DaytonDailyNews.com

The Dayton-area's Hispanic population grew by more than 46 percent between 2000 and 2006, according to U. S. Census Bureau estimates, and community leaders believe the wave of Spanish-speaking residents will continue to grow.

"We're a unique population adding to the spice of the Miami Valley," said Rosa Caskey, president of the League of United Latin American Citizens of Dayton. "We are more than just the food and dance. We're more than just the salsa. When people get to know us, they find we have a richness in history and culture."

The term Hispanic refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race, according to a U.S. Census Bureau definition.

In the nine-county region of Montgomery, Warren, Preble, Miami, Greene, Darke, Clark, Champaign and Butler counties, census estimates show the Hispanic population grew from 18,641 in 2000 to 27,265 in 2006, a 46.3 percent increase.

Montgomery, Darke and Clark counties experienced overall population declines, but added Hispanic residents.

Caskey believes willingness of the region's employers to embrace a diverse workforce — from service industry workers to professionals — is key to Hispanic growth here.

"There are businesses looking for diversity to reflect the community," she said.

The Greater Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in three years, has grown from 15 members to 100. The group caters to Hispanic-owned businesses and others that recognize the growing consumer base within that population.

"Businesses in the Miami Valley want to understand the Hispanic culture," said Bill Castro, a member of the chamber's executive committee whose family owns El Meson Restaurante & Catering.

Dayton's reputation for open dialogue on issues of race has also resonated with the Hispanic community.

"Racism is out there. We're open-minded (enough) to work through some of these challenges," Caskey said. "We're asking questions: What are you going to do to be inclusive?"

Related article: Programs helping Hispanics integrate