interview by: Ricardo González Published in Weekly Executive Report on June 10, 2008 John Quiñones is County Commissioner of Osceola County, FL which has a 40% Latino population. He was also a FL State Representative and served on several committees, including Chair of Economic Development.

R - You served on the Economic Development Committee for the State of Florida. How do you view integration of Latinos into the American business system?

Q – The important thing to remember is that we have a great opportunity. A well diversified workforce can benefit not only the employer but also their opportunities with local government.

R – How does it help a company to have a more diverse workforce in their dealings with the political system?

Q - There seems to be a focus on making sure that local companies are being used in contracts and from my perspective, if you have a large minority population you also want to see the contractors and people dealing in those companies reflect the demographics of the communities. In Osceola county we are 40% Latino and Orange county is 20% Latino.

R – Ok, I want you to talk with me about the challenges in making the transitions. What are the challenges? Let’s start with the Anglo companies. What are their major challenges?

Q – Encountering a new demographic and finding ways to adapt to a new situation. There is a recognition that workers are going to come from different parts. They can make that adjustment as an opportunity to serve the people they are engaged with. If, for example, you are going to serve Latin Americans, and there are cultural and language barriers, companies need to understand that it is good for their business. To know and have a diversified workforce, in turn it will attract business from other countries that may share the same cultures. The challenge for non-Hispanics is to adapt to a more global economy that is coming from other countries.

R - That’s an interesting point about the local workforce and the global economy. We do talk about a global economy but in fact in the United States we have a globalized workforce. Perhaps there isn’t anything different there than if someone is thinking in terms of doing business in Latin America. Typically they are looking at their marketing and business partnerships, etc. Maybe they need to look here at the fact that they have a globalized workforce and make those adjustments based on that, rather than thinking in terms of these people are in our country, they should live and do things the way we do here.

R - As you look out and as you consider from the Anglo point of view, what are the benefits to them properly integrating the Latino workforce?

Q – I think we can look at different ones. From an economic standpoint, it broadens their horizons; who they can deal with and do business with. If you look also at the social impact, you know, keeping a community employed. If a company cares about their community you want to be able to open up. Those equalities of opportunity are what are going to create a better society and community as a whole. There are real economic as well as social benefits.

R – On the side of Latinos, what do you think Latinos can do, either business people or those trying to make a transition to this country? What will allow Latinos to more easily assimilate?

Q – First and foremost be someone who gets involved in some aspect of the community. Whether it be the Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce. That is how you will meet those who can give you opportunity. Government can also provide accessibility and there is a myriad of opportunity to get involved and know more about the process and the policy makers. Third, you have to train yourself to be operational for six months to a year without making a profit. It takes time to nurture a company and be in a community and to know the needs of a community.

R – Are there specific initiatives targeted specifically at Latinos?

Q – When I was in the legislature I sponsored and passed a bill dealing with enterprise zones that deal with economic incentives and those tend to be geared more towards minority areas. That is something that Latino business owners need to be familiar with. There are also programs designed for specific Latino business, one particularly comes to mind called, “Hispanic Business Initiative Fund.” There are also Chambers of Commerce that put together educational programs.

R - How can Latinos have better representation in the political process and a better voice?

Q – How do you get involved politically? I’ll give you an example. I’m one of five commissioners, typically there is not just one decision maker, particularly on the local level. You have to get to know other decision makers. Something I see often is that they may feel more comfortable talking to me about some issues but I am only one of five and if they don’t talk with the other commissioners I won’t be able to make the decision by myself.

R – So you’re saying that just going to the Latino official is not enough. They also have to make friends with the Anglo or African-American commissioners or local politicians who have power of influence. That Latino’s should not just be going to their Latino officials. Is that what you are saying?

Q – Absolutely!

R – Commissioner Quiñones, thank you for your time and your service. And from the People of Puerto Rico we thank you as well. So many people look up to you and respect you and we are happy you took the time to be with us today.

Ricardo González is Founder and Executive Director of Bilingual America and Publisher of The González Report. He is published regularly by BNP Media and has a regular feature in Florida Home Builders Association Residential and Commerical Magazines. He is also the author of several training courses as well as has a new book coming out late summer 2008, "Café con Milk."