Zions to honor businesses run by Hispanics

Zions Bank will roll out the red carpet for Utah-based Hispanic-owned businesses next week, honoring them for their contributions to the community and the economy.

The bank's inaugural Utah Hispanic Business Awards banquet Thursday will honor eight local businesses: five up-and-coming "businesses to watch," a community service stand-out, an innovator and the 2007 business of the year.

"I think it's important to acknowledge those businesses that are working so hard to open their doors, to become independent," said Sylvia Haro, Zions Bank's senior vice president of community relations. "Many are owned by immigrants who are living their American dream, who are employing others and growing the economy."

The bank's selection committee received more than 122 applications, nominating 59 businesses for the various awards, Haro said. All are at least 51 percent owned by Hispanics and employ fewer than 100 people.

The 59 nominees include Refugio Perez of Perez Enterprises and Marisa's Fashion; Pablo Negrete of Guero's Juice; and Elly Madrigal of Rancho Markets.

"It is important to say that we are honoring the Hispanic business owners, and not just the winners, but all those who contribute to our community," Haro said. "We see a lot of business awards events, but nobody really focuses on this business owner that employs less than 100 people. And maybe they're not making millions, and maybe the world might not say they're a big success yet, but I see them as successful just as they are.

"They're on their way to bigger success. They've taken the big step to set up their business. Now we need to help them, to encourage them to develop."

To that end, the bank (in partnership with its media sponsors) will present a $20,000 advertising package to the winners in the community service, innovation and business of the year categories.

Zions Bank's Utah Hispanic Business Awards event will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Grand America Hotel, 555 S. Main.

Hector Barreto, former chief of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be the keynote speaker. Barreto now leads the Latino Coalition, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit group promoting Hispanic interests and opportunity.

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