floor space. Nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display, including hundreds of interactive, aftermarket, accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, antique and collector cars.

"We're thrilled to embark on what we hope is the start of a long-term partnership with Fifth Third Bank," said Michael Ettleson, Chicago Auto Show chairman. "The Chicago Auto Show is constantly striving to bring value to our attendees, and now, show-goers will be able to approach Fifth Third representatives on-site with their financing questions."

General admission to the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is $12for adults (ages 13 - 61), $6for children (ages 7 - 12) and $6for senior citizens (ages 62 and up). Any child 6 years or younger may enter the show free of charge when they accompany a paying adult.  Advanced ticket sales are available online at www.drivechicago.com.

The unemployment rate for the nation’s largest minority group rose to 9.7 percent in January from 9.6 percent in December, according to a labor report released Friday.

The Latino numbers mirrored those of the general population, which saw a rise in unemployment from 7.8 percent to 7.9 percent in December. The rate is calculated from a survey of households, and more people in that survey said they were unemployed.

But the U.S. job market showed recovery in the last month, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicating that employers added 157,000 jobs in January, and hiring was much stronger at the end of last year than the government had previously estimated. READ MORE

As he prepares to announce a new wave of Cabinet and other senior posts, President Barack Obama is aiming to put a more diverse face on his administration – an image that was missing as he filled the first round of vacancies of his second term with a parade of white men.

Obama is said to be looking at women, Latinos and openly gay candidates for top slots at the departments of Commerce, Labor and Interior, and for his own White House budget office.

The leading candidate for nomination to be secretary of commerce is Penny Pritzker, a long-time Obama ally and big-money fundraiser from Chicago, according to people familiar with the White House selection process. The top candidate to lead the White House Office of Management and Budget is Sylvia Mathews Burwell, who was a former budget, White House and treasury official in the Clinton administration and is now the president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. READ MORE

This year an estimated 1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 580,000 will die from it.
However, there is an even more alarming statistic.
Among Hispanics, cancer has now overtaken heart disease as the leading killer. This also includes a rise among kids with cancer.
“The number is rising and it is not going away, well as we are the Rio Grande Valley is primarily Hispanic and unfortunately we have continued to see the level of childhood cancer in Hispanics rise,” says Victoria Guerra of the Vannie E. Cook JR. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic in McAllen, Texas. READ MORE

It is with great sadness that the NAHP Board of Directors shares news of the loss of a dear colleague and friend, NAHP President Ezequiel "Zeke" Montes. Mr. Montes passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2013, from complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife and business partner of more than 40 years, Rosalinda; children, Patricia, Christine, Edward, and Esteban, and many grandchildren. The NAHP family offers our sincerest condolences and prayers for the family in this difficult time.

Montes was the CEO and President of Tele Guia Inc., the holding company for three successful Spanish language publications in the greater Chicago Area: Tele Guia de Chicago, El Imparcial Newspaper, and Guia Telefonica. Started in 1985, with a Spanish language TV Guide and entertainment magazine the business grew to nine magazines covering a five-county area. In 1999, he acquired his second publication, El Imparcial, a Cicero and Berwyn based Spanish language newspaper to ensure that the Hispanic community was and continues to be well-informed about their schools and government. In 2006, Montes launched Guia Telefonica, a Spanish language yellow page directory.

Mr. Montes made it a priority in his personal and professional life to help the Latino community, organizing the Latino Book and Family Festival to promote literacy and education to the approximately 25,000 annual attendees. He also served on the Board of Directors for organizations such as the Norwegian American Hospital, the Cicero Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, the National Hispanic Media Council, and the National Hispanic Leadership Council. He also previously chaired the Outreach Committee for the American Cancer Society of Illinois, served on a Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee for Morton College, and served as a District Chair for the Chippewa District of the Boy Scouts.

Mr. Montes also had a long and storied leadership role with the National Association of Hispanic Publications, serving as National Board President from 1986-1989, 1999-2003, and finally from 2011-Present, having been elected President by his peers in six different elections. Montes also served in various leadership roles for the organization in between his terms as President. He also served on the Board of Directors for the NAHP partner organization, the National Hispanic Press Foundation. Mr. Montes just helped NAHP celebrate 30 Years of Excellence in Hispanic Print, and in his words at the 2012 NAHP Annual Convention and Business Expo,: "We are a family of publishers that believe in the principles of journalism, business opportunity and giving back to the community." He will be missed greatly by his publishing family across the country.

There has been an outpouring of condolences and fond memories for Mr. Montes, particularly from NAHP members.

