TELACU, the largest community development corporation in the United States has recently joined the Commerce Industrial Council.
Established in 1968 by David C. Lizarraga, TELACU is a pioneering institution committed to service, empowerment, advancement and the creation of self-sufficiency. As the largest organization of its kind in the nation, TELACU focuses its more than $500 million in assets on improving the lives of individuals and families in the communities it serves.
David Lizarraga created the innovative model on which TELACU is structured. The parent non-profit CDC provides programs that serve the needs of communities-services for young people, veterans, families and senior citizens. Where TELAC
U differs from other CDC’s is that its non-profit programs are primarily self-sustained by a family of businesses owned by TELACU, called TELACU Industries. Through their own operations, these for-profit businesses also provide valuable products and services to the community, such as jobs, affordable homes, small business loans, and the creation of community assets. A significant portion of the earnings from these businesses is what TELACU uses to fund its non-profit programs. This cycle of community investment is the engine that sustains TELACU.
Mr. Lizarraga shares his expertise, leadership, insight and time with the many other civic, business, educational, governmental and community-based organizations. He has served as a governor’s appointee to the State of California New Motor Vehicle Board, the California Arts Council and the California World Trade Commission.
Mr. Lizarraga has served as Chairman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the board of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute with Latino Members of Congress. He has also served on numerous other boards including the Los Angeles Are Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles County Music Center Operating Company, the Los Angeles City Club, Eastcoast Development Corporation and Faith Community Church.