As the state’s fastest-growing demographic group, Hispanics also are the fastest-growing market for Arizona businesses.

Ann and Raul Beltran of Gilbert are typical of the growing number of successful minority small-business owners in the Valley.

The rapidly growing Hispanic community in Arizona is playing an increasing role in the economic and cultural life of the state, according to a study released Wednesday by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Hispanic women account for nearly 40 percent of businesses owned by minority women in Arizona and the Valley — and the number is growing.

By 2050 the Hispanic labor force is expected to more than double in the United States to 31 percent and the population of the group will make up 29 percent of the total population.

If the East Valley ethnic majority could be likened to a river, it might be the Solimoes River in South America.

Luis Gonzalez remembers the day his mother said goodbye. With a blessing and the sign of the cross, she left him and his two sisters in Tijuana and set off with a human smuggler across the mountains and into San Diego for what she hoped would be a better life.

Luis Gonzalez remembers the day his mother said goodbye. With a blessing and the sign of the cross, she left him and his two sisters in Tijuana and set off with a human smuggler across the mountains and into San Diego for what she hoped would be a better life.

Day One of Series

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Mesa has reached a tipping point. What had been a gradual demographic shift has gained momentum over the past decade, fueled by record immigration.

Mesa has reached a tipping point. What had been a gradual demographic shift has gained momentum over the past decade, fueled by record immigration. One in four Mesa residents now are Hispanic, up from one in 10 in 1990. If the trend continues, the city will be majority Latino within 30 years.

Mesa has reached a tipping point. What had been a gradual demographic shift has gained momentum over the past decade, fueled by record immigration.

Places and times for competitors in Sunday's P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon: