USHCC Foundation, Ford Motor Company Fund and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Building the Business Leaders of Tomorrow; Students Attain Valuable Information on Career Options in Automotive Industry

SAN ANTONIO--Nov. 3, 2005--The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation continues its partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund in 2005 by hosting the Youth Entrepreneurship "BizFest" in San Antonio, Texas, focusing on the automotive industry. The San Antonio "BizFest" is part of a series of automotive-specific training camps created to boost the number of Hispanics employed in the automotive industry. The training camps are funded by a five-year $1 million grant from Ford Motor Company Fund. This will be the first time a "BizFest" will be held in San Antonio.

The San Antonio "BizFest" will take place November 16-19, 2005 at The University of Texas at San Antonio downtown campus. The intensive four-day workshop will equip students with tools necessary for success in careers with or in the automotive industry in areas such as, dealership ownership, automotive supplier development, automotive technology, marketing/sales/service, engineering/manufacturing, information technology, and product development. Students will also learn how to launch their own business, establish entrepreneurial and leadership goals, create plans for business and life, become effective leaders and team players, identify investment opportunities, and make public presentations.

"Innovative educational programs are a top priority for Ford Motor Company Fund, and BizFest fits that description well," said Sandra Ulsh, president of Ford Motor Company Fund. "We are proud to support the USHCC Foundation and its innovative BizFest program that provides Hispanic youth with insights to the automotive industry and paves the way for future entrepreneurs."

The USHCC Foundation will collaborate locally with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) to implement the "BizFest." The SAHCC will be most instrumental in identifying student participants. Many of these students are part of the SAHCC IBC-Young Leaders Entrepreneurial Academy, recently established to provide San Antonio youth with the basics in entrepreneurship, financial systems, free enterprise and other issues facing the global economy. Students selected to participate in the "BizFest" will take part in leadership development, entrepreneurship training and creating and presenting business plans. Participants will compete for scholarships, prizes, long-term business support, and the opportunity to participate in the National "BizFest" Competition at the USHCC 27th Annual National Convention & Business Expo September 19-23, 2006 in Philadelphia, PA.

"The USHCC Foundation is excited to be traveling to San Antonio for the first San Antonio 'BizFest.' Career opportunities in the automotive industry are endless for today's aspiring young professionals. With the support of Ford Motor Company Fund, we are able to bring this industry and its exciting career opportunities to the students of San Antonio," said Frank Lopez, President of the USHCC Foundation.

The San Antonio "BizFest" is one of several regional "BizFests" held throughout the country, and is the USHCC Foundation's signature youth initiative.

"The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber is proud to welcome our national philanthropic affiliate, the USHCC Foundation to San Antonio, home of the oldest Hispanic Chamber in the country. Our vision for San Antonio is to create a pipeline of entrepreneurship for our growing Hispanic population. Our IBC-Young Leader Entrepreneurial Academy and the partnership with the USHCC Foundation - 'BizFest' gives Hispanic students the opportunity to begin their journey through that pipeline and prove they can compete among the best and the brightest in the nation," said A.J. Rodriguez, President of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

About USHCC Foundation

The USHCC Foundation is committed to the advancement of the Hispanic community's economic development and entrepreneurship skills through the empowerment of Hispanic-owned businesses, growth of the Hispanic chamber of commerce network and promotion of life-long learning experiences for Hispanic youth and entrepreneurs. The Foundation's broad-based approach is coupled with a proactive strategy, which is reflected in the diverse number of USHCC Foundation-driven programs created to reach constituencies of all age groups and needs.

About Ford Motor Company Fund

Ford Motor Company Fund is a not-for-profit corporation organized in 1949. Made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that enhance and improve opportunities for those who live in the communities where Ford Motor Company operates. Ford Motor Company Fund is committed to creating educational opportunities that stimulate creativity and promote cultural diversity. In 2004, Ford Motor Company Fund-supported organizations received nearly $78 million. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund, visit www.ford.com/go/fordfund.