Clara Padilla Andrews, Immediate Past President of NAHP, said, "I am very sad to hear about the death of our NAHP President, Zeke Montes. I will miss his smile, energy and his commitment to the Hispanic media industry, may he rest in Peace. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Rose, his children Christine, Edward, and Esteban and grandchildren."

NAHP Board Secretary, Norma Condreay said, "Admiraba mucho a Zeke, por su forma de ser, alegre, caballero, y con mucho tino para recibir y sobrepasar las adversidades. Mr. Montes, fue un luchador constante de que se brinde oportunidades a nuestros jóvenes para que nuestra industria continúe y sea cada vez más fuerte. Uno de los comentarios que me hizo Zeke, fue: "Norma, este año es mi ultimo año como presidente de la NAHP y mis deseos es dejar la Asociación con un gran futuro", "es tiempo de que los mas jóvenes continúen con esta labor, pero siempre seguiré apoyando a la Asociación". Admiraba mucho a mi amigos, Zeke y Rose, porque hacían una linda pareja y siempre en los eventos que logramos compartir mi esposo y Yo los admirábamos, porque aun teniendo tantos años de casados, ambos pero sobre todo Zeke demostraba lo mucho que se querían. Recordare siempre a mi amigo Zeke como un gran líder, una persona muy alegre, caballero y luchador por el éxito de nuestra industria.
Hemos perdido un gran Líder!, un gran amigo!"

And NAHP Founder Kirk Whisler said, "While others have devoted meaningful time to the NAHP and the development of Hispanic Print - Zeke devoted his life. Over the years Zeke and I traveled together to over 50 cities around the USA and Mexico to talk about the many benefits and qualities of Hispanic Print. Zeke always provided the emotions and honesty that came from his years as a publisher. He wanted the tide to raise ALL the boats, was never happy if only a few were going to succeed. Zeke was truly a WE person, not a ME person."

When information on services or how to send condolences to the family of Zeke Montes becomes available, the NAHP office will share it. Please contact the NAHP Office at ed@nahp.org to receive the information.

The best thing about Super Bowl isn't the game, it's the commercials! This Sunday, advertisers will spend an estimated $3.7 million for a 30-second Super Bowl XLVII commercial. That's $123,000 per second! Here are some of our favorite spots featuring Latinos. READ MORE

Marketers for the Tecate and Tecate Light brands have worked hard to stay in touch with their target audience—the U.S. Hispanic consumer—through a successful sports marketing program that ties to major sporting events, like its long-term sponsorship of boxing, its 12-year deal with a local California racing event and the upcoming Big Game on Feb. 3. For weeks around the events it runs national retail and off-premise events and promotions. This year’s annual program is underway through Feb. 15 with the slogan, “A Man Knows How to Choose His Team.” It plays to the core message that choosing Teacte celebrates the Hispanic man’s boldness and “cáracter” and provides chances to win tailgating products, discounts and ... of course beer.

The multi-touch promotion includes mail-in and instant rebates for savings on salty snacks and other products, a text-in sweepstakes offering branded tailgating chairs and rolling coolers, an in-store coupon booklet and plenty of in-bar fun. Felix Palau, vice president of marketing for Tecate, opens up about this year’s plans. READ MORE

Google, Twitter, NCLR, Fox News latino, Huffington Post, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Latina Magazine, USHCC, Youtube, NBC, Telemundo, Univision, Latin, jobs, Voxxi, Hispanicize, Latism, NSHMBA, ALPFA, SHPE, NSHP.com, LatPro, National Society of Hispanic Professionals, NBC Latino, President Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Pit Bull, AT&T, Verizon, Apple, Ford, Mercedes, BMW, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Mashable jobs hire, jobsoboard, monster.com, careerbuilder, Ihispano.com

Prominent investors are merging their businesses — including a Spanish-language cable movie channel and a Puerto Rican television network — to form a new public company to be known as Hemisphere Media Group.

Investment groups InterMedia Partners VII and Los Angeles-based Azteca Acquisition Corp. said they have agreed to combine their Spanish-language properties and financial resources in a transaction valued at $400 million.

Gabriel Brener, a wealthy Los Angeles investor, is contributing the $100 million that Azteca Acquisition, his special-purpose acquisition company, raised in its initial public offering in 2011. Since then, he and his group have been on the hunt for investments in media.

"We have looked at 80 different companies in the last year and a half but none was a perfect fit," Brener said in an interview. "Combining with InterMedia, we thought, made the perfect match."

InterMedia's Spanish-language media assets — the CineLatino movie channel, which is available in 12 million homes in the U.S., Canada and Latin America; television station WAPA in Puerto Rico; and the WAPA America cable network, also in Puerto Rico — will form the backbone of the new venture, which is expected to go public in April. READ MORE