SACRAMENTO, CA, April 3, 2007 – Henry Mendoza, Chairman of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) announced today that Joel Ayala has been hired to serve as President & CEO of California’s largest Latino business advocacy group after an extensive search. Ayala will commence employment on April 16, 2007.

“After an extensive search process yielding several highly qualified candidates the, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce is very happy to bring Joel on board. Joel’s track record in advocacy on issues that impact small business is second to none” stated Mendoza. “The Latino business community, statewide and nationwide, has been experiencing strong growth over the past few years, and as an organization we are continuing to make a significant impact in California. We are excited that Joel is part of our leadership team and will drive our continued growth. His ability to lead and grow an organization is clearly demonstrated by his accomplishments in the Southern California region as a seasoned professional and chamber executive with extensive experience in all phases of business process and economic development. Joel will continue to be a strong advocate for Hispanic-owned businesses and for small business as a whole. I think that it is important that we also acknowledge and thank James Duran and Duran Human Capital Partners, Campbell, CA for their assistance in managing the search and employment process.”

Ayala, a resident of Anaheim, holds double majors in Political Science and Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine. Joel is a strong proponent of small business ownership and was most recently the President and CEO of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a position he has held since 2001. He also served as the Regional Chair for the Southern Region of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce for the past three years.

“This is a very exciting opportunity,” added Ayala. “I am confident that under the leadership of our chairman and the board of directors that I will be able make an immediate impact. My first priority is to meet with our stakeholders, including our corporate partners, chamber members and policymakers. I also look forward to executing the vision of the organization and growing the organization as best as we can.”

About the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce's (CHCC) primary goal is to represent the interest of over 600,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in the State of California. With a network of over 60 Hispanic chamber and business associations throughout the state, the CHCC is the premier and largest regional Hispanic business organization in the nation that promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs. www.cahcc.com