United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Congratulates Local Chamber President on New Post with California Governor's Office

WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is pleased to congratulate Joel Ayala on his recent appointment by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the post of Director for the Governor's Office of Economic Development. The new office will promote California as a place to do business; support businesses interested in starting, growing, financing, expanding or relocating in California; and help those businesses facing challenges to operating in California.

"The creation of the Governor's Office of Economic Development will undoubtedly play a critical role in the recovery of California's economy and the creation of new jobs for our residents," said David C. Lizarraga, USHCC Chairman of the Board. "I commend Governor Schwarzenegger for his vision in creating this important office and for selecting such an accomplished and dynamic director. Under Joel Ayala's leadership, we can expect the development and growth of the businesses which are so important to our communities."

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Ayala was President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. From 2001 to 2007 he served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and School Director for adult education and corporate training at the Career Management Institute from 1994 to 2001.

Mr. Ayala has been a longtime proponent of workforce and economic development, especially in the Hispanic small business community. He has worked intricately with Hispanic Chambers of Commerce on both a state and local level to achieve these goals. He brings over 15 years of experience in the areas of personal development and leadership and has sat on the board of several prominent organizations in Southern California. He also sits on the steering committee of the Orange County President's Council, which is made up of 22 minority business organizations in Orange County.

He is a graduate of the United Way Leadership Institute, the MALDEF Leadership Institute, and holds two degrees from the University of California, Irvine in political science and social ecology.

Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the USHCC added: "Joel's experience and in-depth knowledge of California's economy make him the best person for the job. In his years working with our Hispanic Chambers he has demonstrated a sincere dedication and drive for improving the lives of our small business men and women. We are very proud of Joel and look forward to working with him and the Governor's Office of Economic Development in the very near future."

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce