Angel Reyes Blog

Editorial: A challenge for Dallas Hispanic chamber

Angel Reyes — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:12:50 -0600

The Dallas Morning News

The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is one of those great legacy organizations known more for its pioneering history than for modern-day accomplishments. When it marks its diamond jubilee in just three years, its iconic status will be burnished even more.

Unfortunately, the status as the region’s longest-reigning Latino business group is not enough to guarantee success. Even defenders of the chamber acknowledge privately that the business group has at times strayed from its mission and not done nearly enough to retain and boost its membership. The proliferation of other Hispanic chambers is often, and accurately, cited as evidence of dysfunction.

When David L. Gonzales abruptly resigned last week as chief executive, questions about the chamber’s current and future stability were inevitable. Gonzales, who had impressive credentials, was hired after a tumultuous and lengthy national search that included a very public split within the chamber’s board.

Gonzales and the board’s chairman, Angel L. Reyes III, did their best to allay any concerns over the sudden departure, which occurred less than a year after the chief executive was named with great fanfare. The strategy was to declare mission accomplished, a very hard sell given the shockingly short tenure. Not surprisingly, the many detractors of the chamber were quick to offer theories on what may have gone wrong and why.

None of that is helpful. The chamber should be a major player in the region. That it isn’t — or that it is easily dismissed by some — is not good for anyone, least of all Hispanic businesses that could use an influential voice on their behalf. There are between 40,000 and 70,000 Latino businesses in the region, the vast majority small entrepreneurs who could benefit from the chamber’s guidance and leadership to grow and prosper.

Over the last year, the chamber put in place a new economic development program to help small entrepreneurs. It’s too early to determine how it will fare, but Gonzales and the board deserve credit for declaring this initiative a priority. It counters the impression that the chamber is too beholden to its corporate members, if successful, it could persuade other small businesses to join.

The chamber has about 520 paying members, which is far too low given the business demographics of the region. One of the challenges for the leadership is to convince the public that it is finally on the right track. That is no easy task withthe perceptions of dysfunction that linger in the community. One way to begin to address this is by conducting an efficient and conflict-free search for a chief executive who can expand on the promising work done this year.

Dallas Hispanic Chamber

Mission statement: “To develop, promote and protect Hispanic businesses in the greater Dallas area and to support the advancement, education and economic growth of the Hispanic business community. The chamber shall serve as a business resource, a forum and advocate for Hispanic business issues and a united voice for the Hispanic business community.”

Membership: About 520 pay dues, but officials place the number of members at over 1,000.

Area Hispanic businesses: Estimates range from 40,000 to 70,000.

Search on for new Dallas Hispanic Chamber president

Angel Reyes — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:54:36 -0600

Dallas Business Journal by Matt Joyce, Staff Writer

The president and chief executive officer of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has resigned after about 10 months on the job.

David Gonzales left the chamber last week to move back into private consulting, said Angel Reyes, chairman of the chamber board.

“We’re going to have to find a new person, but we wish him well, we’re excited for him,” Reyes said.

Gonzales, a former PepsiCo executive, told the Dallas Morning News that he had completed the work he set out to do at the chamber, including new services for members and the establishment of the chamber’s new Small Business Center of Excellence.

The chamber, which has about 500 members, went without a president for nearly two years during the search that led to the hiring of Gonzales.

“We’re going to have to go through a process again,” Reyes said. “It’s my personal hope that it doesn’t take as long as the last one. We will engage another search firm and/or of course accept applications from the community directly.”

Hispanic Heresy

Angel Reyes — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:38:29 -0600

Dear Sirs,
Just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoyed your book-- Hispanic Heresy. As a 48 year old Hispanic (of Mexican descent) woman whose white husband often tells her is “prejudiced against her own people”, this book was right up my alley. I’m not prejudiced, but I do wish “my people” would try harder in some respects. I absolutely believe that education needs to be made a much higher priority in Hispanic culture AND that getting pregnant as a teen needs to quit being treated as if it’s to be expected, not that big a deal or a rite of life.

