The Irving Hispanic Chamber held its 8th Annual Awards Luncheon Thursday at the Sheraton DFW Hotel. The keynote speaker was Texas Supreme Court Judge Eva Guzman, the first Latina appointed then elected to the Texas Supreme Court. The theme of the luncheon was “Energizing a New Generation.”
J. R. Gonzales of JRG Communications served as emcee and speakers included Jon Bennett of TXU; Lourdes Spinola, Irving Hispanic Chamber chair; and Robert Bard, president and CEO of Latina Style. Guzman emphasized the importance of education in achieving one’s dreams and how the contributions of Hispanics impact national and state economies.
Following her address, awards were presented in several categories. Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez received the 2012 Small Business Champion Award for his efforts in promoting chamber programs and Hispanic businesses. Sharon Barbosa-Crain received the Chamber Champion Award for her tireless dedication to the chamber. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Angie Franco. The Small Business of the Year Award was given to Gene Guzman and Tom Work of G&C Direct Mail Marketing. The Chamber also recognized TXU as Corporation of the Year. Asusena Resendiz, president of the chamber, helped present the awards along with Lourdes Spinola. Guests included Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Irving City Council member Brad LaMorgese, Irving ISD Superintendent Dana Bedden and IISD school board member Gwen Craig.
