Agency

The number of Latino homeowners has significantly increased in recent years, while the number of Non-Hispanic white homeowners has remained the same. In 2003, Latinos made up 31 percent of all households in Southern California and 25 percent of homeowners. About half of all Latino homeowners purchased within the last five years.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in March, lost more ground in April. The Index now stands at 97.7 (1985=100), down from 103.0 in March. The Present Situation Index declined to 113.6 from 117.0. The Expectations Index declined to 87.2 from 93.7.

Golden Boy Enterprises, led by Oscar De La Hoya, and Highridge Partners, an international real estate developer and investor headed by John Long, announced the formation of a new company, Golden Boy Partners, to revitalize and redevelop urban Latino communities.

The Conference Board’s Help-Wanted Advertising Index – a key barometer of America’s job market – slid two points in March. The Index now stands at 39, the same as one year ago.

Hispanic Meetings & Travel magazine (HM&T) was launched to inform and educate the Hispanic community on the business of the travel and tourism industry. Associate Publisher and Editor in Chief, Angela Gonzalez Rowe said, “As the combined purchasing power of U.S. Hispanics began to show tremendous growth so began the opportunity for Hispanic entrepreneurs to capitalize on this burgeoning market trend … we saw a need to represent the Hispanic market in the industry and took the plunge.”

California Milk Processors Board has awarded Grupo Gallegos the Hispanic account for their regional efforts.

Absolut Apeach, the seventh, succulent, sexy new flavor from Absolut, hosted Latin America’s hottest stars, celebrities and VIPs as they sashay across the “peach”-colored carpet and into the festivities – where they will be among the first in the nation to taste this sultry new vodka. The star studded gala, hosted by Telemundo personalities Jorge Bernal and Natalia Villaveces and featured performances by 2005 Billboard Latin Music Awards finalists Ivy Queen, Crooked Stilo, Domenic Marte and Grupo Climax and special appearances by the sexy and sultry, Roselyn Sanchez and music sensation, Shalim, Absolut Apeach’s spokespeople, and the beautiful and exotic Absolut Apeach models.

Though frozen fruit bars (known in Mexico as “paletas”) have been available for some time. Palapa Azul introduced their premium line of frozen fruit bars made with fresh fruits and vegetables and in unique ethnic flavors.