The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County recognized local businesses at the Business Leadership Awards Gala on December 14, 2012 at the Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon, CA

     Walnut Creek, CA- January 2, 2013 - The Hispanic Chamber of Contra Costa County hosted its Business Leadership Awards Gala, one of the premier business events in Contra Costa, on December 14, 2012. The Gala was hosted by Marla Tellez, anchor on NBC Bay Area and featured State Controller John Chiang as keynote speaker. The Hispanic Chamber celebrated its 25th anniversary and invited members of the original Board of the Chamber to thank them for their vision and hard work.  

      The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and individuals for their outstanding leadership for the local business community in Contra Costa as well as their service to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Corporation of the Year:  

Humana - Humana is dedicated to ensuring every business decision they make improves the health and wellbeing of their members, associates, the community they serve and the planet. Humana health benefits strategy is changing the health care industry; they are focusing on people, choice, engagement, and innovative designs for their business practice and decision making. Humana has received many awards and recognitions for their products, services, and business methods.

Small Business of the Year: 

Web Dispatch.com- WebDispatch.com was founded in 2001 in
 response to a growing demand for technical services in the East Bay. Their mission is to provide professional service at reasonable rates while delivering exceptional customer service. The professional team at WebDispatch.com is dedicated to performing efficient, courteous and quality work for their customers.

Business Person of the Year:   

Jose E. Guerrero (Ernie) - Ernie has successfully started four independent businesses since 1992, including La Tapatia Restaurants' in Concord and Martinez. His past jobs and trainings has provided him with the expertise to hire and manage the right individuals who not only work for him but are the framework to his businesses. He is currently associated with DVC's Puente program and is a mentor to college students who want to pursue a career in small business. He continues to be an activist representing small business in the county. It is his belief that a successful business is based on giving to the community, God's good will, and 10% luck.

"I want to congratulate the award winners, Ernie Guerrero, Jim Erickson and Steve Macias of Humana for their well deserve recognition and award. I also want to congratulate the nominees for Small Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year; Izalco Catering, El Nido Mexican Restaurant, Maggie Wulff of Legal Shield, Ray Villanueva of Home Funding Corporation and Peter Prieto of nDataStor. All these individuals go far and beyond to showcase excellence. We look forward to continuing to support our members through advocacy, education and business opportunities to help them succeed," said Eric Maldonado President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.   

      In addition to the business awards, the chamber recognized Director of the Year, Johnny Huang and Volunteer of the Year, Lydia Celis, for their commitment and active participation in the chamber. Special guest in attendance included: Congressman Jerry McNerney, Senator Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblymember Joan Buchannan, San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson, Antioch Council Member Mary Rocha, and President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Mark Martinez and Chairman Ernie Gutierrez.

     The Chamber would like to thank the many corporate sponsors, their support is vital to fulfilling the ongoing work at the Hispanic Chambers. This year's Gala sponsors included Walmart, Shell, PG&E, AAA, Humana, Tesoro, AT&T, CFSA, Travis Credit Union, and Wendel Rosen.

     For information about the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County 
contact us 925-933-2337 or email at info@h5c.org. The office is located at:  1515 Locust St, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596