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BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFSIBM Signs Multi-Year Convention Sponsorship Agreement with U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; IT Giant Reaffi rms Intent to Provide Hispanic Companies with ‘Real Business Value’

IBM recently underscored its commitment to help the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) promote the growth and success of its membership by agreeing to extend its sponsorship of the organization’s national convention through 2008.

“There are an estimated two million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that collectively generate over $270 billion in revenue a year,” said Luis Cuneo, Business Offering Manager, IBM Market Development, in announcing the multi-year sponsorship agreement. “Sponsoring the USHCC National Convention and Business Expo gives IBM a chance to connect with existing and potential clients to discuss how we can do business together.”

�During the 27th annual USHCC convention, held September 20-23rd in Philadelphia, IBM Business Partners provided free consultations on IBM solutions and products that can help Hispanic business owners increase profi tability and market share. At its booth at the Business Expo, the company showcased IBM Express Solutions for small to mid-sized businesses, and IBM Supplier Diversity representatives met with Hispanic business owners interested in doing business with IBM. In addition, Marilyn Johnson, Vice President, IBM Market Development, was the moderator of a panel comprised of speakers participating in a conference seminar titled “Innovation, Productivity Through Technology”, a workshop highlighting innovation technologies that can help Hispanic businesses become more effi cient and productive.

“IBM’s large presence at the USHCC convention is one of the ways we make Hispanic business owners aware of our intention to provide real business value,” explained Cuneo, who recently accepted a position on the USHCC

advisory board. “IBM is a large corporation, but we want to remind Hispanic companies that, in a marketplace with global opportunities, they want to partner with a strong IT provider who can help them grow their businesses.”

Established in 1979, the USHCC works towards bringing the issues and concerns of the nation’s Hispanic-owned businesses to the forefront of the national economic agenda. Through its network of more than 150 local Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and Hispanic business organizations, the USHCC advocates, promotes and facilitates the success of Hispanic businesses by, among other things, implementing and strengthening national programs that assist the economic development of Hispanic fi rms; increasing business relationships and partnerships between the corporate sector and Hispanic-owned businesses; monitoring legislation, policies and programs that affect the Hispanic business community, and providing technical assistance to Hispanic business associations and entrepreneurs.

IBM is the world’s largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers large and small to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com.

Language Line Services Launches New Spanish Version of Its Personal Interpreter Service for Spanish-Speaking Individuals and Small Businesses Who Need to Communicate in EnglishInterprete Personal Now Makes Highly Skilled, Professional Interpretation Available on Demand to Spanish Speaking Consumers and Small Businesses, Billed by the Minute

Language Line® Services, a leading provider of language services, announced the addition of

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BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFS“Interprete Personal”, a 24-hour, on-demand, over-the-phone interpretation service for individuals and small businesses. Language Line® Interprete Personal allows customers to communicate over the phone from Spanish to English within moments, at a nominal per minute rate.

It takes just 2-3 minutes to set up an account on the Spanish version of its Language Line(R) Personal Interpreter Service web page from anywhere in the world – www.languageline.com/interpretepersonal – and, within seconds after receiving a personal identifi cation number (PIN), an interpreter can be on the phone helping the Spanish-speaking customer communicate to anyone, anywhere around the globe in English. Although this service is primarily designed to assist Spanish speakers communicate with English speakers, this same service can also be used to communicate from English to over 170 languages.

“Interprete Personal expands Language Line Services’ mission to reduce language barriers for Spanish speakers needing to communicate in English,” said Louis Provenzano, President and Chief Operating Offi cer with Language Line. “We are pleased to make interpretation available to the Spanish-speaking public. Now anyone with a credit card can have quick, accurate interpretation from Spanish to English, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“Interprete Personal caters to individuals who fi nd themselves in need of an interpreter at a moment’s notice. The service was created for Spanish speaking individuals and organizations that need immediate access to professional interpretation services, whether they are international travelers, small businesses needing to communicate with English speakers, or individuals in emergency situations. Customers can set up an account within 2-3 minutes, and then be on the phone with an interpreter within seconds.

The service can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, at an affordable, per minute rate which includes the cost of an outbound domestic third-party call to any phone number within the United States or internationally anywhere in the world. Calls are billed to a credit card number that is securely kept on fi le.

Charges begin when the interpreter joins the call and end when one hangs up.

After establishing an account by providing credit card information, customers are issued a personal identifi cation number (PIN) via email, which can be used repeatedly for interpretation services as needed. Accounts can be created online at www.languageline.com/interpretepersonal or, for those that don’t have immediate access to a computer or the Internet, by calling 1-800-245-0024 within the United States and Canada or, 831-648-7542 if calling from outside North America, to speak with a customer service representative.

English Speakers who need immediate access to an interpreter in over 170 languages can also set up their own Personal Interpreter account online at www.languageline.com/webpi.

Pfi zer Partners with U.S. Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce to Inform Hispanic Small Businesses about Industry Patient Assistance Programs in Effort to Help Uninsured EmployeesWorkshop at 27th Annual National Convention in Philadelphia Kicks Off Year-Long Educational Campaign

During its Annual National Convention and Business Expo in Philadelphia, PA, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) in partnership with Pfi zer Helpful Answers kicked off a year-long campaign aimed at educating small businesses about patient assistance programs to help uninsured workers. A workshop offered to registered conference attendees provided information to employers about Pfi zer Helpful Answers and other industry programs that can help uninsured employees get the medicines they need for free or at a savings. USHCC and Pfi zer will continue to reach out to small businesses throughout the year via the USHCC’s various communications channels, including direct mail, online newsletters, print publications and regional presentations. �

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BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFS�Hispanics have the highest rate of uninsured in the U.S. -- over one-third of Hispanics are uninsured compared to only 11 percent among non-Hispanic whites. U.S. Hispanics also have the largest percentage of the working uninsured at 37.9 percent compared to only 14.9 percent of non-Hispanic whites. A key factor contributing to this problem is that Hispanics are concentrated in low-wage jobs and small fi rms—jobs least likely to offer health insurance.

“USHCC strongly supports improving access to health insurance for workers in small businesses across the country,” said Michael L. Barrera, President and CEO, USHCC. ”We know that a permanent solution to the uninsured crisis in our community is long-term. Until there are affordable insurance options for small businesses, industry programs like Pfi zer Helpful Answers offer an immediate resource for employers and their employees.”

“Pfi zer is committed to helping people without prescription coverage get the Pfi zer medicines they need,” said Andrea Bevacqua Day, Senior. Director/Team Leader of Pfi zer Helpful Answers. “We consider our partnership with USHCC important to reach the Hispanic community and we are proud to be able to offer this program as a resource for their member chambers and Hispanic businesses across the country.”