Regarding the immigration process, I am very sympathetic to the situations in which some of our immigrants and their families find themselves. However, it disturbs me when I sense that some immigrants are making every effort to go through the process legally while others try to beat the system. For years, I have taught ESL classes for adults from varying backgrounds at different locations in the Richardson/Garland area. I used to do so through LIFT and now teach only at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Vietnamese Catholic Church, largely because it’s very close to my home. At a teachers’ meeting a couple of years ago, one of the teachers who taught at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Garland asked the director what she should do when her students, almost entirely Hispanic, consistently asked if they could skip the chapter in the book which gave an overview of citizenship (including the requirements and some basic government concepts). I thought this was odd because my Vietnamese students tended to be the complete opposite with an added enthusiasm for this chapter and always with more questions regarding the process than what the book covered. I was saddened, and even embarrassed in front of the Vietnamese teachers, when the director told the teacher from Good Shepherd, that she could just go ahead and skip it. I realize it’s a simplified example of the attitudes of our Hispanic immigrants, but it truly bothered me. Why wouldn’t such information matter to these Hispanic students?

As the daughter of a 30 year U.S. Marine, I am especially proud of my father and all the Hispanics who serve in our military, recognizing that this is not a small number.

I realize that I’m lucky, having had parents who always prioritized education and discipline despite, or possibly because of, their own simple backgrounds. My dad’s enlisted man’s salary, along with a lot of sacrifice on my parents’ part, paid for private school for their four children. Their making my education a priority are the reason I ultimately got my degree and became a CPA.

I knew I’d ramble. I didn’t mean to. I am a mere simpleton, but wanted to be sure and give my two cents to the three of you. Thanks so much for writing this book.

Berta B. Sisemore

New Commercial

Angel Reyes — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:21:20 -0600

Examination and Comparison of Hispanic and White Unemployment Rates

Angel Reyes — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:22:08 -0600

The Berkley Electronic Press has published several works I've composed. For your perusal are the following articles you may find of interest:

Examination and Comparison of Hispanic and White Unemployment Rates READ HERE
Estimating the Effect of Non-English Speaking Hispanic on Personal Injury Jury Trial Outcomes READ HERE

8/27/11 Fox News: Paid to Go to School?

Angel Reyes — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:19:27 -0600

Aug 27, 2011 - 4:12 -
N.J. city pays students to fight truancy by giving students $100 to go to class!

Fox News Appearance - 8/24/11

Angel Reyes — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:13:02 -0600

Fox & Friends 7/13/11 - Don't miss this one!

Angel Reyes — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:49:53 -0600

The "Dream Act" Debated on Fox & Friends

Angel Reyes — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:06:22 -0600

July 3, 2011

Ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange

Angel Reyes — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 11:08:34 -0600

On Thursday, June 2, I had the privilege of ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange, along with fellow executives of Cambria Global Tactical (NYSE:GTAA). This was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. There is so much energy at the NYSE, it could light up an entire city.

GTAA’s quantitative strategy is based on a White Paper, “A Quantitative Approach to Tactical Asset Allocation,” that describes a model for delivering equity-like returns with low bond-market type volatility. GTAA is the largest of the ten diversified portfolio ETFs in its category, which includes both active and index ETFs.

GTAA is the largest of the ten diversified portfolio ETFs in the category, which includes both active and index ETFs. To celebrate this accomplishment, we were chosen for this distinct honor. GTAA invests in underlying ETFs across al the major world asset classes including equities, bonds, real estate, commodities and currencies. Strick risk management controls are in place in the Fundy’s portfolio to control losses and protect capital. For more information on Cambria Investment Management visit http://www.cambriainvestments.com.

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO.

Fox News Appearance: Can Followers Sue Camping?

Angel Reyes — Sun, 22 May 2011 08:45:05 -0600

The rapture didn't occur on May 21, as Harold Camping predicted. Do his followers have grounds for suit? Click here for the debate.

Fox News Appearance: Jackpot Lawsuit

Angel Reyes — Sun, 15 May 2011 09:00:52 -0600

A woman plays a slot machine with a co-worker's money, hits the jackpot. Does he have a right to the money? Does she? Watch here.

