Notable New Orleanians: A Tricentennial Tribute

as healthcare, food processing, manufacturers
and fabricators, transportation, oil and gas, etc.,
which have often been overlooked in favor of the
new economy and tech-oriented companies.
Some of its major investments have included
Innovus, Inc., and Columbus Data Services (sold
in 2015), currently the largest ATM processor in
the United States, servicing more than 93,000
ATM locations throughout the country and providing
gateway services, debit card processing
and credit card processing services.
Again returning to the ongoing theme of
strategic planning, Canizaro has brought this
approach not only to his endeavors in real
estate development and finance, but also to
his extensive involvement in significant community
issues and concerns.
A prime example is his work with the
Urban Land Institute, one of the most prestigious
organizations of its kind in the world.
The Urban Land Institute is a professional
organization, founded in 1936, with more
than 40,000 members worldwide, and dedicated
to “improving the quality of real estate
development and its impact on
the environment.” A Trustee
and former Chairman of the
Institute, Canizaro’s commitment
to such crucial issues has
distinguished his service to his
industry and has been further
recognized through his work
on the Harvard University
Graduate School of Design’s
Advisory Committee on Real
Estate Development.
Closer to home, Canizaro
was the founder and former cochairman,
in 2000, of the
Committee for a Better New Orleans, a group
of more than 140 community business and
civic leaders seeking to build consensus in
identifying the critical issues and opportunities
facing the city and from this, forging a plan for
the betterment of the future of New Orleans.
He has been a member of the Business Council
of New Orleans and the Tulane University
President’s Council.
Faith, family, and hard work have been the
touchstones of Canizaro’s life. As he has stated,
“Business is not just about how much money
you can make. It’s about making a positive
impact on your community and country.”
One of the ways he has practiced this is
through his work on behalf of Legatus, the association
of practicing Catholic CEOs, the international
organization started by Tom Monaghan,
founder of the Domino’s Pizza chain. Canizaro
founded the local chapter of Legatus, and has
been active in its projects having served as a former
president locally, and also as a director of
the national organization. In a similar vein,
Canizaro has served the Archbishop of New
Top: Canal Place Westin entrance.
Below: Tradition Learning Medical City
aerial view, Biloxi 2017.
BUILDING A GREATER NEW ORLEANS
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