St. Louis, MO, October 23, 2008 - Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) recently honored Latino business owner Michael Zambrana with the Wells Fargo/USHCC 2008 Hispanic Businessman of the Year award.  

Zambrana, owner of Pangea, Inc., was recognized and received a $5,000 check at the USHCC Annual National Convention & Business Expo in Sacramento, CA. He was selected from a nationwide pool and evaluated based on his company's business performance, innovation, growth, and personal service to the community.

Founded in 1994, Pangea provides civil and facility construction, engineering, surveying, and environmental services to federal agencies and private companies throughout the country. Zambrana grew his business working out of the St. Louis Enterprise Center, a small business incubator in West County, and "graduated" in 2004 to an office of its own.

"We congratulate Michael Zambrana for this outstanding achievement," said St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. "His vision, leadership and commitment to the community make him a true role model."

 "This prestigious award recognizes the work of a Latino who inspires others to achieve success in the spirit of entrepreneurship," said David C. Lizárraga, USHCC chair. "We believe that, through personal and professional triumphs, Michael Zambrana embodies the spirit of this award, and we are honored to name him as an extraordinary business leader in 2008."  

About the St. Louis Enterprise Centers

St. Louis Enterprise Centers are governed by a City/County board and staffed by St. Louis County Economic Council. The program is designed to foster the growth of new companies through a range of business start-up and support services. The Enterprise Centers are one component of St. Louis County Economic Council's overall efforts to promote economic development in the County and region.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1979, USHCC promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs. It also represents the interests of the 1.6 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, which generate more than $200 billion annually. USHCC serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, and Uruguay.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is a diversified financial services company with $609 billion in assets. The company provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer finance through its nearly 6,000 stores worldwide.

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