http://egpnews..com/?p=8071

Businesses Invited to April 2 Launch of New Latino Chamber of Commerce

FDIC's Mooney to be among guest speakers addressing critical role Latino businesses are playing in region's economic recovery.

By EGP News Service

The significant role small and Latino owned businesses play in the local and national economy will be discussed as part of the official launch of a new Latino chamber of commerce taking place April 2 at The New Los Angeles Theater Company (LATC) in Downtown Los Angeles.

Responding to the tremendous toll the down economy has had across the country, the Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles (LBC-GLA) has announced it will be joined at the launch— open to interested businesses — by Robert Mooney, Senior Advisor to FDIC Chairwoman Sheila C. Bair and Beth Castro, Director of Community Development at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Other prominent business and community leaders are scheduled to attend, according to the business group.

"Even in a sluggish economy, Latino businesses have continued to provide jobs and fuel the local economy," said Jorge Corralejo, Chairman and CEO of the LBC-GLA. "We have been spending time in Washington D.C., Sacramento and the five counties that make up the greater Los Angeles region, reminding those attempting to engineer the country's economic recovery, that they'd be well advised to make sure they are taking steps to include these same businesses in economic recovery plans, and with economic resources to build on," he said.

The Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles boasts a who's who of business owners and executives among its membership and on its board of directors.

"We have brought together an impressive group of well-seasoned business leaders who are dedicated to stimulating economic growth not only in the Latino business sector, but the business community as a whole," said Corralejo. "They are interested in developing new technologies and providing small businesses with the best business tools available to help them prosper. If these businesses grow and prosper, so will the Latino and greater Los Angeles community," he said.

The LBC-GLA is a 501(c)3 and (c)6 non-profit, non-partisan organization with a mission to produce necessary economic structures and policy initiatives for empowering Latino businesses, developing economic growth and fostering opportunities in the Latino business community, said the group in a written statement announcing next week's launch. The chamber will aim to advocate for the Latino business community and to provide resources such as technical assistance, lending and procurement, educational and advocacy resources.

The chamber is open to all businesses and interested parties are invited to attend the launch and reception.

At the event, LBC-GLA Chairman and CEO Jorge Corralejo will speak on the purpose, mission and vision for this newly formed chamber. Robert Mooney will address FDIC policies with regards to small business and the FDIC's commitment to minority businesses. Beth Castro will address the expansion of CRA legislation and small/minority business lending. Mayor Villaraigosa will address the significance small businesses play in the recovery and creation of local economic opportunities.

The event will take place April 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Los Angeles Theater Company (LATC), located at 514 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. For more information about LBC-GLA call (213) 347-0008. The chamber's website is under construction but will be www.LatinoBusinessChamber.com once it is finalized.

Eastern Group Publications Associate Publisher/Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Sanchez is a board member of the LBC-GLA.

Posted by admin; Filed Under: Wall Street East; Tagged: March 26 2009 Issue

March 26, 2009

 

Education for Liberation! Join Up!
Peter S. Lopez aka: Peta
Email: peter.lopez51@yahoo.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Humane-Rights-Agenda/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/THIRD-WORLD-NEWS/

http://www.NetworkAztlan.com

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7014578338

Obama Reaches Out To Latinos In Latest Media Effort

ShareThis

March 27, 2009 9:32 a.m. EST

Kris Alingod - AHN Contributor

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - After an historic appearance on Leno and an online town hall at the White House, President Barack Obama continued his media offensive Thursday night, appearing in Spanish-language Univision network's Latin music awards.

The President, who has spoken often about the challenge of communicating and moving beyond in the "bubble" created by the White House, said in a bilingual message, "With the challenges we face right now, it is absolutely critical that you stay involved and make your voices heard. I want you to know that I will always be listening, and my Administration is working hard so that we can expand opportunity for all Americans and reach that better day."

Earlier the same day he answered questions submitted online by the public in a town hall meeting webcast live from the White House. The forum comes the same week as his second press conference since taking office, and appearances interviews on ESPN and "60 Minutes." He also guested last week on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," becoming the first sitting commander-in-chief to appear in a late night talk show.

The appearances are believed to be part of a broad effort to rally support for his administration's economic proposals, including a Treasury plan to buy out toxic assets from banks, and a $3.6 trillion 2010 budget proposal that will be taken up for floor debate in Congress starting Monday.

http://vivirlatino.com/2009/03/27/obama-on-premio-lo-nuestro-pandering-or-props-to-latinos.php/comment-page-1#comment-5633

Obama on Premio Lo Nuestro : Pandering or Props to Latinos?

