A new partnership between the Direct Selling Association and The Latino Coalition will highlight the work of Hispanic-Americans, a growing segment of direct selling entrepreneurs.
The DSA, a national trade association based in Washington, is a voice for companies that market and sell their wares through independent sellers, versus traditional brick-and-mortar stores. According to research commissioned by the organization, U.S. direct selling companies generated retail sales of $34 billion in 2014. The newly announced partnership with The Latino Coalition underscores the contributions made by Hispanics within the direct selling economy.
“More than one-fifth of the 18.2 million Americans involved in direct selling in every state, Congressional district and community in the United States are Hispanic,” Joseph Mariano, President of the DSA, said in a statement. “We are pleased to join forces with an organization that, like direct sellers, is committed to empowerment and opportunity.”
Promoting economic and social development of Latinos is the mission of The Latino Coalition, which was formed more than two decades ago by a group of Hispanic business owners. Joining forces with the DSA, the non-profit will co-host two small business summits in 2016, one in Washington, D.C., and another in Los Angeles.
“Hispanic-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the small-business community, and the purchasing power of this community will soon surpass $1.3 trillion in the United States,” said Hector Barreto, Chairman of TLC and former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “The Latino Coalition looks forward to partnering with the DSA—jointly we will work to provide access to economic development and entrepreneurial opportunities for the Latino community.”
