Hispanic Chamber banquet celebrates individuals, businesses

by Teri Reed
POST-REGISTER

The Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Banquet on Jan. 15 with a “San Francisco Nights” theme.
Guests were welcomed by George Sanchez, the 2004 Hispanic Chamber President, as he introduced the Master of Ceremony, Leticia Falcon, PhD.
Falcon gave an motivational message about the importance of o

ur youth”s education.
“I encourage you to help your children in their pursuit of education,” Falcon said. “Don”t approach it with closed eyes.”
Before dinner, provided by Hilda”s Catering, Sanchez recognized the 2004 Board of Directors.
“From the bottom of my heart, I”m very proud of these people,” Sanchez said. “We worked very hard, and I want to give a special thanks to the City of Lockhart for their support.”
Congressman Henry Cuellar was introduced after dinner as the guest speaker for the evening and swore in the 2005 Board of Directors.
The 2005 Board of Directors are Paul Martinez as President, Lisa Cuevas Garza as Vice-President, Pablo Ruiz as Secretary, Angela Meitler as Treasurer, Fernando Pruneda as Director of Public Relations, Martin Mojica as Director of Economic Development, Frank Estrada as Director of Education and Candy Rayos as Parliamentarian.
Cuellar”s speech focused on improving education for the minority”s youth by giving facts about school drop-out rates and the three factors that affect those rates: economy, technology, demographics.
“Education is truly the best equalizer in our society,” Congressman Cuellar said. “It”s important to help our children finish their education. It should concern all of us, and we all should become ambassadors of education.”
Recognition was given to individuals in the community by the Chamber to show their appreciation for all their hard work.
Awards were given to the following:
Business of the Year – Bertram”s Backyard Nursery
Business Man of the Year – George Sanchez
Business Woman of the Year – Lydia Serna II
Pioneer Award – Lilly Serna
Orguillo (meaning exuberates pride for the Hispanic culture) – Mayor Louis Cisneros
Volunteer Recognition – Diane Delgado, Olivia Rangel, Jimmy Bertram
Community Awards – Christine Ohlendorf, Neto Madrigal, Lilly Serna