Strategies for Fostering Equitable Economic Growth in Central Texas Focus of October 12 Economic Perspectives

Ayleen Perez and Cloteal Haynes will discuss the PeopleFund Conference on Economic Opportunity on the October 12 edition of Economic Perspectives on KAZI 88.7 FM.  Perez is the communications and outreach manager of PeopleFund and Haynes is a long-time board member.  The Conference will be held October 24 at Austin Community College’s Eastview Campus.

Every year, the Conference unites community leaders, business owners, policy makers, developers, and artists to discuss the changes in the region and effective ways to further positive and equitable growth. From adult education and job opportunities to affordable housing options, the Conference addresses the key issues facing low- to moderate-income communities, and highlights strategies for creating opportunity for Central Texans. The program includes a regional and local economic snapshot, as well as breakout sessions addressing both community and business issues.

Ayleen Perez

Cloteal Haynes

The Conference will feature two keynote addresses.  The morning address will be delivered by Kenia Davalos, Los Angeles County Commissioner and Latino Business Advocate.  The afternoon keynote address will be delivered by President Obama’s newly appointed National Director of the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency, David Hinson.

PeopleFund provides affordable loans and counseling to ventures that create jobs, generate wealth, provide care for our children, and develop green technologies. It has invested over $20 million in underserved areas of Central Texas.

Ayleen Perez joined the PeopleFund staff in July 2009 as the Communications and Outreach Manager. In addition to community outreach and brand recognition, Ayleen’s responsibilities include planning and implementing public forums, such as our Conference on Economic Opportunity, that address critical economic needs in Central Texas. Born in Caracas, Venezuela but raised in Miami, Florida, Ayleen moved to Austin in November 2001 and has worked within the Latino community ever since.

Cloteal Haynes is managing partner of Hayes-Eaglin-Waters.  She has has over 30 years of planning and construction experience and has a masters degree from LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.  Cloteal is a graduate of Leadership Austin and a board member of the Austin Black Contractors Association.

New Leader of U.S. Minority Business Development Agency Will Be September 14 Guest on Economic Perspectives

David Hinson

David Hinson, National Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), will be the September 14 guest on Economic Perpectives on KAZI 88.7 FM in Austin, Texas.  Hinson, who was appointed to the position by the Obama Administration on July 15, 2009, will be a keynote speaker at the PeopleFund Conference on Economic Opportunity on October 24 in Austin.

MBDA’s Mission is to foster the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. businesses that are minority-owned.  MBDA, through its network of 48 minority business centers throughout the country, provides one-on-one workshops and business consulting services for minority businesses to help educate them about federal opportunities, including those related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  It’s strategic goals are to:

1. Increase the number of businesses that are minority-owned at the $1billion level
2. Establish MBDA as the agency of choice for businesses that are minority-owned, policymakers, and the private sector
3. Implement operational efficiencies throughout MBDA

Before his appointment to lead MBDA, Hinson was President and CEO of Wealth Management Network, Inc., a multi-million dollar independent, financial advisory boutique for 7 years. Prior to launching Wealth Management Network, David managed a 10-state sales region as Director of Advisory Services for Envestnet Asset Management, a $70 billion financial advisory firm.

Hinson received an MBA in Finance from The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, and a bachelor’s degree in Insurance and Finance with honors from Howard University in Washington, D.C. In addition, he completed a fellowship in International Finance with honors from the Stockholm School of Economics and completed graduate-level studies in French with honors at the University of Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast West Africa.