Chicago, IL-Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, was joined by Chicago Alderman Danny Solis (25th ward) at a press conference today to announce the agenda and speaker list for the 2009 NCLR Annual Conference on July 25-28 at McCormick Place West in Chicago, Illinois. These four powerful days, themed "A New Era of Responsibility: Community, Unity, Purpose," will feature special advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Bank of America President and CEO Ken Lewis, and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Melinda Gates, among the nation's foremost business and community leaders and government officials. "We are very excited to be back in Chicago and welcome Valerie Jarrett, members of President Obama's cabinet, and philanthropist Melinda Gates to the NCLR Annual Conference," Murguía saida, also noting that the last time the Conference was held in Chicago was 1997. "We expect attendance to be terrific. Our focus is on issues that are on top of everyone's minds right now-the economy, homeownership, and health care-and we are offering families the chance to take part in our Home Rescue Fair and health screenings and enjoy the children's events, music, and dance acts that are free and open to the public." Murguía announced that key topics to be featured in town halls and other activities at the Conference include the impact of the economic crisis on Latinos and the lack of health insurance among Latino working families. For the first time ever, NCLR will offer a Latinos and Philanthropy Track to help attendees develop an understanding of how Latinos can access the world of philanthropy as funders and fundraisers. More information about speakers and activities at the 2009 NCLR Annual Conference can be found at www.nclr.org/conference. Press can register to attend at no cost atwww.nclr.org/pressregistration. The NCLR Annual Conference is the largest national gathering of its kind in the Latino community, serving as the meeting ground for community leaders, activists, elected and appointed officials; members of the corporate, philanthropic, and academic communities; and youth. Last year's Conference in San Diego contributed millions of dollars to the city's economy and attracted nearly 25,000 participants. Below are some highlights of the 2009 NCLR Annual Conference. Saturday, July 25 Sunday, July 26 Monday, July 27 Tuesday, July 28 Other workshops and activities will examine issues such as education, workforce development, immigration, community and family wealth-building, health, and nonprofit management. A major feature of Conference, Latino Expo USA, presented by UPS, will feature a health fair that offers comprehensive eye exams (including glaucoma screenings) provided by Johnson & Johnson and free dental screenings provided by Clear Channel. This year will also feature a career fair, presented by Kraft Foods, which will bring together more than 20 companies and offer a résumé writing skills session, a job seeker training and support area, a computer lab with workstations, and a private interview/discussion area. The Expo is free, family-friendly fun that is open to all. Every year, NCLR concludes its Conference by honoring individuals and organizations for their contributions to and work on behalf of the Latino community at its Awards Gala. Some of this year's honorees include Anthony Romero of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Actress Rosie Perez, John Quiñones of ABC News Primetime, and Anthony Muñoz of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Affiliate of the Year Award will go to Instituto del Progreso Latino, based in Chicago. The workshops, town halls, and Latino Expo USA are free and open to the public. To obtain media credentials for the 2009 NCLR Annual Conference, press may register at www.nclr.org/pressregistrationor contact Sherria Cotton for more information at scotton@nclr.org or (202) 785-1670.