ING identifies San Antonio as robust growth market for Hispanic Partnership.

The 7TH largest global corporation, financial services leader ING, has identified San Antonio as one of the most robust growth markets in the country to focus Hispanic efforts in 2009. Due to its large and growing Hispanic population, strong Hispanic business community and economic stability, ING will focus efforts through a partnership with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) to further economic development in the San Antonio community.

The partnership includes numerous initiatives throughout the year such as financial seminars for small businesses and individuals, support of the newly formed SABÉR Institute (an economic research think tank run by the SAHCC and St. Mary’s University), and Signature Sponsorship of the SAHCC 80th Installation Banquet.

“ING, one of the world’s leading financial services providers, is committed to building relationships with the Hispanic community and San Antonio continues to be a role model for large diverse communities throughout the country,” says Javier Palomarez, ING Vice President of Multicultural Marketing. “We are engaging with Hispanic chambers of commerce throughout the country and are happy to lead off with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with this important partnership,” adds Palomarez.

San Antonio’s small businesses continue to grow with over 35,000 small businesses employing eighty percent of the city’s work force. The Trade, Transportation and Utilities sector posted the largest quarterly job gains between the second and third quarter of 2008. Unlike national trends, the Construction sector in San Antonio also experienced healthy job growth during the third Quarter of 2008, and realized an impressive 8.1 percent annual growth rate.

“San Antonio continues to set the pace with its diverse economy and entrepreneurial spirit, making it the second fastest-growing market in the United States,” says Ramiro Cavazos, President & CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to ING for recognizing our growth and investing in our strong community.”

Another aspect of ING’s relationship with San Antonio is its selection of San Antonio advertising agency, Creative Civilization, as its national agency of record for U.S. Hispanic marketing. Creative Civilization has been a member of the Hispanic Chamber since 2001.