Grupo Salinas and Azteca America Support 'State of Latinos: Immigration - I Too Am America' Conference to be Held at Edison State College, Lee Campus in Ft. Myers, FL on October 21

FORT MYERS, Fla., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Salinas and Azteca America through its non-profit arm Fundacion Azteca America are pleased to present, in conjunction with Edison State College, a groundbreaking conference on immigration entitled "State of Latinos: Immigration – I Too Am America," to be held at the Lee Campus of Edison State College in Ft. Myers, FL on October 21.

The conference will include the presentation of a white paper on immigration written by the University of Denver Latino Center For Community Engagement and Scholarship, an overview of the immigration issue in Florida, an examination of religious and cultural trends related to immigration, and the topic of activism and community empowerment as it relates to the Latino community. The event will also include a talk on government approaches and political realities of the immigration issue.

Participants include:

• Congressmember Mario Diaz-Balart
• Cristobal Czaia, Czaia & Gallagher
• James Martin, Weyergraf & Martin
• Lisa Martinez, University of Denver
• Pastor Robert Selle, Amigos Center
• Armando Guzman, Azteca America
• Mayela Rosales, Azteca America Southwest Florida

"State of Latinos: Truth in Immigration" is a one of several initiatives supported by Fundacion Azteca America to foment dialog regarding comprehensive immigration reform.

Fundacion Azteca America supported a conference last month at Arizona State University on the topic of immigration. Earlier this year it presented a white paper prepared by the University of Denver on immigration at Georgetown University. It has also produced a multi-media informational campaign that includes public service announcements aired on Azteca America, a web-based campaign on www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org and printed material that has been distributed by Azteca America affiliated stations in 69 cities throughout the country. The theme of the campaign is "I too am America," emphasizing the important role that immigrants have played in the development of the United States throughout history.

"Our concern at Fundacion Azteca America is an increasing intolerant environment for immigrants, especially Latino immigrants," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America. "The most powerful tool to counteract this intolerance is education."

Fundacion Azteca America would like to express its gratitude to all participating entities for their support of this conference, including Edison State College, Azteca America Miami, Azteca America Southwest Florida, WWHB West Palm Beach and Azteca America Fort Myers.

About Fundacion Azteca America

Fundacion Azteca America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of the Hispanic community currently in the U.S. Fundacion Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca, Azteca America and TV Azteca are companies of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas. For more information, visit www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. Azteca America operates in 69 markets nationwide, and can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.  

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to building the middle class of the countries where it operates, and improving society through excellence.  Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies TV Azteca (www.irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com).  Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently with its own management, board of directors and shareholders.  Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings.  However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

SOURCE Grupo Salinas; Azteca America; Fundacion Azteca America