Fueled by a growing Hispanic population, northern Nevada is in a prime position to maximize the benefits of the diversity of its work force, experts at an economic conference said.

"This community embraces its diversity, and that's the key to success," said Joe Cisneros III, president/CEO of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Cisneros spoke Wednesday at the three-day Hispanic Workforce Summit 2007 hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Northern
Nevada.

The three-day gathering explored best practices and programs to assist in recruiting, building and retaining a skilled Hispanic work force in Nevada, which has one of the fastest-growing Hispanic populations in the country.

J.R. Gonzales, consultant for the HCCNN, said by getting input from other cities, including those that have more established Hispanic populations, northern Nevada can better adapt to its newfound diversity.

"We can help (northern Nevada) avoid those pitfalls by talking to other Hispanic Chambers and continuing this type of dialogue," said Gonzales, the former CEO of the national Hispanic Chamber. "If we can get tips, some warnings of what to avoid in the future, we should accelerate our growth."

Steve Hull, regional work force consultant for the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, NevadaWorks and the
Northern Nevada Development Authority, said utilizing the area's growing Hispanic population is a key to meeting its work force needs.

Hull said the region's rapid growth means the area must expand its labor pool, and that gap will need to be filled, at least in part, by Hispanics.

"We have some huge work force challenges in this region. It is the No. 1 issue getting quality people, getting the right kind of employee at the right time with the right skill," Hull said.

"(Hispanics) are a very significant part of this community. There is great human capital within that group of individuals that are not being tapped into."

Gonzales said he hopes that the Workforce Summit will become an
annual event and that the attendance will grow to include more experts from more parts of the country.