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The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) honors the memory of California Latino leader John Aguilar, 49, founder, president and chief executive officer of Vernon Transportation Company. Mr. Aguilar died Thursday, July 10, 2008 at home following a lengthy battle with cancer. Mr. Aguilar was a member of the board of directors of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Stockton, California. A longtime supporter of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Aguilar often attributed his success in becoming a member of the Hispanic 500 to contacts and assistance he received through the USHCC.
“John’s passing leaves a huge void in our community,” said David C. Lizarraga, Chairman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “His leadership, passion for education and support of Hispanic chambers of commerce at all levels serves as an inspiration to all of us.”
“He will be missed by his family, those whose lives he touched and, most of all, by his dedicated staff at Vernon Transportation,” said Mark Martinez, CEO of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
In 1985, Mr. Aguilar began his trucking business with one truck and one driver, himself. Mr. Aguilar contacted José Niño, the then-President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who helped him contact large corporations seeking trucking transportation for supplies and products. “One of my first trips as President and CEO of the USHCC was to California to meet John,” said José Niño. “His story serves as a wonderful example of how our chambers can help a hard worker with a vision make the right contacts to evolve from a one man operation to a significant enterprise.”
Mr. Aguilar quickly grew his company to a fleet of more than 65 trucks and became only one of five companies to transport sugar products to soft drink companies for use in their products. “John would often say that if you bought that soft drink in California, you are most likely drinking a sugar product delivered by Vernon Transportation,” said Rafael Sanchez, USHCC Finance Chair. “John was not shy about sharing his appreciation for the USHCC or for encouraging others to be involved with Hispanic chambers. He was a true believer.”
Mr. Aguilar also knew the importance of giving back to the community. He actively supported the Latino community, including San Joaquin Delta College’s Cesar Chavez Memorial Scholarship Fund and Tariff Bureau, an organization of more than 300 trucking companies that gives scholarship money to the children of member companies for educational needs. He was an active member of the California and San Joaquin County Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and chaired the local chamber’s Government Relations Committee and was active on its Education Committee. Mr. Aguilar served as a mentor to the Nightingale Elementary School and was an active participant in the local chamber’s financial aid workshop to encourage students to attend college.
“John’s passion was encouraging kids to continue their education,” said Melinda Guzman, USHCC General Counsel and Trustee for the California State University system. “John embraced the kids, especially those who most needed the support, and he wasn’t afraid to donate time or money to make things happen.”
The son of migrant farm workers, Mr. Aguilar graduated from Galt High School in 1977 and then Loyola Marymount University in 1981. He worked for a trucking company in Southern California before starting his own firm in 1985. In 1988, he returned to Northern California with a renamed company, Vernon Transportation, based in Stockton. Aguilar’s business acumen led to further growth. A second office served Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. A member of the Hispanic 500, last year Mr. Aguilar was also named to the list of the top 100 minority business suppliers by Minority Business News Magazine.
Last Friday was to have been a particularly special day for Mr. Aguilar. He was scheduled to be inducted as the President-Elect of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Rafael Sanchez, USHCC Finance Chair, served as the group’s keynote speaker for the evening. “I can think of no better example than John Aguilar about why it makes sense to join a Hispanic chamber and to participate with the USHCC. John always shared his love and admiration for the USHCC and how it helped him make important contacts to grow his company. We lost a true friend, but his memory will live on.”
Funeral arrangements are pending, but donations may be made to the “John Aguilar Leadership Scholarship” of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation by contacting CEO Mark Martinez at San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 306 E. Main St. Suite 303, Stockton California, 95202, (209) 943-6117 Office or sjchispanicchamber.com. “*
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