Pfi zer Helpful Answers is a family of programs that helps people without prescription coverage save on many Pfi zer medicines, no matter their age or income. People with limited incomes may even qualify to get their Pfi zer medicines for free. In 2005 alone, Pfi zer Helpful Answers helped 2.1 million patients receive 14.9 million Pfi zer prescriptions for free or at a savings. For more information or to apply to the program, call toll free 1-866-706-2400 or visit www.Pfi zerHelpfulAnswers.com. Information is available in English and Spanish. ��

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the nation’s largest and most infl uential advocate for the more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Senator Kerry and Senator Reid Support a Study That Will Ensure Minority Firms Get Fair Share of Federal Advertising Contracts

In an effort to ensure minority fi rms are getting their fair share of federal advertising contracts, Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, requested a study to determine if the federal government is aggressively pursuing a policy to expand minority advertising contracting opportunities.

“As members of the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP Inc.), we are very glad that Senator Kerry took the initiative in this important and determinative step for Hispanic publications. We have been soliciting this study for years and fi nally Senator Kerry took the initiative to fi nd out how much money the federal government spends in advertising and how much of that money is being spent in minority press”, said NAHP Inc. President, Lupita Colmenero. “In other words, we are glad that the federal government is being inclusive, she said.

“Senator Kerry came to Meet The Hispanic Press and did more than speak on public policy issues. He leads a call for accountability in how our Federal government works with minority media in reaching our community of diversity. He has now been joined by Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) in this effort, and we are proud to have these two men working on this important issue,” said Eddie Escobedo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NHPF (National Hispanic Press Foundation).

“For nearly six years we’ve had a policy in place that says the federal government is supposed to be advertising in minority publications and on radio and television stations that reach minority audiences. Are they doing that? Are they aggressively contracting with minority fi rms?” Kerry asked. “It’s time we know how the government measures up in meeting its responsibility to reach out to all sectors of the American economy and in keeping its commitment to minority entrepreneurs,” said Kerry.

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Executive Order 13170, signed in October 2000, directs federal agencies to expand all contracting opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and fi rms participating in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) business development program, including in information technology and General Service Administration schedules. The Executive Order specifi cally requires each federal agency to “take an aggressive role in ensuring substantial minority-owned entities’ participation, including 8(a), SDB, and MBE, in federal advertising-related procurements.”

Kerry sent a letter to the Government Accountability Offi ce asking them to:

• Determine which federal agencies have developed plans to comply with the order and to what extent there were shortfalls in compliance; and • Find out how many contracts were awarded to SDB, MBE and 8(a) fi rms; and• Examine the total amount of federal dollars spent on advertising 2001-2005, and of that, how much money went to SDB, MBE and 8(a) small businesses.

New Company is Catering to the Culture of the Million of Latinos in the U.S.

Marcela Gómez, president of Hispanic Marketing Group and Maitane Zuloaga Tidwell, president of Inclusive Communications, have joined innovative Nashville-based manufacturer and marketer, Vietti Foods Company, Inc., to form Diversity Brands LLC. Diversity Brands is uniquely positioned as a multicultural strategic marketer with majority Hispanic ownership and with packaged goods expertise in navigating U.S. consumer markets.

With established manufacturing and distribution resources and a strong presence at leading retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kroger and Dollar General Stores, Vietti Foods Company, Inc. makes available substantial benefi ts to Diversity Brands’ clients seeking access to lucrative but complex U.S. markets.

Diversity Brands is currently developing branding and distribution strategies for the newly-formed U.S. division of Morelia, Mexico-based food manufacturer, Mi Viejita, an established industrial supplier of dehydrated ingredients

to companies such as Unilever, one of the worlds’ largest packaged goods companies and marketer of Dove, Lipton and Slim-Fast brands. Costa Rican coffee grower and exporter, Mena Specialty Trading has tapped Diversity Brands to analyze the growing demand for premium coffee products and to develop marketing strategies. Diversity Brands is currently working with a company in Mexico for the distribution of fi gurines of soccer players in the U.S.

“Early in our conversations about the Diversity Brands concept I recognized that Marcela and Maitane had strong professional and cultural connections along with the energy and integrity necessary to build a client base. They needed the packaged goods expertise and a distribution infrastructure such as is available through Vietti Foods to make it work”, stated Philip Connelly, president of Vietti Foods Company, Inc. in Nashville.

“In our daily work in Hispanic and other minority communities we have seen a signifi cant increase in their purchasing power, thus increasing demand for more products that appeal to their culture and heritage,” said, Marcela Gómez, a native of Bogotá, Colombia.

“As the U.S. market becomes more diverse, it creates the need for industry experts to lead the way in navigating the biggest consumer market in the world. Diversity Brands is positioned to help fl edgling companies gain access.” said native Mexican, Maitane Tidwell. “We believe the insight on the markets we have will help our clients’ better reach adventurous and sophisticated consumers seeking authentic ethnic food experiences.”

Vietti Foods Company, Inc. is a subsidiary of Choice Food Group, a privately-held investment company with focus on the food industry. Choice Food Group specializes in wholesale food service distribution of broad line products through Choice Food Distributors, Inc., and the manufacturing and marketing of food products through Vietti Foods Company, Inc.

BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFS

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TELEVISIONS NEWEST JUDGE

Judge & author Christina Perez becomes the fi rst Hispanic

female to star in a courtroom series in the United States.

Twentieth Television announced a “fi rm go” for its new court strip “Cristina’s Court,” hosted by Cristina Perez, former host of Telemundo’s popular court show “La Corte de Familia” (“Family Court”), is set to take on a wide variety of legal issues in a newly conceived and syndicated show produced by Twentieth Television.

The new strip, scheduled for a fall 2006 launch in fi rst-run syndication, has been sold to the Fox Television Stations group, as well as multiple major market Sinclair Broadcast Group stations, representing 55% of the U.S. Stations clearing “Cristina’s Court” include WNYW-WWOR/New York, KTTV-KCOP/Los Angeles, WFLD-WPWR/Chicago, WTXF/Philadelphia, WFXT/Boston, KDFW-KDFI/Dallas, WTTG-WDCA/Washington, DC, WAGA/Atlanta, WJBK/Detroit, KRIV-KTXH/Houston, WTVT/Tampa, WPGH-WCWB/Pittsburgh, WLFL-WRDC/ Raleigh-Durham, WZTV-WUXP/Nashville, WDAF/Kansas City, WSYX-WTTE/Columbus, WITI/Milwaukee, KABB-KRRT/San Antonio, WRGT-WKEF/Dayton, WSYT-WNYS/ Syracuse and KOKH-KOCB/Oklahoma, among others. The program has also been cleared on Raycom Media’s WXIX/Cincinnati and Lockwood Broadcasting’s WUPV/Richmond.

Bob Cook, COO of Twentieth Television commented, “We are very excited about how the market has reacted to ‘Cristina’s Court’ and to have cleared it on the Fox O&Os, along with key Sinclair and Raycom stations throughout the U.S. Undoubtedly, these clearances on multiple group-owned stations are a resounding endorsement of our strong position in court. Launching ‘Cristina’s Court’ next fall even further strengthens our grasp on the genre.”

