About half of all Tucson Hispanics frequent Facebook, 82 percent own cell phones, and they spend nearly $300 million a year on clothing and $450 million buying food outside of the home.

These are only a few of the facts featured in DATOS: Tucson 2012. The study is scheduled for release by the state’s two largest Hispanic chambers of commerce at Tucson’s Doubletree Hotel September 20.

“Tucson is one of the state’s powerhouses in terms of Hispanic buying power and the entire Southern Arizona region is growing more important every day. DATOS: Tucson is our way of telling that story,” said Lea Marquez Peterson, president and CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Gonzalo de la Melena, president/CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, adds, “The release of DATOS: Tucson speaks not only to the growing economic influence of Hispanics in Tucson and Southern Arizona, but also statewide and across the nation. Without a doubt, Hispanics are helping drive our state’s economic recovery.”

The third annual DATOS: Tucson provides a detailed review and analysis of the growing economic impact of the Hispanic market in Southern Arizona.

DATOS: Tucson quick facts:

> Arizona Hispanics will account for $40 billion statewide in consumer spending in 2012.
> The Hispanic population in Pima County grew at about 12 times the rate of non-Hispanics from 2010 and 2011.
> More than half of the children under five in Pima County are Hispanic.
> There are approximately 65,000 Hispanic-owned small businesses in Arizona, one-third of which are owned by Latinas.
> With $1.2 Trillion in buying power in 2012, if U.S. Hispanics were a country they would be the 15th largest economy in the world.

More than 200 business and community leaders are expected to attend the September 20 luncheon organized by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

DATOS: Tucson is researched by a team of experts led by Dr. Loui Olivas, professor emeritus at Arizona State University, and published by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It provides detailed analysis and information regarding major trends in technology, employment, housing, education, small business activity and more. DATOS: Tucson’s presenting sponsor is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ). Additional support is provided by PetSmart and the University of Phoenix.

“We’re always pleased to be a part of the DATOS: Tucson luncheon and see great value in sharing research that points to the growing economic influence of the Hispanic community.,” said Deanna Salazar, senior vice president and general counsel for BCBSAZ.

DATOS: Tucson is based in part on research gathered for DATOS: Focus on the Hispanic Market, a statewide report released as part of “Transforming Arizona’s Economy”, a yearlong series of events created by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The AZHCC’s next major event is the Minority Business Enterprise Summit Nov. 16, 2012 in Phoenix. The THCC’s next major event is Noche de Exitos Gala and Bi-National Awards, October 13th, 2012, Casino del Sol Hotel in Tucson.

DATOS: Tucson will be released during a luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel Tucson at Reid Park in the Grand Ballroom, 445 S. Alvernon Way. Karla Gomez-Escamilla, a news reporter at Univision in Tucson, will emcee the luncheon.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $60 for THCC and AZHCC members. $75.00 for non-members. Discounted rates for tables of 8 also are available. This event is open to the public.

To register online, visit tucsonhispanicchamber.org or call the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 520-620-0005. For sponsorship information, contact the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 602-279-1800.