Atlanta, GA - June 10, 2023 - The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) celebrated its 35th Annual Black-Tie Awards Gala on June 10th, 2023, at the Gas South District in Duluth, Georgia. The GHCC’s Awards Gala is historically one of the most recognized and well-attended events in the state of Georgia, a cornerstone where Hispanic business, government entities and companies that recognize the massive contributions made by Hispanics, get together to honor, and celebrate their positive impact. The GHCC is an engine for economic development, business formation and growth in the State, serving as a bridge to allow businesses to reach every citizen, providing a unique link between the different economic sectors. 

This year the GHCC is proud to announce that the Gala had an impressive attendance record of over 850 guests, among which were distinguished businesses, civic entities, government dignitaries, and community partners including the Chair for the event, President and CEO of Gas South, Kevin Greiner. 

“At the GHCC we are proud to recognize the Hispanic community's tireless efforts and contributions to making Georgia and the US what it is today, and we are extremely honored to highlight the significance of Latinos in the economy by praising the late Celia Cruz for her work on behalf of the Hispanic community. Celia’s famous song "Que le den Candela" made the world move to its rhythm and the GHCC picked up the word “Candela!” as the theme for this gala. Celia ignited the Latino community and in 2024 she will be the first Latino to grace U.S. Currency on the U.S Quarter. The remarkable implication of this milestone sparks the flame of hope for the future.” announced Verónica Maldonado-Torres, President and CEO of the GHCC. 

Andrea Rivera, Board Chairwoman 2023-2025 continued with the announcement of this 35th Annual Black-Tie Awards Gala Awards winners. This year’s awardees were:

   En Fuego Award - Large Hispanic Business of the Year

 Eder Cifuentes

 Supermercado Talpa

   Mid -Size Business of the Year Award

 Armando Castillo

Chief Medical Officer       

 Millennium Medical Group, PLLC

   Small Business of the Year Award

 Vanessa Higgins

Founder & CEO

 Clean Tu Casa, LLC

   President's Award - 2023 Partner in the Promise Award

 Mark Madrid, Allen and Terri Denison

 Small Business Administration (SBA)

   Future Now Catalyst Company of the Year Award

 Aaron & Stephanie Luque

 EnviroSpark Energy

   Corporate Social Responsibility Impact of the Year Award

 Lisa Tolliver & Rosa Marroquin

 Georgia Power

   Non-Profit of the Year Award

 Ela C. Lena Fache

President & CEO

 Southern Regional Medical Center

   Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion of the Year Award

 Gus Fernandez

Vice-President, Head of DEI

 Elavon / US Bank

   Workforce Igniter of the Year Award

 Dr. Jann Joseph

 Georgia Gwinnett College

   Trailblazing Women of the Year Award

 Lorena & Celeste Jaime

 Jaime & Santos



   Rising Star of the Year Award

 Mariela Perez Calderon

Founder

 PerCal Naturals

   Advocate of the Year Award

 Pierluigi Mancini , PhD

CEO

 Multicultural Development Institute

   GHCC Ambassador of the Year Award

 Jeimy Arias

Founder and Owner

 Lead with Coach Jeimy, LLC

   EME 2023 Latina Leadership Award

 Anabel Navarro

 Thamara Media, LLC

   HYPE Young Professional Leader of the Year

 Bernie de La Garza

 
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About Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC):

Established in 1984, the GHCC is focused on advancing business formation, growth, and economic impact for Hispanics statewide through access to resources, education, and programming, as well as serving as an advocate for the community in all areas of business and government. For more information visit:      https://ghcc.org   

About GHCC Hispanic Business Center (HBC):

he HBC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the educational arm of the GHCC. HBC is dedicated to economically empowering Hispanic businesses in Georgia by helping them strengthen their business & accelerate their growth through business education, consultation/mentoring, and access to resources.   

About Kevin Greiner:

Kevin Greiner serves as President and CEO of Gas South, the southeast’s largest retail natural gas marketer. Gas South provides natural gas to 450,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and 11 other states. Kevin’s community work includes serving on the board of directors of the following organizations: YMCA of Metro Atlanta (board chair, 2021-22); Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (board chair 2016-2017); Select Cobb (board chair 2020-21); Georgia Chamber of Commerce (executive committee 2014-15); Learn4Life; the Atlanta Opera; and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. His hobbies include tennis, baseball, music, and travel. He was honored to be named as 2021’s most respected business leader by Georgia Trend magazine and as one of Atlanta’s most admired CEOs by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2018 and 2021.   

For media inquiries or more information about the event, please contact: Jumarie Flores media@ghcc.org or (470)721-4457.