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Washington, DC--(HISPANIC BUSINESS WIRE)--February 22, 2007--The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the leading advocate for the more than two million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, is pleased to announce Rep. Silvestre Reyes as its 2007 President’s Award recipient and Sen. Mel Martinez as its 2007 Chairman’s Award recipient. Both men will be honored during the 17th Annual USHCC Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. during the Legislative Awards Dinner on March 7, 2007.
“These two men represent what leadership in government is all about,” said USHCC Board of Directors Chair David C. Lizárraga. “They lead by a powerful example and distinguished service, and it is wonderful reflection on the types of contributions Hispanics are making in all walks of life.”
 The President’s Achievement Award is conferred upon an outstanding public servant who has demonstrated continued commitment, service, and dedication to the Hispanic community throughout their distinguished career and whose work serves as an example and inspiration to the millions of Hispanic business owners and future Latino and Latina entrepreneurs |
Sen. Martinez became the first Cuban-American to serve in the U.S. Senate when he entered the office in 2005. An immigrant from Cuba at age 15, Martinez enjoyed an accomplished career as an attorney in Orlando. Sen. Martinez was also recently named to chair the Republican National Committee, the first Hispanic named to this position. Martinez has also been a leading advocate for comprehensive immigration reform since being sworn into the Senate.
Rep. Reyes served in Vietnam and spent much of his life working with the Border Patrol in Texas. He became the first Hispanic to represent the 16th District of Texas when he was elected in 1996. Now in his sixth term, Reyes was recently named by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Reyes became the first Hispanic to chair this prestigious and influential committee.
“The USHCC is proud to award these two powerful Hispanic leaders with awards that reflect their dedication and active commitment to the bettering of the Hispanic community and the United States as a whole,” said USHCC President and CEO Michael L. Barrera. “Both have worked diligently to improve the lives of their constituents and to help create more avenues for Hispanics in the United States to enjoy more opportunities and success.”
The President’s Achievement Award is conferred upon an outstanding public servant who has demonstrated continued commitment, service, and dedication to the Hispanic community throughout their distinguished career and whose work serves as an example and inspiration to the millions of Hispanic business owners and future Latino and Latina entrepreneurs.
The Chair’s Award is given to a public servant who best exemplifies the mission and goals of the USHCC and whose proven leadership and dedication to the Hispanic community has resulted in the growth, expansion and empowerment of Hispanic influence in the realms of business and government.
The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than two million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, which earn more than $350 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
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CONTACT
Dallin Lykins
Communications Specialist
(202) 842-1212 x495 |
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