Paul Buccieri, president of programming of Twentieth Television, stated, “With her strong-willed insight and legal expertise, engaging personality, unique interpretation of the law and by incorporating life’s lessons instilled by her parents, Cristina will bring another dimension to the court genre. We anticipate ‘Cristina’s Court’ to be the break-out new court show of next season.”

The fi rst female television judge in Spanish-language network history, Cristina most recently hosted Telemundo’s highly-rated “La Corte de Familia,” which was one of the highest rated Spanish-language programs in the U.S. In the program, she ruled on cases related to divorce, physical and verbal abuse, custody, paternity claims, child and spousal support and infi delity. Immensely popular within the Hispanic community, she also co-hosts a program on Radio Univision. Cristina made her television debut with “La Corte Del Pueblo” (“The People’s Court”), on Los Angeles’ KHWY-TV. Born in New York and raised in Mexico and the U.S., Cristina owns her own law fi rm in Los Angeles with her husband Christopher Gonzalez, specializing in immigration and naturalization, corporate and media law. She received her Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School and two Bachelor of Arts degrees from UCLA.

Judge Perez fi rst became known as the enormously popular host of the Spanish language television program “La Corte de Familia” (Family Court) which aired nationally and internationally in fi fteen countries on the Telemundo Television Network/NBC. The program appealed to viewers of all ages. The show, one of the highest rated Spanish language programs in the U.S.,

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re-enacted the courtroom drama of family law related claims. Cristina was the fi rst female Judge-Actress to air a nationally syndicated spanish language court room show. Cristina made her television debut on the program “La Corte Del Pueblo” (People’s Court), which aired locally in Los Angeles on KHWY Channel 22. The show re-enacted general small claim matters and allowed, for the fi rst time, cameras to enter the judicial arena and bring the drama of legal battles to the Spanish language viewer. The series was an enormous success and the producer decided to cast Cristina, once again, as the just Judge for “La Corte de Familia.”

CHRISTINA’S COURTWith a passion for law, family and culture, Cristina will be the fi rst television judge ever to cross over from Spanish-language to English-language television. Straight off the bat, viewers will see Cristina as a no-nonsense, strong and fi rm judge who is always in control of her courtroom. In contrast to her tough persona, Cristina doesn’t wear “rubber gloves” in her courtroom. She has the unique ability to connect with her litigants on a very warm and personal level by sharing her wisdom, cultural background and moral beliefs with everyone who stands before her.

“Cristina’s Court” consists of numerous small claims cases but focus on confl icts and legal arguments between families, couples and other relationships in turmoil, including friends, business partners and co-workers. Cristina hears cases ranging from ex-lovers fi ghting over possessions to an irresponsible teen who has stolen from his or her parents. Viewers can see that Cristina, by nature, pours herself into each and every story, as she expertly weaves through the cases looking for the facts, providing direction, counsel and resolution in both an informative and authoritative manner. In addition to championing her legally binding judgments, Cristina simultaneously injects her moral principles and deep-rooted family values into all of her rulings.

CHRISTINA AS AN AUTHOR Advice e is one of the most valuable gifts any parent can give to their child. Cristina Perez turns to her mother’s wisdom every day by refl ecting on the dichos she passes down to her. In this book, Cristina shares those that have most powerfully infl uenced her life and converts them into solid advice. Anyone looking for guidance – whether they about to leave home for college or to get married – will fi nd what they are looking for in this book. Dichos transcend age, race, and religion to provide just the right answer at just the right time. Most important, Cristina shows how proudly embracing your roots and staying true to your identity will guide you down the right track. Dichos have directed Cristina through the toughest challenges and led her to success.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT “LOS DICHOS” WITH CRISTINA PEREZ

In this book, Cristina Perez opens a window into her community as she celebrates life and interweaves traditional dichos (sayings and proverbs) into her life experiences. It is impossible to read a dicho without learning something important. Everyone will have a favorite. Cristina allows readers to peer into her life, as she offers refl ections and guidance on many issues facing us today. Cristina celebrates each other, her community and culture and most importantly, rejoices in the spirit of what she believes defi nes a woman in today’s world.

The book is written for everyone, regardless of gender or race, but geared especially for young women and men, who hold the key to unlock the secret of success for future generations – their respective cultures. This book should remind everyone that life should not be taken for granted but lived to the fullest extent.

The following, is a one on one interview with Cristina Perez about her motivation to write her fi rst book, lessons she learned and those she hopes you the reader receive from her book, and of course about “Los Dichos” themselves.

What made you want to write this book?

Today, more than ever there seems to be cultural identity confusion among young Latino women and men. Not only does mainstream society question who we are, we try to defi ne what it really means to be a Latino in the United States. We try so hard to make it in “mainstream” America that we forget and sacrifi ce the very thing that make us unique – our culture and unique identity. We look to others for inspiration and instruction, when we should be looking at ourselves, our parents, ancestors and traditions. My wish is that this book will teach, guide and inspire all people, especially the young, of whatever generation and background that the key to success at whatever level is to stay connected with the valuable lessons our culture has to offer. The answers to all of our questions lie within each one of us. Our identity, our culture, is what defi nes each one of us and each should never be sacrifi ced, at any cost.

Lastly, I hope that through this book, I can serve as another “bridge” to bring all Latinos to the “mainstream” but more importantly, the mainstream to Latinos.

What exactly are Dichos?

Dichos? Well, you can say dichos are rules to live by, at least they are the rules that I live by day-to-day. Dichos are invaluable proverbs or sayings that are passed down from generation to generation within the Latino culture. In just a few words, each delivers a serious message, value or belief. They offer valuable human experiences and somehow validate the trials and tribulations we go through. They are profound lessons to be learned from the life experiences of our forefathers. They incorporate the astuteness of these past generations and serve as teaching tools for us to live by today and for future generations. When we face challenges in life, we can look to a dicho to give us a sense of clarity of specifi c situations. They are eye-openers. Dichos provide messages of hope, direction or guidance usually just when we need them. Ironically, dichos always express a basic truth that for some reason escaped us for the moment and put us back on track in the right direction.

There are thousands of dichos, some humorous, some serious, some of which are specifi c to certain countries, however, each has a particular meaning and are generally universal and transcend cultures, gender, economic barriers, and generations. Dichos are part of so many of the beautiful traditions of communication within the Latino culture.

Dichos also allow our elders to uniquely connect with the new generation. I have taken valuable lessons from dichos my mother (and grandmother) taught me, making some of my own along the way and used them for direction in all facets of my life.

As you will see, this book, like my life, is premised on solid fundamental teachings and lessons I have learned through dichos. I choose to use dichos because they are a vehicle to take a relatively simple concept to transcend and guide you through certain situations in life. Each chapter provides a symbolic dicho followed by my interpretation of such and how it applies in my life. Each chapter also expounds on the initial dicho by discussing other relevant dichos.