Cheerleading is Dangerous Business

Angel Reyes — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:43:20 -0600

66% of females injured in college and high school sports are injured in cheerleading. Take a quick look as I discuss the issue with colleauge, Michael Regan on Fox & Friends.

Click image or HERE to play.

Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Inauguration Reception

Angel Reyes — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:28:11 -0600

The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recently held our 2011 Board of Director Inauguration Reception at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

The night was filled with excitement and optimism as we welcomed the new GDHCC president, David Gonzales. It was my pleasure to address the wonderful crowd and introduce David.

After a thorough national search, the board of directors and I asked David Gonzales to serve as the new president of the Chamber. We are certain that David’s extensive business and community experience will help the Chamber reach and exceed its goals. David brings the many talents he has developed over his 35 year career to the post and we are all looking forward to working with him.

Before founding the consulting group he led for the last two years, David was vice president of Global Citizenship for PepsiCo, a global consumer products company with revenues of nearly $60 billion. In this role, David drove the funding, strategic planning and management for corporate citizenship, including community affairs, social responsibility, diversity and inclusion.

He coordinated strategy, business planning, change management leadership, process integration and team development across the corporation. His experience includes management of teams in both the United States and internationally. In addition, David was responsible for forging and directing strategic alliances with important community and non-governmental groups, including working with two U.S. Congressional Caucus institutions.

David has a history of dedication to the community, where he has focused on developing and empowering minority communities. He is on the board of directors of the Meadows School of Fine Arts and the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, where he is involved in opening the first-ever national Latino Executive Leadership Institute. He has served on the boards of the National Council of La Raza, the National Urban League and the Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

David’s unique combination of business and community skills will serve our Chamber well. On behalf of the board of directors and all our members, I welcome David. As we work together, I’m confident that the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will become an even more prominent force for the economic growth and prosperity of our city.

FNC's America Live w/ Megyn Kelly

Angel Reyes — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:46:51 -0600

I've had several opportunities to speak to the issue of immigration and related social implications and policies over the past week. This latest was on Fox News' America Live - a lively discussion of immigrant and minority policies in Seattle. Check it out HERE.

Fox & Friends & Me

Angel Reyes — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:07:19 -0600

If you know me at all, you know I'm not shy about discussing the U.S.' state of immigration. In fact, that's exactly what my book "Hispanic Heresy, What is the Impact of America's Largest Population of Immigrants?" was about.

So, when FOX News asked me to be on Fox & Friends this weekend to discuss the issue of in-state college tuition for illegal immigrants in Providence, Rhode Island, I jumped at the chance.

Take a look here for the COMPLETE VIDEO.

Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Private Reception

Angel Reyes — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:24:22 -0600

It was my pleasure to attend the GDHCC Private Reception hosted by Board of Director, Steve LaFredo last Tuesday. This event was held at the One Arts Plaza in downtown Dallas last Tuesday.

As Chairman of the Board of the GDHCC, I know what an outstanding group of people comprise this great organization. We're on the grow and excited about taking the GDHCC to new heights in support of our community.

Pictured above from left to right: Joe Alcantar, Past Chairman; Victor Zepeda, Past Chairman; Minerva Rodriguez, Past Chairman; Angel Reyes, Current Chairman; David Gonzales, Current President and CEO; Alex Jimenez, Past Chairman; Hector Escamilla, Past Chairman.

Dallas Hispanic Chamber Hires David L. Gonzales as CEO

Angel Reyes — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:40:29 -0600

After narrowing the candidates down to three, we’re proud to announce the unanimous decision to appoint David L. Gonzales as CEO of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This has been a long journey for the GHDCC and we're extremely optomistic about the direction that Gonzales will take our organization.

For the Dallas Morning News' article, click CONTINUE READING below.

Dallas Hispanic chamber hires David L. Gonzales as CEO

Dallas Morning News
By SHERYL JEAN
Staff Writer
Published 01 February 2011 11:49 AM

The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has hired local businessman David L. Gonzales as its new chief executive after a controversial, nearly two-year-long search.