11:53 am By Maegan la Mamita Mala · Media| Obama| Politics| TV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPongOBe44o&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvivirlatino.com%2F2009%2F03%2F27%2Fobama-on-premio-lo-nuestro-pandering-or-props-to-latinos.php%2Fcomment-page-1&feature=player_embedded

Education for Liberation! Join Up!
Peter S. Lopez aka: Peta
Email: peter.lopez51@yahoo.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Humane-Rights-Agenda/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/THIRD-WORLD-NEWS/

http://www.NetworkAztlan.com

Cesar Chavez made a difference for all Latinos + Comment

http://www.sacbee.com/agriculture/story/1732844.html

Cesar Chavez made a difference for all Latinos

ShareThis

By Ed Fletcher
Email: efletcher@sacbee.com

Published: Friday, Mar. 27, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 6B
Last Modified: Friday, Mar. 27, 2009 - 1:39 am

Before there was "Yes We Can," there was "Si Se Puede."

Coined by Cesar Chavez and United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta, the Spanish phrase that translates to "Yes, it can be done" has become an international chant.

" 'No se puede' was the default, and Cesar was able to change that," said LeRoy Chatfield, a veteran Sacramento activist who worked alongside the late labor crusader. "It's not a slogan, it's a mind-set that says you can accomplish something that others say is impossible."

Born March 31, 1927, Chavez dedicated his life to helping American farmworkers.

His life is celebrated as an official holiday in eight states, including California.

On Thursday, 60 attorneys affiliated with La Raza Lawyers of Sacramento and Women Lawyers of Sacramento gathered for lunch and to reflect on Chavez's legacy.

The event was one of many this week honoring the labor leader.

Chavez helped bring better working conditions for many, but friends and followers say his lasting legacy is the sense of empowerment he gave to Latino Americans and other recent immigrants.

"In the process of convincing farmworkers that they could make change happen, he also convinced millions of other people who never worked on a farm," said Marc Grossman, a longtime spokesman for the United Farm Workers union.

Chavez said as much in a 1984 address to the Commonwealth Club of California: "Hispanics across California and the nation who don't work in agriculture are better off today because of what the farmworkers taught people about organization, about pride and strength. … You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore."

On Thursday, David Villarino-Gonzalez, Chavez's son-in-law and president of the Farmworker Institute for Education and Leadership Development, told the Sacramento lawyers that Chavez's organizational lessons can help them with challenges that remain.

"The one thing – out of all the things that Cesar really demonstrated – was the power of mobilizing people for change," Villarino-Gonzalez said.

That message captured Art Torres' attention and became a compass point through his time in law school at University of California, Davis, in Sacramento as a state senator and as chairman of the California Democratic Party.

It was an early, failed run for a state Assembly seat that pushed Torres to join Chavez.

"That is when I went to work for Cesar for five bucks a week and all I could eat," Torres said.

Torres recalled Chavez saying that if people he was fighting for lived in poverty, then so should he and his staff members.

"I really pissed my father off," said Torres, whose family had left farm work for an urban life, only to see him return to the fields as an organizer.

But Torres didn't stay in the fields. Armed with Cesar's lessons, Torres became one of dozens of politicians who got their start under Chavez's tutelage.

In the Legislature, Torres worked with the UFW to introduce and pass the groundbreaking Agriculture Labor Relations Act – the first and only state law that specifically gives farmworkers the right to organize.

Chatfield said it's hard to overstate Chavez's impact.

"He empowered an entire generation of Latinos in this country," Chatfield said. "Because of that movement, they as a group have made tremendous strides."

He noted the time the late Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna broke down and cried in the middle of an address on the steps of the state Capitol. Serna later explained to Chatfield that "he would not be there without Cesar Chavez."

Serna's sentiment is among the lessons that 17-year-old Carolina Beltran teaches. Beltran never met Chavez – she was an infant when he died in 1993 – but the Nevada Union High School senior was so inspired by Chavez that she has dedicated herself to teaching younger kids about his life.

"It's just remarkable that a human being could dedicate his entire life to a cause," Beltran said.

With the help of her Spanish Club mates, she began staging assemblies at area elementary schools to talk about how Chavez – in the same vein as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. – used non-violent methods to bring about change.

"I want more people to know about him," she said. "We get somewhere, but it's not without a battle. You have to speak up for what you believe in."

ShareThis

---

Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.

Comment: One of my first political activities was my involvement with the Friends of the Farmworkers here in Sacramento in the late 60's. It was time of such hope and promise and Cesar Chavez was the heart behind the whole 'Movimiento'. Back then, many thought we were 'loco' trying to Boycott Grapes! We had actual paper petitions, not the luxury of online ones. You got to be at least a little crazy to make a rational revolutionary movement come into being. Leroy Chatfield mentioned above is one of the founders for Loaves & Fishes here in Sacramento that advocates for and services homeless people in this region.. We are talking about down home hard core dedicated community organizers who can go out and mobilize people, gather resources and bring about positive change for all of us. Si Se Puede!

