| Two major factors fuel the increasing demand for | | | | Poorâs 500 Index earned 36% of their total |
| bilingual professionals in the U.S. First, Hispanics now | | | | revenues in foreign markets in November 2007. While |
| represent over twelve percent of the U.S. population; | | | | the recent economic downturn has slowed foreign |
| their spending power has more than doubled in less | | | | revenues, overseas business is still a major force in |
| than 20 years. Since customers often prefer to do | | | | the U.S. economy. In the international marketplace, |
| business with someone who speaks their language, | | | | bilingual executives help their companies acquire and |
| companies need bilingual employees to communicate | | | | develop new markets and build global presence. Their |
| with their Spanish-speaking customers. | | | | language fluency and cultural sensitivity contribute to |
| The second factor is the expansion of U.S. companies | | | | bridging the differences between the countries. |
| into other countries. Companies in the Standard & | | | | |