What lessons did you ultimately learn from writing this book?

I’ve learned from writing this book the difference between words versus actions. I have all these great lessons… I learned that I need to take my own advice. I’ve been working so hard trying to be perfect at

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everything. I realize that I don’t have to be the perfect at everything or fi nd the solution all the time. I learned that I too have so much in me that I’ve learned that I’ve yet to use. For me this has been an awakening. . . I have so much power and knowledge that I should view life in a more positive, fuller and appreciative way.

What lessons do you hope that your readers will take away from this book?

Ihope that the reader is able to go on a personal journey and discover what is important to them in life. I hope that once they’ve read the book they learn what defi nes them; their own unique identity. Maybe they already knew about it but never knew it was a gift. It might be their language, how valuable their mother is, pride in their traditions, their family greatness or the one thing in their life that is good and worth struggling for; something good and valuable about themselves. I can only hope that all of this is in their hearts.

CHRISTINA’S BIOGRAPHY

The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Cristina was born in New York, NY, U.S.A. She lived in all types of places: from one of the poorest neighborhoods of New York City, to the big city of Guadalajara, Mexico, to the border town of San Ysidro, CA to Hartford, Connecticut, and then to California, which she has now called home for over twenty years.

Growing up, Cristina was exposed to all walks of life, cultures, and differing problems facing each community. She watched her parents struggle with racism, fi nances, and adapting to the U.S. culture with a foreign language. Cristina learned to speak English around the age of 10 and today has mastered both languages. With her unique and well-rounded background, Cristina credits her family’s example and desire to remain close to her heritage and culture for all of her personal and professional achievements.

Today, she and her family are living out the American dream. With her parents’ examples to follow, it is easy then to understand her passion for community awareness, the practice of law and most of all, for reaching out to all types of people and from all cultures and guiding them toward their own dreams.

Cristina utilized her success on La Corte de Familia and La Corte del Pueblo as vehicles to raise the consciousness of the Latino community. The success of each show lied on the fact that each celebrated the strength of the Latino culture and the importance of family. It also reminded

viewers, of all ages and ethnicity, not to forfeit their culture and the great lessons learned from our ancestors to make it in the United States. It is reliance on these lessons which she believes are key ingredients to be a success in life.

Armed with the life changing lessons learned from her immigrant parents, Cristina is a leader in the community and is committed to community awareness. Cristina has worked to make a difference in her community at every scale. She is an active member and leader of several community and legal organizations.

Cristina frequently lectures and speaks at seminars sponsored by public/community associations, law schools and professional organizations. She is also frequently featured on radio and television. Cristina serves as a weekly Attorney Co-Host on Radio UNIVISION in Los Angeles, California.

In 2005, Cristina was selected as a California’s “Woman of the Year” for her community activities and was named one of America’s top 10 “Latina Advocates,” for making the world a better place for women and Latino’s rights by the national magazine LATINO LEADERS (National Magazine of the Successful American Latino).

Academically, Cristina has a Juris Doctorate degree from Whittier Law and two Bachelors of Arts degrees from UCLA.

Overall, Cristina has worked to make a difference in her community, unknowingly breaking through the stereotypes and misconceptions of what a Latina is or should be. Cristina is a powerful role model for young women in any community and particularly for Latinas. Not only has she excelled in two demanding fi elds, but she has utilized her skills to advocate for many who have no access to justice. On a daily basis, Cristina strives to be a powerful role model for all people.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS• Judge-Host, “CRISTINA’S COURT”, a reality-based television court show (20th Century Fox Television), 2006-present

• Legal Co-Host Radio, KTNQ (UNIVISION – Los Angeles), 1020 AM, 2003-present Legal Host Television, TODO DE UN POCO (bi-weekly), KWHY (Channel 22), Telemundo Network (NBC, Inc.), 2004-present

• Judge-Host, “LA CORTE DE FAMILIA” (Family Court), a reality-based television court show aired worldwide on the Telemundo Network (NBC, Inc.), 2000-2005 Judge-Host, “LA CORTE DEL PUEBLO” (People’s Court), a reality-based television court show aired locally in Los Angeles on the KWHY (Channel 22), Telemundo Network, 1999-2000

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• Family and Legal Columnist, CATALINA Magazine (80,000 Cir.), 2005

• Legal Columnist, TV Musica (30,000 Cir.), 2005

• Legal Columnist, Nuestra Vision, (30,000 Cir.), 2005

• Award Nominee Presenter, 2004 El Premio de la Gente, Latin Music Fan Awards, Male Pop

• Artist/Group of the Year, 2004

• Legal Co-Host Radio, RADIO UNICA (National), “Immigration Questions and Answers,” 1999-2003

• Legal Guest-Host Radio, KWKW, 1330 AM (Los Angeles), 1998-1999

• Legal Guest-Host Radio, RADIO NOTICIAS, 930 AM (Los Angeles), 1998

• Frequently featured on radio and television, print media and as legal guest speaker

IN THE COMMUNITY• “WOMAN OF THE YEAR,” 43rd District of California, recognized indefi nitely in the California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts of the Museum, 2005

• Board of Trustees, Trustee, Padres Contra el Cancer, 2004-present

• Top 10 “Latina Advocate” for making the world a better place for women and Latino advocacy by the national magazine Latino Leaders (The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino), 2004

• Chair, Curriculum Center, American Immigration Law Foundation, 2006

• Key Note Speaker, CATALINA Magazine’s National Essence of Latinas Tour (national speaking tour to empower women), 2004

• Recipient of Public Service Award, Whittier Law School, 2003

• Trustee, American Immigration Law Foundation (AILF) (National), 2002-present. As an active

• Trustee leads the way to establish strong awareness of AILF and the contributions of the immigrant community in Southern California. Successfully organized AILF’s Immigrant Achievement Awards in Southern California honoring high profi le immigrants in entertainment, media and business.