Education for Liberation! Join Up!
Peter S. Lopez aka: Peta
Email: peter.lopez51@yahoo.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Humane-Rights-Agenda/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/THIRD-WORLD-NEWS/

http://www.NetworkAztlan.com

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/census-congressional-community-leaders-convene-fundacion-azteca-america/

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Top Census, Congressional and Community Leaders Convene at Fundacion Azteca America-Sponsored 'State of Latinos: Census 2010' Forum in Washington DC

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ ----Fundacion Azteca America is pleased to announce the issues forum series "The State of Latinos: Census 2010," where top leaders convened in the Capitol Visitors Center to share concerns and recommendations to ensure a successful 2010 Census, which was considered by attendees as one of the most critical events for the Latino community of the moment and in coming years.

"Census data empower citizens at every level of government and are integral in achieving equitable political representation and fair allocation of resources," said Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), chairperson of the Senate subcommittee responsible for overseeing the census. "Unfortunately, every census in the nation's history has failed to count all residents, resulting in an undercounting of the general population."

"The time has never been more critical to ensure a fair and accurate count in the upcoming 2010 Census," said Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). My colleagues and I will continue our commitment to ensure the Census Bureau has the resources needed for an accurate decennial count. The Latino community simply cannot afford for us not to."

"The Census is a local effort. It is important for organizations to share experiences of what works best at local levels. There are hard to count area and then our communities, which are the hardest to count. The challenge is to convince the hardest to count that it is in their interest to be engaged," said Congressmember Charles Gonzalez (D-TX), who is spearheading Census activity on behalf of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus.

"It's important that we understand what the Census means to our communities, not only in terms of redistricting, but in terms of programs, like education, health and infrastructure. It's our responsibility to all work together. On the contrary, we lose; the American people lose; the Latino community loses," said Congressmember Joe Baca (D-CA).

"It is vital that we do everything within our considerable power to help ensure that each person -- including each Hispanic man, woman and child -- is counted in 2010," said Congressmember Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR). "We must impress upon them the fact that this simple act can have a profoundly positive impact, just as not filling out the census form can have serious negative consequences".

In outlining the U.S. Census efforts to focus on groups that are hard to count, U.S. Census Bureau Assistant Director Arnold Jackson said "Trust is the key to victory" in getting the most complete Census count in history and called on all Census partners to help spread the word of the importance of the Census. He added that 40% of the advertising dollars of the US Census are targeted to ethnic markets.

The event included a stellar panel of senior representatives of some of the most influential Latino organizations in the country, including: Maria Teresa Petersen, Executive Director, Voto Latino; John Trasvina, President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF); Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); Esther Aguilera, President and CEO, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI); Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier, Executive Director, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI); Andres Ramirez, Vice President of Hispanic Programs, NDN; Angelo Falcon, President, National Institute of Latino Policy; and Arturo Vargas, Executive Director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

Arturo Vargas, from NALEO, summed up many voices when he said "the Census is fundamental to Latino human rights," and also called for comprehensive media cooperation to ensure a successful census count next year.

"We an excited to see proactive planning to ensure that our community is properly counted and we offer the full support of Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America to this end," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America Network and Fundacion Azteca America.

Fundacion Azteca America is currently airing a public service campaign on Azteca America "Porque tu vales, dejate contar! Because you're worth it, let yourself be counted." It is also distributing print material and sponsoring regional forums on the Census throughout the country. The first regional event will be held on April 16 in Ft. Myers, FL.

About Fundacion Azteca America

Fundacion Azteca America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of the Hispanic community currently in the U.S. Fundacion Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca, Azteca America and TV Azteca are companies of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas. For more information, visit http://www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. As the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, Azteca America operates in 66 markets nationwide. Azteca America can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (http://www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to building the middle class of the countries where it operates, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (http://www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies TV Azteca (http://www.irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (http://www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (http://www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (http://www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (http://www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (http://www.segurosazteca.com.mx), and Grupo Iusacell (http://www.iusacell.com). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

   Media Contact:
   Daniel McCosh
   011 52 55 1720 0059
   dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

SOURCE Fundacion Azteca America; Azteca America; Grupo Salinas

http://www.aztecaamerica.com

Education for Liberation! Join Up!
Peter S. Lopez aka: Peta
Email: peter.lopez51@yahoo.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Humane-Rights-Agenda/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/THIRD-WORLD-NEWS/

http://www.NetworkAztlan.com