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David Lizárraga is one of the nation's most recognized Hispanic business leaders and was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His career and community activities have been dedicated to empowering people and communities with the economic tools they need to improve.

Acknowledged as a pioneer in community empowerment, David C. Lizárraga has been at the helm of TELACU for nearly 40 years as its President & CEO.

Through this unique corporate model shaped by Mr. Lizárraga, TELACU and TELACU Millennium businesses provide valuable products, services and build vital community assets, such as schools, water projects, transportation facilities and infrastructure. TELACU emerged as the nations largest community development corporation, advocating for education as a chief vehicle toward greater economic and social opportunities. The LINC TELACU Education Foundation, which Lizárraga established to prepare and equip upcoming generations of Latino leaders, is the most effective national institution meeting the educational needs of Latinos today.

Raised in the gang heavy Maravilla barrio of East Los Angeles, Mr. Lizárraga found refuge in the faith-based community work of his father and mother, the Reverend Cesar and Angelita Lizárraga. His parents still live in East Los Angeles and instilled in him the importance of always giving back to the community and establishing valuable relationships.

In the 1960's, East Los Angeles was abandoned by major companies that the community had helped build for generations. The community was plunged into a devastating economic decline that scarred this community with boarded up businesses and blighted neighborhoods.

Under Mr. Lizárraga's astute leadership, TELACU has become the largest, most successful Hispanic community and economic development corporation in the nation. With nearly $550 million in assets, TELACU has created thousands of jobs, affordable homes, loans to small business owners and numerous educational opportunities for young people.

Mr. Lizárraga has been accorded numerous honors and awards for his community, philanthropic, and business leadership. These have included the following: (2003) Chairwoman's Award-California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, (2002) Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year-U.S. Small Business Administration, (2002) Lifetime achievement Award-National Association of Minority Auto Dealers Association, (2001) Thurgood Marshall Award-National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, (1992) Entrepreneur of the Year Award-Entrepreneur Magazine, and (1992) Businessman of the Year-U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Mr. Lizárraga recently had the distinct honor of being recognized among the top 500 business leaders of the year in Hispanic Business Magazine.

Mr. Lizárraga is a proud American, a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who is committed to service, empowerment, advancement and the creation of self-sufficiency in communities throughout the United States of America." http://www.ushcc.com (less info)