• Chair, National Association of Latina Leaders, 2005

IN THE LEGAL REALM

• Board of Governors, American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA), (www.aila.org), 2005-present

• Hand-Selected Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, United States District Court, Central District Court of California, 2003-2006

• Panel Member, Merit Selection Panel Regarding Re-appointment Consideration of Full-time Magistrate Judges, United States District Court, Central District of California, Western Division, Panel Member, 2003-present

• Trustee, Los Angeles County Bar Association 2002-2004

• Community Relations Committee, Los Angeles County Bar Association 2002-2004

• President, Mexican American Bar Association (MABA), 2002-2003. MABA is one of the largest and most prominent Latino bar associations in the nation. Served as MABA’s national immigration advocate. Instrumental in the advocacy against the unlicensed practice of law in Southern California

• Central District Vice President, La Raza Lawyers of California, 2002-2003 Board of Directors, El Rescate, 2005

• Member, Bench/Bar Committee of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Los Angeles, California, 2002 Consulting Attorney for the Consulate General of Mexico, Los Angeles, California, 2002

• Frequently featured as legal guest speaker

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HISPANICS...AND THE

INTERNET

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The AOL Latino 2006 Hispanic Cyberstudy Breaks New Ground by Analyzing Internet Usage across Acculturation SegmentsNew Study Demonstrates That the Hispanic Internet Landscape Is Bicultural.Internet Continues to Be the Best Source to Make Final Brand Decisions for Most Online Hispanics

Currently there are more than 16 million Hispanics online or 55% of the total U.S. Hispanic population. Of those 16 million, 77% have access to broadband. While online penetration among Hispanics has grown rapidly over the last several years, a new survey, “The AOL Latino 2006 Hispanic Cyberstudy” conducted by Synovate’s Diversity Group, fi nds that habit and cultural relevancy defi ne Internet usage for Hispanics. The study defi nes online Hispanics by their level of acculturation - mostly acculturated, partially acculturated and relatively unacculturated - and proves that they consume the Internet in different ways offering new options to marketers wanting to reach the Hispanic market.

According to the study, 81% of Hispanics online are mostly acculturated or partially acculturated, while only 19% is relatively unacculturated. While acculturated online Hispanics tend to prefer online content in English, nearly 40% of them still fi nd Spanish content appealing; of the unacculturated segment 37% prefer both languages. Of the total Hispanic online population, only 15% prefer Spanish only.

Additionally, the study shows that more than two-thirds (68%) of online Hispanics consider the Internet to be the best source in making fi nal brand decisions making it the most relevant medium for marketers. ��“The AOL Latino 2006 Hispanic Cyberstudy reveals new data on online Hispanics, analyzing how this market prefers to consume the Internet across acculturation segments,” said Mark Lopez, Publisher, AOL Latino. “With this new data, marketers will be able to better understand how to reach the rapidly growing online Hispanic market. This study also helps to understand the complexities of

U.S. Hispanics, and that marketers seeking to connect with the online Hispanic population must address cultural needs, which differ �depending on levels of acculturation.”

As an example, AOL Latino often features special bilingual programming including Festival de Cine Corto (the fi rst online short fi lm festival for Hispanics), Hispanic Heritage Month, Latinos in Hollywood, Latin Emmys, ALMA awards, Countdown to Miss Universe and more allowing marketers ways to reach Hispanics across all segments in both languages. The study also fi nds that online Hispanics enjoy social networking online: 68% use instant messaging; 63% share photos online; 52% read or post blogs; 43% visit social networking sites; and 40% talk on a phone using the Internet. Additionally, the study proves that online Hispanics prefer websites that focus on news (48%) as well as websites that provide mapping capabilities (43%). Music, weather, health and travel websites also rank among the more popular sites for online Hispanics.

Online Hispanics and Internet Purchasing DecisionsThe Internet continues to be the best source to make a fi nal brand decision for most online Hispanics (68% in 2006 vs. 51% in 2004). • More than three quarters of the online Hispanic population (77%) use the Internet to learn about brands of products (vs. 59% in 2004).• Seventy-fi ve percent (75%) of online Hispanics use the Internet to learn about brand features or benefi ts (vs. 61% in 2004).• Seventy-two percent (72%) of online Hispanics use the Internet to compare prices of products (vs. 59% in 2004).

The Hispanic Online Market & AcculturationThere is a clear distinction in the Internet behavior between mostly acculturated and less acculturated Hispanics. • Mostly acculturated Hispanics are more likely to visit websites that focus on topics such as Finance, Entertainment and Nutrition.• Unacculturated Hispanics are more likely to visit websites that provide news from Latin America, as well as Sports websites that focus on Soccer.

Hispanics: Going Online vs. Watching Television• Nearly half (47% of mostly acculturated online Hispanics and 45% of partially acculturated online Hispanics) are getting online and watching TV at the same time. A third of unacculturated Hispanics are also online and watching TV simultaneously.

AND THE INTERNET

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and Gay and Lesbian markets. For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com.

About AOL(R) Latino AOL(R) Latino, a leading bilingual service for U.S. Hispanics, provides comprehensive Spanish language content including U.S. and Latin American news, fi nancial tools, the latest in music, entertainment, personal fi nance, sports, fashion and beauty, as well as access to all the existing content available on www.aol.com.

• The bicultural nature of the Hispanic market is also evident across other mediums. In an average week, online Hispanics spend 12.4 hours watching English-language TV and 7.7 hours watching Spanish-language TV.

MethodologyThe AOL Latino 2006 Hispanic Cyberstudy was conducted by Synovate’s Diversity Group and refl ects changes in methodology from earlier Hispanic studies commissioned by AOL. In 2006, a single study of Hispanics online was conducted whereas in 2005 a two-sample approach was used, which included a study of Hispanics online and a study of the general population online. Both the 2006 and 2005 studies were completed using phone interviews. The 2006 study was completed by interviewing 502 participants in English or Spanish by Synovate bi-lingual interviewers. Respondents were 18+ year old Hispanics who accessed the Internet from any location in the past month. Interviews ere conducted between July 6, 2006 and July 19, 2006 using a surname listed sample. Respondents were further qualifi ed as Hispanic during the telephone interview.

As defi ned by the study and by Synovate Diversity Group’s market research: • Mostly acculturated Hispanics are those that have been online for an average of 3 or more years. They tend to be U.S. born and to have lived in the U.S. for more than twenty years. However, they still speak Spanish and consume Spanish media. • Partially acculturated Hispanics are those that have been online for an average of 2.8 years. Tend to have lived in the U.S. for several years. Fifty percent (50%) are Spanish-dominant and nearly one-third of this group is bilingual or speaks more English than Spanish. This continues to be the largest Hispanic segment. • Unacculturated Hispanics are those that have been online an average of 2.3 years. They are born outside of the U.S. Hispanics in this segment tend to have lived in the U.S. the shortest amount of time. They are 90% Spanish dominant.

About Synovate’s Diversity Group Synovate’s Diversity Group, a trusted source of diversity market intelligence for over 35 years, is especially well-known for its Hispanic acculturation model and the group’s U.S. Diversity Markets Report (“Blue Book”) released every two years. The Diversity group offers research expertise in a wide array of markets including the Hispanic, African-American, Asian-American, Seniors,

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DIVERSITY & CULTUREMany Companies Reluctant To Divulge Diversity DataTwo out of fi ve companies do not disclose employee diversity information, according to a survey of 3,100 senior human resources executives by Novations Group, a consulting and training organization based in Boston.

Thirty-eight percent of companies regards their diversity metrics as proprietary and keeps them confi dential, while 35.3% provides such data just to concerned groups, such as employees, vendors or customers. Only 26.3% of employers makes its diversity and inclusion data public.

