Daily News

September 14, 2004 - The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce's Hispanic Business Committee made history Friday evening with its Excelencia Awards Gala at the Hyatt Valencia.

"We have never had anything like this occur before," said Paul De La Cerda, chairman of the Excelencia Awards Gala. The gala was the organization's first major fund-raising event. The event raised an estimated $5,000, which the committee will use to fund scholarships for local high school students. More the 180 people attended the event, which was held in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month.

"The impact that we had gives us validation, it makes us feel good," De La Cerda said. "It really brings the Hispanic community together to feel ownership and camaraderie in the community. I was happy to see such a good response."

At the gala, the Hispanic Business Committee awarded businesses, community leaders and corporations that have worked to make Hispanics feel more welcome and included by creating a community through which they can interact with one another.

"The Excelencia Awards were 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," De La Cerda said. "We're thankful for what these individuals and companies have done to support the Hispanic community, and we were honored to recognize them."

Maria Acevedo and Jose Lucatero of Margarita's Mexican Grille received the Avance Award, Hispanic business of the year, for accomplishments that have benefited the Hispanic business community.

Chiquita Canyon received the Amistad Award, business community leader of the year, for its work to make positive change in the Hispanic business community.

Gloria Mercado-Fortine received the Amistad Award, individual community leader of the year, for her working in making positive change.

Wells Fargo Bank received the Adelante Award, corporate partner of the year, for being affiliated with other Hispanic associations that have helped local businesses and people.

"The idea behind all the awards is to honor people or businesses that have really had an impact on the local Hispanic community," said Jane Raleigh, the chamber's communications director. "We want to draw attention to what an asset Hispanics are to the community. We want to bring this to the limelight."

The Chamber of Commerce formed the Hispanic Business Committee in January to help reach out to Hispanic businesses. The committee includes businesses that cater to the needs of the Hispanic community, not just businesses owned by Hispanics. The committee has more than 40 members.

At its meetings and mixers, business owners have the opportunity to discuss their trades, mentor one another and network. The committee meets in the Century Room in City Hall on the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 a.m.