Birmingham-based organization's first three summits were designed "to attract the attention of Hispanics living in Central Alabama and to assess their needs," says Hernan Prado, director of ALAS.

"This time, we're bringing experts from all across the country with success-based information for the community," he says.

Among them are David Lubell, a Tennessee-based advocate for immigrant and refugee rights who will discuss the driver's license initiative in his state; University of Alabama at Birmingham researcher Raymond Mohl, who will make a presentation on Mexican migration to Alabama and its impact; Maritza Pinchon of the Latin American Association in Atlanta, who will focus on community organization successes; and University of Georgia economist Jeffrey Humprheys, who will discuss minority buying power.

Immigration and citizenship issues also will be addressed.

Three awards will be presented at the luncheon. Birmingham Mayor Bernard Kincaid will be honored for "his support to improve the lives of Hispanic/Latino residents," Prado says.

Helen H. Rivas will be honored for her "unselfish devotion and service to the Hispanic community."

And a Business Leadership Award will be presented to Paul Roberts and Banco Hispano, an Hispanic-focused branch of Bank of Alabama that opened in Hoover in May.

Tickets are priced from $20 (students) to $45 for the full conference, meals included. For $150, exhibitors also get booth space.

Prado says interest in the summit reflects the growing Hispanic population in Metro Birmingham, conservatively estimated at 25,343 earlier this year by the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. That number is up from an estimated 4,144 Hispanics in 1990 and 18,657 in 2000.

The Alabama Latin American Association is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and support for Hispanic residents and communities, including helping to improve education and developing cultural sensitivity. To learn more about ALAS, visit www.alasweb.org. or call 205-263-8250. To register for the Summit, e-mail rvaldez@alasweb.org.