“Releasing diversity data continues to be a sensitive issue for many companies,” said Novations Executive Consultant Verna Ford. “Employers were never especially open when it comes to divulging metrics that track progress or lack of it, and in the past several years they faced less government scrutiny with respect to diversity. So our fi nding that there’s been no movement toward greater disclosure is no surprise.”

Having accurate diversity data is essential for corporate boards and executive policy-makers, Ford observed. “The people responsible for achieving qualitative and quantitative goals need to have all the metrics, and having inaccurate or confusing data is, in fact, even more harmful than having no data. On the other hand, not everyone seeking diversity data has the organization’s best interests at heart, so a corporate counsel’s caution isn’t altogether unreasonable.”

The Novations survey also found that for two out of three employers diversity is the responsibility of the human resources department.

To which of the following departments does your diversity function belong?Human resources department 68.9%Training & development 10.4% Corporate counsel 1.5%Diversity is an independent department. 11.9% Other 7.4%

“When diversity is part of training and development, education is the main objective,” said Ford. “But where the corporate counsel is in charge it’s likely the company has had some trouble, is under threat of litigation, or realizes diversity has been neglected and were the numbers disclosed there would be major repercussions.”

Likewise, organizations that place a value on their people processes generally put diversity under HR, Ford said. “If top management accepts the business case for diversity, it will hold responsible both HR and the line executives that HR supports. When diversity is an independent department it probably means there’s a high-level executive with a personal passion for diversity, and this arrangement works so long as that executive stays visibly involved. Otherwise, as well-intentioned as it may appear, separate status for diversity may soon translate in line managers’ minds as “outside of my business” or an “expense item over which I have no control.”

In another survey fi nding, employers are increasingly targeting fi rst-line managers for diversity training. “Supervisors who are given people management responsibility for the fi rst time need to be brought up to speed on inclusion and diversity,” explained Ford. “It’s crucial for them to understand the key inclusion messages of treating all employees with equal respect and making opportunities available to everyone who merits them.”

Monterrey-Herrera Productions Signs TV Film Deal with Arts & Entertainment NetworkLandmark Production Deal to Capture Latino Stories of Courage, Patriotism & Honor

Monterrey-Herrera Productions has signed a fi lm production deal with the Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Network to produce “A Color Of Honor.” This historic, landmark fi lm documentary, a tribute to Latinos in the military, will capture stories of courage, patriotism, and honor from Latino veterans and soldiers who have made signifi cant impact on American history.

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DIVERSITY & CULTURE“A Color Of Honor will enable us to broaden America’s awareness of the major role Latinos have played in all branches of the U.S. military since the American Revolution,” stated Manny Monterrey, Co Executive Producer of the project. “As recipients of the highest number of Congressional Medals Of Honor, we hope to ensure our rightful place in American history.”

“A Color Of Honor” is a multi–media production which includes the A&E documentary fi lm, a 200 page pictorial book, a multi-city traveling photo exhibit, a free public musical concert and CD, and a national student fi lm documentary project.Monterrey, the Creator, Co–Author and Executive Producer of the multi–media production “Americanos: Latino Life in The US,” has joined forces with George Herrera, President of Herrera-Cristina Group and Pie Face Productions, and creator of the nationally syndicated television show “Hispanics Today,” to form Monterrey–Herrera Productions.

“This project will not only allow us to accurately capture our community’s contribution to American History, but also provide corporate America an opportunity to partner with us in communicating our achievements to the American public,” stated George Herrera. “A Color Of Honor” has drawn signifi cant support from the public sector. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) serve as Co–Chairs of the project.

“A Color Of Honor,” the fi lm documentary is slated to premiere on the History Channel and History Channel En Español during Hispanic Heritage month in 2006, kicking off a national celebration of this endeavor which will continue for several years thereafter via the other project components.

Pie Face Productions is a Hispanic-owned, production company with offi ces in Washington, DC and New York

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DIVERSITY & CULTURECity. Pie Face specializes in multi-media productions and multicultural programming to diversify the role of minorities in the media. For more information about Pie Face Productions, please call 202-292-4608.

The Latino Factor: a new documentary about immigrationMarcos Nelson Suárez, publisher of “El Hispano News” in Dallas, Texas and documentary fi lmmaker, has produced a new documentary titled, “The Latino factor.”

�Produced in less than three months, the 45-minute documentary portrays the history of immigration in the U.S. and analyzes the current political frenzy about the undocumented population using interviews with political leaders, university scholars and community activists, including interviews with Minuteman leaders and offi cers from the Border Patrol.

�“The current rhetoric about border security and illegal immigration is really more about the national creed than anything else,” said Mr. Suárez. In 2005, University professor Samuel Huntington published his book “Who Are We.” “Basically, The book argues that Hispanics and in particular Mexicans are a threat to the national identity and the creed of the United States because arguably, they don’t assimilate,” says Mr. Suárez.

The Latino Factor” tries to dispel that notion and prove that assimilation is just a matter of time. The documentary shows the extraordinary rallies of Latinos all over the nation after the House of Representatives passed a bill in December 2005 that makes undocumented aliens felons, penalizing them as well as anyone else who helps them.

�“The Latino Factor” offers also a stream of statistics on labor, contributions to social security and participation of Hispanics in the United States as well as demographic information. ��“The Hispanic infl uence in the U.S. is a very recent phenomenon of less than 40 years,” explains Mr. Suárez. “In other words, there has not been time for assimilation. Like any other ethnic group, usually by the third generation assimilation is almost complete. “I don’t

“The current rhetoric about border security and illegal immigration is really more about the national creed than anything else... Basically, The book argues that Hispanics and in particular Mexicans are a threat to the national identity and the creed of the United States because arguably, they don’t assimilate,” says Mr. Suárez.think that Prof. Huntington, or any other of the Latino immigration detractors, are taking into consideration the time factor regarding the assimilation of Latinos.”

“The Latino Factor” will premiere on October 19 at the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, Texas.

Marcos Nelson Suárez is the publisher of “El Hispano News,” the oldest Hispanic newspaper in North Texas. He has also directed several documentaries including, “The Decline of the Mayan Empire,” and the independent features fi lms, “Tiempo Para Morir” and “La Conexión Cubana.”

A DVD copy of the documentary is available upon request.

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EXECUTIVE NEWS & MOVESAccomplished Marketing Strategist Ron Estrada Joins USHCC National Leadership as Vice President of MarketingUSHCC Adds Experienced Marketing Expert to its Roster of Top-Notch Talent

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the largest and most infl uential advocate for the two million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, is pleased to announce the addition of Ron Estrada to its national offi ce as the Vice President of Marketing. ��Estrada joins the USHCC after serving for more than 12 years as a senior member of Estrada Communications Group, a leading marketing communications fi rm with offi ces in California and Texas. During his tenure, Estrada successfully managed campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and helped the USHCC with the promotion of some of its most successful conventions in recent history. ��“Ron’s expertise will be a valuable addition to the USHCC, and we’re honored to have him as a part of our team,” said USHCC President and CEO Michael L. Barrera. “Ron has an accomplished and reputable track record, and I have no doubt he will make an immediate, valuable contribution to our national and international marketing and branding objectives.”

