News/Noticias
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Estrada; ECG/Los Angeles, CA, 562.624.2846
Raymond Estrada; ECG/Austin, TX 512.335.7776

Hispanic Business Magazine names John C. Lopez 2002 "Entrepreneur of the Year.

Lopez also named "Manufacturer of the Year" at event which kicked-off Latino Business week in Los Angeles area.

Los Angeles, CA (December 9, 2002) – Hispanic Business Magazine has named John C. Lopez, Chairman and CEO of Lopez Foods, Inc. its 2002 "Entrepreneur of the Year." Lopez was selected for the magazine's top honor from 15 finalists representing the nation's foremost Latino-owned businesses.

"This is a great honor for me, my family and our associates, because it was earned by all of us working together to deliver meat products using the highest quality and safety standards in our industry," said Lopez in accepting the award. "The fact that it is conferred on us by Hispanic Business Magazine - who understands the critical balance between profitability and community reinvestment - makes it much more meaningful," he stated.

The award was presented in Los Angeles, CA. during festivities leading up to Latino Business Week, which Mayor James Hahn proclaimed in honor of numerous events and activities scheduled during Hispanic Heritage Month. The nationally recognized period of time is celebrated annually, October 15 through November 15.

"Lopez Foods was selected for this award because of its achievements and the role it plays in the advancement of Hispanic business development as a national supplier to McDonald's and Wal-Mart Stores," said Jesus Chavarría, Editor and Publisher of Hispanic Business Magazine.

Earlier in the awards ceremony Lopez had been named Hispanic Business Magazine's 2002 "Manufacturer of the Year." "In only 10-years as Chairman and CEO, John grew the company from $100-million in 1992, to approximately $375-million in 2002, yet he has found time to remain active in a variety of Latino business and community initiatives," explained co-anchor of NBC's "Weekend Today," Soledad O'Brien, who introduced winners in the five major categories.

Since Lopez assumed controlling interest of the meat processing plant in 1992, the company and its principals have been recognized by a variety of professional, public and private organizations. In September of 1999, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) named Lopez Foods the 1999 "National Minority Manufacturer Firm of the Year." MBDA recognizes contributions made by minority business owners to the nation and its economy. Earlier that same month, the company was chosen the 1999 "Regional Minority Manufacturer Firm of the Year" in Dallas, TX.

In 1998, the Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC) named Lopez Foods its "Outstanding Minority Supplier of the Year, Class III." The company was selected from among the state's largest companies for the honor. In 1996, the Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA) of Oklahoma City named Lopez Foods the city's "Hispanic Business of the Year." LCDA honored Lopez Foods for both its support of the agency and for setting a positive example for diversity businesses in the community. LCDA is a grass-roots organization working to enhance the quality of life for Latinos in the Oklahoma area through education, leadership, services and advocacy.

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Lopez Foods, Inc. John C. Lopez (second from right) and his wife Patricia (center), are congratulated by Editor and Publisher of Hispanic Business Magazine Jesus Chavarría (left), co-anchor of NBC's "Weekend Today," Soledad O'Brien (second from left), and CEO of American CityVista Henry Cisneros (right) following the presentation of the magazine's 2002 "Entrepreneur of the Year" award.

Lopez, who oversees meat production facilities in Oklahoma, Nebraska and Guatemala from Oklahoma City, OK, was named the 2002 "Manufacturer of the Year" earlier in the evening. Winners in five separate business categories qualified for "EOY" honors at the banquet and gala held in Los Angeles, CA. Hispanic Business Magazine's 2002 "Entrepreneur of the Year" Award goes to John C. Lopez.

About Lopez Foods, Inc.
Lopez Foods, Inc. has averaged over $150 million in annual sales over the past three years. The company is committed to providing customers with the best quality and safety in meat products and related services, while maintaining low costs. Lopez Foods, Inc. is the nation's number one, Latino-owned, meat manufacturing company in the United States and thirteenth-largest, overall, in total revenues, according to Hispanic Business Magazine. The company employs over 300 people, who operate the facility 24-hours a day, making it one of Oklahoma City's major employers and sales leaders.

(return to top)
(return to Media Release master page)