Hyundai Motor America has partnered with one of the nation's leading experts and advocates for financial empowerment and small business development as well as best-selling author, Louis Barajas. Celebrating his second published book, Small Business, Big Life in May 2007, Hyundai is hosting the book signing tour and financial and entrepreneurial empowerment workshops at the annual conventions of the leading Hispanic advocacy, professional and business organizations as well as higher education associations representing Hispanic-serving institutions in the country.
Louis Barajas is a premier example of the American dream. Born in East Los Angeles and the son of Mexican immigrants, Mr. Barajas began his financial and small business career in his teens by helping his father and mother with their wrought iron business. He graduated from UCLA in 1984, received his MBA from Claremont Graduate School in 1987, and attained a Certified Financial Planner designation from the Denver College of Financial Planning in 1990. After years of experience at major accounting and financial planning firms, he returned to East Los Angeles in 1991 to form his own financial and business planning firm. Louis wished to make a difference within the Latino community he grew up in, hard-working men and women who, because of a lack of information or understanding, often had limited financial choices that kept them from achieving the success, security, and significance they deserved.
Hyundai admires the personal and business accomplishments Mr. Barajas has achieved throughout his career and the significance and overall impact he sets on all those who have the opportunity to read his books, listen to his speeches or participate in one of his workshops. “At Hyundai, we are proud to encourage good thinking and align ourselves with programs that benefit communities in which we live and do business”, said Alma McMaster, National Manager of Diversity Relations for Hyundai Motor America. “The Hispanic Market has contributed tremendously to Hyundai's success in the United States and we are proud to partner with Mr. Barajas as he launches his second book.”
The tour was launched during the annual convention of The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest and most influential Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. The annual conference and Latino Business Expo were recently held this year in Miami, Fl.
As the program continues to tour the country, Hyundai expands the positive echoing effects of Mr. Barajas inspirational and motivational words through the book signing tour offering thousands of consumers complimentary signed copies of his most recent published book and powerful workshops for Hispanic entrepreneurs. “Hyundai recognizes and applauds the work and success of Louis Barajas and is proud to unite with individuals and organizations that help to enrich the local communities we do business with”, states Walter Rodriguez, Diversity Relations Manager for Hyundai Motor America. “We share his passion and mission to improve opportunities for Hispanics throughout the country.”
Hyundai recently sponsored the 28th Annual Convention and Business Expo of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) on August 22 – 26, 2007 in Long Beach, CA. The CHCC is the premier and largest regional Hispanic business organization in the nation representing the interests of over 600,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in the state of California. The chamber promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs through its network and support of over 60 local Hispanic chambers and business associations throughout the state.
Louis Barajas offered “The Journey to Financial Greatness for Small Business Owners” workshop in both English and Spanish complimentary to the public thanks to the support of Hyundai. The workshop helps individuals and business owners attain their financial goals through the proper implementation of wise financial and business strategies. Louis Barajas personally conducted the workshops and guided all participants through his proven 10 steps required to achieve financial greatness.
Houston, Texas was home for the 18th Annual Conference and Career Expo for the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), the third event Hyundai sponsored in conjunction with the book tour visit with Louis Barajas. The conference took place on October 4 through 6 with attendance exceeding 7,000 Hispanic MBA professionals and students participating in informative workshops on current business issues and professional development; as well as host of one of the preeminent career expos in the country providing strong network opportunities among members and students, academic institutions and corporate participants.
Hyundai's Hispanic Financial Empowerment Program will reach the Midwest on October 20, 2007 during the 21st Annual Conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) taking place in Chicago, IL. As this year's theme, “Championing Hispanic Education Success: A Imperative for the 21st Century”, Hyundai's Hispanic Outreach program reinforces this goal with workshops conducted by Mr. Louis Barajas as well as complimentary signed books to attendees that will provide the right tools for their financial success and educational goals.
Continuing the commitment and support of providing resources for Hispanic entrepreneurial empowerment, Hyundai will be sponsoring the 2007 National Minority Supplier Development Council Conference and Business Opportunity Fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The NMSDC has made great strides in providing increased procurement and business opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Hyundai together with Louis Barajas will provide complimentary signed books at the business opportunity fair on Monday October 29, 2007.
“At Hyundai, we believe partnering with qualified, experienced and value-driven suppliers regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or size will foster the business advantage required to succeed in this market, states Keith Duckworth, Executive V.P. General Affairs for Hyundai Motor America. “Additionally, we recognize a diverse supplier pool allows us to take advantage of new perspectives, unique talents and cutting edge ideas. We are committed to search for the most professional and diverse business partners.”
Hyundai Diversity Relations' objective is to foster an environment in which diversity is explicitly recognized as a fundamental part of not only the company's internal infrastructure, but in all aspects of the company's business operations including community outreach and philanthropic efforts. The alignments and programs established this year will help enrich communities nationwide and contribute to the overall economic health of the nation.