Estrada brings a broad and comprehensive roster of marketing and communications achievements that spans more than 16 years. Along with his professional success, Estrada also holds various positions with both corporate and private organizations and foundations. He co-founded the Aguila Awards Foundation and serves on the President’s Advisory Council for the Southwest Key Program, among others. ��“I have enjoyed so many blessings in my life, and I know a lot of that comes from hard work and focusing on the task at hand,” Estrada said. “I look forward to building and maximizing on the opportunities the USHCC provides for Hispanic businesses in the United States and elsewhere.”

The USHCC represents the interests of more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, which earn more than $350 billion annually. It serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers nationwide, and it

actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Antonio Arocho New HNBA Executive Director

he Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) has selected Antonio Arocho, Esq. as the new HNBA Executive Director. Arocho will be based in Washington, D.C., and direct operations for the HNBA. As the HNBA’s chief operating offi cer and chief fi nancial administrator, Arocho will supervise staff, manage the day-to-day operations of the HNBA, and support the HNBA Board of Governors in the development and execution of programs and policy.

Arocho’s experience includes working with many nonprofi t organizations as counsel, board member, and part of the management team. His efforts have included implementing membership objectives and advocacy efforts as a Vice-President at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. He provided technical assistance to Hispanic community-based organizations and community development corporations around the nation while at the National Council of La Raza. He has successfully raised funds for diverse causes from private sources, private foundations, individuals, and government grants. In addition, he has provided legal representation to migrant and seasonal farmworkers, one of the poorest groups of working people in the United States. ��Before moving to the Washington, D.C. area, Arocho served as an Assistant U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General, Director of Labor Relations for the U.S. Virgin Islands, and as a special assistant to the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Delegate to U.S. House of Representatives. Arocho received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Rider College, and his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. He is a member of the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands bars.

HNBA National President Nelson A. Castillo stated, “We are delighted to have Antonio Arocho on board as our new Executive Director of the HNBA. Antonio is the

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EXECUTIVE NEWS & MOVESright person to manage this organization at this important stage in our development. Antonio’s broad experience and his proven dedication and understanding of the Hispanic community and the nonprofi t sector make him the right person to help the HNBA reach new levels of service to its members, the Hispanic legal profession, and the Hispanic community.”

“The HNBA has built a strong foundation that has allowed for tremendous growth in recent years,” remarked Arocho. “I am looking forward to helping the HNBA further expand its capacities and reach its full potential as the voice of the Hispanic legal community.”

The HNBA is a non-profi t, national association representing the interests of over 27,000 Hispanic American attorneys, judges, law professors, law graduates, law students, legal administrators, and legal assistants or paralegals in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The mission of the HNBA is to improve the study, practice, and administration of justice for all Americans by ensuring the meaningful participation of Hispanics in the legal profession.

First Hispanic Female Executive to serve on the Electronic Retailing Association’s (ERA) Board of DirectorsUS Hispanic Direct Response agency Vivar Advertising proudly announces the election of its Managing Director - Adriana Eiriz - to ERA’s Board of Directors.

Adriana will be the fi rst Latin American female to serve on ERA’s Board of Directors. Gerald Bagg, CEO of Vivar Advertising, remarked, “Adriana is a perfect addition to the ERA board because she represents one of the fastest growing segments in the advertising industry. Her 19 years experience in the Hispanic marketplace will bring a fresh perspective to the board and help the entire segment fl ourish.”

A native of Argentina, Adriana began her career in US Hispanic marketing and advertising with Lexicon Marketing (recently recognized as the #1 US Hispanic Marketer by Ad Age) as its Head of US Hispanic and Latin American Sales & Distribution. While at Lexicon, Adriana

spearheaded the launch of Lexicon’s licensed “Disney’s World of English” for children – a product launch that opened up an entirely new market segment for Lexicon. After more than 9 years at Lexicon, Adriana joined Latin Links Inc., a marketing and sales organization that specialized in the US Hispanic Market, spearheading key Hispanic DR and retail initiatives. Under her leadership, Latin Links tripled its Spanish product revenues in the US, Mexico and Puerto Rico. She then joined Vivar at its inception in 2005 as its Managing Director. In her capacity as Managing Director, Adriana is responsible for the agency’s strategic initiatives, new business development and supervision of key agency/client relationships.

In January 2006, Adriana was presented with the “Greatest Contribution to the US Hispanic Market” award from The Electronic Retailing Association (ERA). She is also the former Chair of 2006 ERA’s U.S. Hispanic Council. A true innovator in US Hispanic Marketing, Adriana has been a featured speaker at numerous Hispanic marketing conferences (DMA Directo Days, ERA and Evan Marcus) and has written articles for Electronic Retailer Magazine on trends in US Hispanic DRTV. ��About Vivar: ��Vivar Advertising is a leading full-service direct response advertising agency with specialized services in strategic planning, creative development, commercial production, media planning and buying, and back-end management including telemarketing and fulfi llment. Its clients include All-Star Marketing, Sharper Image, Warner Brothers Home Video, Hamilton Beach, Urban Rebounder, Invent Help, Bingo Books, Protemex, and Post-T-Vac among others.

For more information on Vivar Advertising please visit our website at www.vivaradvertising.com or contact us at 310-996-5873.

Fones4All Announces the Appointment of Anthony Gouveia as Chief Financial Offi cer

Leading telecommunications company Fones4All announced today that Mr. Anthony Gouveia has been appointed as Chief Financial Offi cer for the company. Mr. Gouveia, formerly the VP Finance and Corporate Controller for UNILAB Inc., brings over 20 years of

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EXECUTIVE NEWS & MOVESsignifi cant fi nance and accounting experience with high-growth companies and will work closely with the President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Bettina Cardona, on fi nance, accounting, and operational issues.

“We are excited to welcome Tony to our executive team,” commented Ms. Cardona. “He brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to Fones4All which will help us manage our extraordinary growth and continue to create a strong foundation on which to build.” Mr. Gouveia responded, “The continued growth of Fones4All and the increasing capacity to provide additional services to customers positions the company for sustained long term growth. I am pleased to join the Fones4All team during such an exciting time for the company.”

Prior to joining Fones4All, Mr. Gouveia was the Vice President Finance and Corporate Controller at UNILAB, a $500 million publicly traded clinical laboratory testing company, which was purchased in 2003 by Quest Diagnostics. He also previously held fi nancial positions at Winston Tire Company, Pacifi c Thrift & Loan, Great Western Bank, HealthNet, and Coopers & Lybrand. Mr. Gouveia earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois.

