Daily News

June 12, 2005 - To coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Committee (HBC) will host the second annual Excelencia Awards Gala.

This year's gala, sponsored by Chiquita Canyon, will be held Sept. 9 at the Hyatt Valencia with the theme "Pride in Diversity and Community."

The organization's first major event raised money to fund scholarships for local Hispanic students. Nearly 200 participants attended the sold-out event, and the goal for 2005 is to have more than 300.

"The Excelencia Awards is an ideal forum to showcase the Hispanic business community, its culture, and its economic contributions to expanding and diversifying the Santa Clarita and California economy," said Paul De La Cerda, chairman for the gala.

In addition to raising funds for local scholarships, the Hispanic Business Committee will give awards to local business, community leaders and corporations that have made positive contributions to the Hispanic community.

"We're thankful we have individuals and companies who support diversity in Santa Clarita and we are looking forward to recognizing their contributions this year," said Dora Zavala, HBC chairwoman.

The chamber is taking nominations for the fall event in one or more of several categories: The Avance Award, which is given to the Hispanic Business of the Year; the Amistad Award, presented to both an individual and a business for their contributions to the community; and the Adelante Award, for corporate partners who have made an impact in the community.

The final award of the evening is the Diversidad Award, which will be given to a company or individual for promoting diversity in all areas of professional life or business.

Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment and celebrate the riches of diversity that exist in the Santa Clarita Valley. The Hispanic Business Committee has many talented, hardworking and passionate professional members and is always seeking more leaders who desire to be involved in making a difference in the Santa Clarita Valley.