University of Michigan Report Cites Nuevo Juan Del Grijalva Rural City as a Model for Building Sustainable Communities Worldwide

MEXICO CITY, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Salinas, a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies deeply committed to the modernization of the countries in which they operate - founded by Ricardo Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com)— announced that the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business has completed an intensive study on living standard improvements at Nuevo Juan del Grijalva, in the state of Chiapas.

In 2007, Juan del Grijalva was severely affected by heavy rains and a mudslide that destroyed a large portion of the town. Today, thanks to coordination between Fundacion Azteca - Grupo Salinas' non-profit organization - and the Government of Chiapas, Nuevo Juan del Grijalva is a developed rural city.

According to the study, the project represents important advances for the community in the areas of i) infrastructure - potable water, electricity and public roads - ii) housing, including  410 modern homes that were designed to comply with  residents' cultural preferences, and allotted space for 590 more homes, iii) services, including schools, health centers, childcare and adult support venues, iv) businesses that add value to the community and generate long-term jobs, and v) community development, to consolidate solid public institutions and a harmonious social life.

Fundacion Azteca and the Chiapas state government's efforts were supported by the Federal Government and other foundations, as well as by the committed population of Nuevo Juan del Grijalva, a combination that made possible the significant improvements in the community. The report suggests that  Nuevo Juan del Grijalva can serve as a guide to replicate the successful model to other regions in Mexico and the world.

Professor Noel Tichy, the head of the University of Michigan task force, noted that "Nuevo Juan del Grijalva provides invaluable lessons for rural communities or areas recovering from crises around the world.  The success of this sustainable city can be replicated in places across Mexico, and the globe such as India, China or other Latin American countries."

"The dramatic transformations to improve the living standards of the community resulted from accurate planning, proper coordination of material resources, and foremost, the determination of the people of Nuevo Juan del Grijalva to prosper," commented Esteban Moctezuma, Executive President of Fundacion Azteca.  "The community now has the elements to further promote value-added activities, increase labor productivity, and be an example to improve wellbeing elsewhere, on a permanent basis."

Nuevo Juan del Grijalva concentrates small communities that were previously geographically scattered in order to efficiently provide quality public services that were otherwise unfeasible due to a lack of economies of scale.  This has prompted the establishment of businesses that provide jobs and long term income for workers in the commercial and agricultural sectors.

A multi media report is available on the web, at: http://webuser.bus.umich.edu/tichy/ChiapasBooklet2010.pdf

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, 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. These companies include:: TV Azteca (www.tvazteca.com.mx; 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.

International Press Contact: Daniel McCosh; (5255) 1720-0059; [email protected]

About the University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan, U-M, UM, UMich, UMichigan, or U of M) is a public research university located in the state of Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan. It also includes two regional campuses in Flint and Dearborn. University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

SOURCE Grupo Salinas