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News/Noticias
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leslie Leal, Estrada Communications Group • (414) 397-7861 or (512) 789-8369
Latina Entrepreneurs Receive AMAMBF
Cash Awards
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Milwaukee, WI (September 17, 2005) — Ten Latina entrepreneurs from across the country were recognized for their business acumen during the 26th Annual United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention (USHCC) and Business Expo in Milwaukee, WI. The women received cash awards of $5,000 each thanks to the Anna María Arías Memorial Business Fund (AMAMBF), which distributes business grants to outstanding Latina entrepreneurs.
The fund was named in memory of the late Anna María Arías, the founder and publisher of LATINA Style magazine, who passed away in 2001. The magazine represents the first national effort dedicated solely to the needs and concerns of Latina professionals. Since its inception five years ago, the Anna María Arías fund has recognized the accomplishments and successes of Latina businesswomen who exemplify the principles and ideals that Ms. Arías championed.
“I appreciate the efforts of USHCC and Wells Fargo to continue Anna María’s vision of empowering Latinas and improving their economic opportunities,” said Robert E. Bard, who has dedicated his efforts to ensuring the success of his wife’s initiatives. As publisher of the magazine, he and members of the Arías family continue to participate in selecting the fund’s awardees.
The 2005 awards were jointly presented to the winners by Bard; USHCC President & CEO Michael Barrera; USHCC Board Chairman David Lizarraga; and Well Fargo representative Tim Rios. The following women received grants to increase their business objectives:
Terry Roderik-Alderete
Alderete Business Visions; Newark, CA
Regina Munroe
Improma, San Carlos, CA
Evangelina Holvino
Chaos Management; Brattelboro, VT
Teresa Ornelas
Great Impact, Tempe, AZ
Olga “Cookie” Mapula
TGG Technology & Communications Gateway, El Paso, TX
Nannette Marie Rodríguez
VIVAMEDIA, Inc, Des Moines, IA
María Marín
Voice of Empowerment, Alhambra, CA
M. Carolina Weitzman
NaTex Corporation, Houston, TX
Dr. Sonia Molina
Molina Endodontics, Downey, CA
Leslie Padilla-Williams
Hola Language Services, Oceanside, CA
The winners were announced during the convention’s Anna María Arías Hispanic Business Women’s Luncheon Thursday, September 15th. Milwaukee television personality Yamilet Virgin of CBC 58/Telemundo served as the moderator of a panel discussion with Irene Bustamante, Director of Diversity Relations for MGM Mirage; Nina Vaca from Pinnacle; and Cindy Ramos of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They provided the audience with insightful advice on how to build a business, raise a family and juggle their domestic responsibilities while striving for success in the business arena.
“Latina-owned businesses have grown by nearly 65 percent between 1997 and 2004, and generate over $44 billion in annual sales,” said Barrera. “The USHCC is proud to partner with Wells Fargo and LATINA Style to salute and celebrate the accomplishments of Anna María Arías, a true visionary. Latina entrepreneurs are leading the growth in the Hispanic small business sector and, in so doing, are creating paths for the next generation of Latinas to follow in their footsteps.”
Through the tripartite initiative, the AMAMBF reaches out to regional and local chambers of commerce and trade associations, economic development organizations, and stand-alone businesses to promote the cash awards.
LATINA Style was founded in 1994 with the goal of providing the Latina professional, business owner and college student all the information she needs to succeed in her endeavors. Its features highlight career choices; business and procurement opportunities; home and family advice; music, book and movie reviews; travel tips; investment guidance; food and drink recipes; and health advice. The magazine pulls together all of the things that impact the quality of life for today’s professional Latina.
About USHCC
USHCC represents the interests of more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States and Puerto Rico, which generate more than $275 billion annually. It serves as the umbrella organization for over 210 local Hispanic chambers nationwide, and it actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs.
For more information about the USHCC, or to request application for the Anna María Arías Memorial Business Fund, visit www.ushcc.com.
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