WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On October 1st the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC), in partnership with PNC Bank, hosted its Hispanic Heritage Celebration at PNC Place. The annual event gathered regional and local businesses, corporations, nonprofits, local and federal government representatives, elected officials, and embassies to celebrate the culture, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community. The event featured a special surprise for Mr. Jay Haddock, President of Capital Hotels and Suites, by presenting him with the first-ever Chairman's Award.
"I was truly surprised, humbled, thankful and honored to have you recognize me for the little I do to stay engaged in our community," said Jay Haddock. "It is a personal satisfaction that I feel and it may even be selfish – but it gives me great comfort to know that my roots are always at the forefront of what I do. I hope that I can continue to help you in getting the Chamber to expand its reach and influence and that you become part of the overall business agenda of the District."
The celebration included a full program with special remarks from long-term community leader Sonia Gutierrez, from Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, and Mayor Vincent Gray, who spoke about the value and contributions that Mr. Haddock has brought to the Hispanic business community in the District.
"The Chairman's Award was created to recognize Hispanic business community leaders who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of our business community in the DC area through business excellence and community service. With this award, we honored Mr. Jay Haddock's career, business success, and service to the Hispanic community. He has been an inspiration and role model for many of us," said Mario Acosta-Velez, GWHCC Board Chair and Verizon's Director of State Government Affairs. He added, "And by listening to Jay's story during the program, it is clear that he inspired so many Hispanic business owners to achieve success in their businesses while giving back to the community."
The event had more than 220 attendees including VIP guests Robert Garcia, Former U.S. Congressman; Natalia Olson-Urtecho, Regional Administrator, Small Business Administration, Region III; DC Mayor Vincent Gray; Walter Tejada, Arlington County Board; Beatriz Otero, Deputy Mayor for HHS; Vincent Orange, Councilmember At-Large; Dr. Joxel Garcia, Director of DC Department of Health; Will Campos, County Councilman, District 2, Prince George's County; Roxana Olivas, Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs; Kenyan McDuffie, Councilman Ward 5; Ruby Stemmle, Maryland Governor's Office of Appointments; Monica Palacio, DC Office of Human Rights; Jesus Aguirre, State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia; and Mila Kofman, DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority.
"This year's Hispanic Heritage Celebration brought together so many leaders of the Hispanic business community to celebrate our heritage and thank this great country for giving us the opportunity to live, love and grow. Thank you to all of our members, partners and sponsors for your continuous support," said Angela Franco, President and CEO of GWHCC.
GWHCC thanks its sponsors for their support: PNC Bank; DC Health Link; Kaiser Permanente; Herbalife; Goya; Inca Kola; Palmtree Catering; Remy Martin; Events DC; Verizon; Mahou Cervezas; GIANT Foods; PwC; Washington Hispanic.
About the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization that supports the economic development of the Greater Washington metropolitan area by facilitating the success of Latino and other minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education, and access to capital. The Chamber was founded in 1976 and is 501(C) 6 nonprofit. For additional information visit our website www.gwhcc.org.