The Magazine of Santa Clarita

October 2004 - The first annual Excelencia Awards, held September 10 at the Hyatt, was an ideal forum to showcase the Hispanic business community, its culture and its economic contributions to the expanding and diversifying both the Santa Clarita and California economies.

With an expanding roster that grew to 200 attendees, nominees and their supporters mingled with chamber members and the media. The event was the main fundraising event for the recently formed Hispanic Business Committee (HBC) of the SCV Chamber of Commerce, HBC Chair, Berta Gonzalez-Harper and Event Chair, Paul De La Cerda, were thrilled with the turnout. De La Cerda remarked, "Hispanic business owners and professionals have been waiting for an invitation to get involved and demonstrate their pride of ownership and community outreach." In his opening remarks De La Cerda mentioned that one of the committee's goals is "to enhance the image of Latinos in the community by featuring the success stories. Another goal is to work together as a group to promote the diversity and richness of our Hispanic business community."

The gala is just one of the many things the committee has planned to accomplish these goals. Nancy Agosto, an award-winning television personality and news anchor for Univision and a Santa Clarita resident, was the mistress of ceremonies.

Maria Acevedo and Jose Lucatero of Margarita's Mexican Grille received the Avance (advancement) Award, Hispanic Business of the Year. They started as a waitress and a busboy when they first came to this country at ages 17 and 15, and have worked their way up to owning their own restaurant. They have participated in Taste of the Town and Relay for Life, provided food for the homeless shelter, sponsored many sports teams, and prepared Thanksgiving dinner for Camp Scudder.

Chiquita Canyon received the Amistad (friend) Award, Business Community Leader of the Year, for its work to make positive change in the Hispanic business community. Chiquita Canyon has donated more than $1 million to assist in Val Verde programs. They hosted the SCV Chamber's Hispanic Business Committee first mixer in April and have sponsored numerous self-improvement programs for their predominantly Latino workforce.

Gloria Mercado-Fortine received the Amistad Award, Individual Community Leader of the Year. Gloria Mercado-Fortine has been outstanding in her example, leadership and education of Hispanic students, starting from her high school days at Hart. She is a school administrator for L.A. Unified, and continues to serve in many capacities to assist the betterment of the Latino community.

Wells Fargo Bank received the Adelante (forward progress) Award, Corporate Partner of the Year. Wells Fargo Bank has donated over $50,000 for local grants and scholarships. Wells Fargo provides grants to organizations that help people and communities of low and moderate income in the areas of affordable housing, training people to find and retain jobs, and community revitalization and stabilization.

De La Cerda said of the gala and the committee, "We believe this is just the beginning! With such a talented, passionate, hard working group of people, you can expect to see more involvement in all issues of interest in the Santa Clarita Valley."