The 72-year-old business group has been without a leader since April 2009, when former CEO Cici Rojas took a job in another state. It has more than 1,200 members and an annual budget of about $1.2 million.

Gonzales, a Dallas native, has experience as an entrepreneur, a Fortune 100 executive and a foundation director.

“Given that small business has been the economic engine for a long time … and the fact that we’re in one of the best economic areas, the chamber is the right place at the right time to drive business growth for the city,” said Gonzales, 60. “That’s very appealing to me.”

Recent U.S. Census Bureau data show that the Dallas County Latino population grew from 30 percent in 2000 to 40 percent in 2009.

In the next few months, Gonzales plans to shut down the leadership and social responsibility consulting firm he started in 2009. “This was a deliberate decision to give back to the community where I was born and raised,” he said.

The chamber was thrown into chaos in May 2009, when a dozen community leaders and small-business owners approached the board with allegations of financial misconduct, a “tainted” CEO search, partisanship and other issues. The community leaders demanded that the search stop and certain board members resign. Within days, more than a third of the board members quit and the CEO search came to a halt. Last year, two independent financial audits found no wrongdoing.

In August, the chamber hired David Gomez & Associates Inc., a Chicago-based boutique executive search firm, to lead a national CEO hunt. The firm considered a pool of more than 200 candidates and narrowed that down to three finalists by December, said president David Gomez.

Last week, the chamber’s six-person search committee interviewed the three finalists and unanimously scored Gonzales the highest on a 17-item checklist, said chairman Angel L. Reyes III. The committee consisted of Reyes; last year’s chairman, Ricardo Ortiz; and board members Catherine Pena, Alyssa Salas, Sandy Salinas and Aaron Liverpool.

Reyes would not disclose the names of the other finalists, but he said all three were from North Texas.

“David had terrific skills in respect to presentation … and a solid background in corporate America and working on a foundation,” Reyes said. He noted that having a local person in the job is a plus because some members already know Gonzales.

“He’s the right person for the job,” said Ricardo Ortiz, who served as chairman from May 2009 through last month. “He was great in presenting and laying out his vision.”

Gonzales knows he must build trust in the community, and he’s in the process of creating a strategic plan with input from Latino community leaders, corporate leaders and chamber members. He plans to focus on three key areas: increasing the growth and competitiveness of members; forming a strategic partnership with corporations to drive business with the Latino community; and making the chamber a center for leadership in the region.

Gonzales’ base salary is $130,000 a year.

Community members are cautiously optimistic.

“Certainly, [Gonzales’] credentials on paper are good,” said Gustavo Bujanda, a vice president at the multicultural Axis Agency and a critic of the chamber’s CEO hiring process. “The fact that he’s bilingual will push the chamber in being more pro-active to the many Spanish-speaking small-business owners in the Dallas area and restoring credibility to the chamber to weigh in again on important issues. It’s a voice that’s long been absent and should be there.”

Ann Marie Weiss-Armush, who runs DFW International Community Alliance in North Texas, hopes the chamber and Gonzalez will make an effort to represent the entire Latino community in the Dallas area.

The Latino population in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has jumped 600 percent since 1990, with many being foreign born, Weiss-Armush said. “We know our continued economic success depends on these newcomers, yet their voices are rarely heard,” she said.

8 Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Angel Reyes — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:13:30 -0600

In a world where going to the doctor far too often means “getting the pills you want,” it’s no wonder that many good-meaning patients – along with plenty of manipulative ones - are exposed to routine prescription drug use that leads to abuse and dependency. From the traveling sales rep who uses Xanax to relax on her weekly flights to the gardening grandma next door who broke a hip and got hooked on Percocet; prescription drug abuse is all around and it’s close to illegal drug abuse in how devastating it can be to one’s health and their wellbeing.

Masters in Health Care’s blog recently summarized the “8 Most Abused Prescription Drugs.” It’s a quick and informative read - check it out HERE.

"Let's talk about Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber!"

Angel Reyes — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:01:26 -0600

Dallas blogger, Silvio Canto Jr. interviews me about the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and my upcoming role as Chairman.

Take a listen.