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News/Noticias
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Guillermo Meneses (202) 842-1212 / United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Milwaukee, WI (September 26, 2005) — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) — the nation’s largest advocate for the more than two million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States and Puerto Rico—celebrated leadership and excellence among the national business community.  As part of its annual convention, winners of the national business awards were announced and presented.  This year marked the first time the organization presented the Hector Barreto, Sr. Award, honoring the legacy of the founding USHCC President.

The national winners of the USHCC National Hispanic Leadership & Business Excellence Awards were announced during the Awards Gala Dinner, September 17, at the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, WI. 

“It’s so encouraging to see the growing numbers of chambers, business members and public and private supporters that are fueling the growth and passion of the Hispanic business community,” said Michael L. Barrera, USHCC President & CEO.  “These individuals and organizations lead the nation in new business start-ups and generate employment opportunities and tax revenues for the communities in which they operate,” added Barrera. 

The National Award winners honor local chambers, chamber members and businesses, and corporate and government supporters for their commitment and dedication to the growth and development of the U.S. Hispanic business community.  

During this year’s 26th Annual Convention in Milwaukee, USHCC’s counterparts in Mexico presented the 2005 Yacatecutli Award, named for the Aztec God of Commerce to Robert Ramirez of Tidy International.  The award is given to an individual whose business displays outstanding support of business relationships between the U.S. and Mexico.

At the awards gala, the USHCC announced the creation of a new and distinguished award in honor of the late Hector Barreto, Sr, a leader behind the creation of the USHCC in 1979.  Barreto, a Mexican immigrant, served as the organization’s first President and CEO and also co-founded the National Hispanic Leadership Conference, the largest coalition of national Latino organizations and leaders in the country. The 2005 Hector Barreto, Sr. Award was presented to Sal Gomez, a founding member of the USHCC and a protégé of the late USHCC President, for his tireless dedication to promoting the interests of Hispanics business entrepreneurs throughout the country.

The 2005 National Award Winners are:

Corporation of the Year
Ford Motor Company

Chair’s Award
George Dowell, Vice-President, Supply Chain Services, Verizon Communications

Government Business Advocate of the Year
Glenis Henriquez, Director of External Affairs New York City
Department of Small Business Services – New York City, NY (Region V)

Corporate Business Advocate of the Year
Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Director of Community Development & International Strategy, Ford Motor Co. Fund – Dearborn, MI (Region IV)

Hispanic Business Man of the Year
Richard Castro, President of Castro Enterprises
McDonald’s – EL Paso, TX (Region III)

Hispanic Business Woman of the Year
Jacqueline E. Poulakos, President and Founder
Performance Clean – Milwaukee, WI (Region IV)

Large Hispanic Chamber of the Year
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin - Region IV

Medium Hispanic Chamber of the Year
McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Region III

Small Hispanic Chamber of the Year
San Mateo County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Region I

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States and Puerto Rico, which earn more than $275 billion annually. It serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers nationwide, and it actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs.  For more information visit www.ushcc.com.

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