ABOUT FONES4ALL Fones4All was founded in 1999 to provide telecommunications services to underserved low-income residents throughout the State of California. Fones4All, in conjunction with the California Public Utilities Commission’s Universal Lifeline Telephone Service (ULTS) program, provides high quality customer-focused telephone service to minority families, senior citizens, and students. The company is growing rapidly, adding new cities and customers every week to their coverage area, and expanding its product line to meet the needs of middle-income households as well. Fones4All’s mission is to provide a telephony service that is driven by goodwill and the initiative to provide communities with an affordable opportunity that seeks to close the gap between socio-economic classes and allow families to focus on other ways to enrich their lives. For more information, please visit www.fones4all.com

McDonald’s® Promotes Ofelia Melendrez to Vice PresidentMelendrez joins growing ranks of McDonald’s Hispanic corporate offi cers

McDonald’s Corporation recently announced the appointment of

Ofelia Melendrez to vice president of the company’s Greater Southwest Region’s operations team, focusing on Quality, Service and Cleanliness(R) (QSC(R)) to improve overall customer satisfaction. The department is based in Dallas, Texas. ��Melendrez, who began her McDonald’s career as an intern upon graduation from college in 1992, now joins the growing ranks of Hispanics serving in top management positions with the company. McDonald’s has one of the highest rates of Hispanics serving as corporate offi cers among all major U.S. corporations.

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EXECUTIVE NEWS & MOVES“Her extensive operations background, great people skills, and proven business acumen gives me great confi dence in her ability to help our owner/operators and restaurants continue to provide a great experience for our customers,” said James Collins, the former QSC vice president for the Greater Southwest Region who named Melendrez to the position.

Most recently in her role as director of operations, Melendrez drove regional sales growth by leading an initiative to extend McDonald’s hours of operations in the Greater Southwest region, which today leads all McDonald’s U.S. regions in number of restaurants open 24 hours. She also worked with owner/operator-led teams to champion efforts to improve drive thru service – a convenience that busy McDonald’s customers enjoy.

Melendrez’s impressive rise up the McDonald’s corporate ladder began just 13 years ago when the company’s Los Angeles region recruited her through their McDonald’s Internship program. The Los Angeles native received a BA in Business Administration from California State University Fullerton in 1993.

“I had the misconception, at the time, that McDonald’s only provided short-term job opportunities,” said Melendrez. “Upon closer inspection, I discovered that McDonald’s is a place of tremendous growth and career development. I have been able to work in Latin America as well as in McDonald’s home offi ce. And, no matter where I have been I have always been proud to be a part of McDonald’s commitment to positively impacting the communities in which we do business.”

In 1994, Melendrez received the Outstanding Restaurant Manager Award and, within seven years of employment, became chairwoman of the company’s Hispanic Employee Network in Los Angeles. ��In 2005, she won the Leadership Award from McDonald’s Women’s Leadership Network and today serves as executive sponsor of the Greater Southwest Hispanic Employee Network. Melendrez is credited with re-energizing the Network and providing coaching, mentoring, and inspiration to McDonald’s Hispanic employees. Melendrez has also piloted several Hispanic Career Development classes and networking programs in Southern California and the Greater Southwest, giving back the same opportunities afforded to her.

Her career goals include becoming a McDonald’s General Manager or other executive level positions where she can continue to drive McDonald’s nationally-recognized efforts to promote equal-opportunity employment, community involvement and workplace diversity.

In addition to the notable successes of McDonald’s Hispanic executives, the company is also the largest Hispanic franchisee organization in the

U.S. Currently, 8 percent of McDonald’s owner/operators are Hispanic. The combined sales of the company’s Hispanic owner/operators constitute the country’s largest Hispanic enterprise.

Several Hispanic publications have recognized McDonald’s for its diversity commitment, including: • Ranked No. 1 “Top 40 Companies for Hispanics” – Hispanic Business Magazine, 2005 • The Best 50 Companies for Latinas to Work” – Latina Style Magazine, 2005 • ”Top 50 Recruitment Companies in the Hispanic Market” – Hispanic Magazine, 2005.

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Mercedes Hanabergh, Latin Community Development Offi cer at Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union, Earns 2006 ‘Hispanic Woman of Distinction’ Award

Mercedes Hanabergh, Latin Community Development Offi cer for Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union, was named a 2006 “Hispanic Woman of Distinction” at a special charity luncheon August 18 at the Signature Grand near Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Hanabergh and 11 other women of Hispanic ethnicity were recognized and honored for their signifi cant contributions to the South Florida community. The awards luncheon offi cially kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month in Broward County. Part of the event’s proceeds will benefi t the March of Dimes and Light of the World Clinic.

Hanabergh has a unique position at Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union, designed to market the credit union’s products and services to Hispanic communities in South Florida and the Tampa Bay region. Hanabergh has leadership roles in the Latin Business Club of America, Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latin Chamber of Commerce of Broward County and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber’s Women’s Council, among others. She also supports Hispanic Unity of Broward, the Cuban American National Council, and ASPIRA. She is also a co-founder of the Pembroke Pines/Weston Lions Club.

ABOUT EASTERN FINANCIAL FLORIDA CREDIT UNIONEastern Financial Florida Credit Union, based in Miramar, Florida, is the largest Credit Union in South Florida and the third largest in Florida with over $2 billion in assets. It has 25 branches in South Florida and the Tampa Bay region, serves more than 900 member companies and provides fi nancial services to more than 213, 000 individual members. For more log on to www.effcu.com.

SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc. Appoints David Lizárraga to Advisory Board

SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc., a fi nancial services company dedicated to building long-term

relationships with its customers and empowering them through fi nancial education, today announced changes to its advisory board. ��David Lizárraga, Chairman, President and CEO of TELACU, the largest community development corporation in the United States, joined the SBLI USA Advisory Board. As an advisory board member, he will provide advice and counsel with respect to the operations of the company, and serve as an additional source of insight on corporate outreach and strategy.

“We welcome Dave to our advisory board,” announced Vikki L. Pryor, president and CEO of SBLI USA. “His expertise will serve as an excellent complement to our current board, and to further guide our management team in achieving our strategic goals and growth objectives.”

Lizárraga is TELACU’s dynamic and visionary leader who has dedicated his life to rebuilding communities. His leadership has taken TELACU from a small community-based organization to the largest, most successful community development corporation in the nation. Internationally recognized as one of the country’s top Latino leaders, Lizárraga is often consulted for his expertise in the fi elds of business, governmental issues and community and economic development.

ABOUT SBLI USASBLI USA markets a wide range of life insurance products to value-conscious consumers and diverse markets. The Company is dedicated to building lifelong relationships with customers and empowering them with the education and tools they need to take control of their fi nancial destinies. SBLI USA and its subsidiaries are licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. With more than $17.6 billion of insurance in force, $1.5 billion in assets, $120 million in surplus capital, 250 associates and approximately 380,000 policyholders, the company is committed to offering affordable, fl exible and easy-to-access products through a variety of integrated channels, including direct mail, telemarketing, a bilingual Web site, licensed agents, and new Customer Centers, as it expands nationally.

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