Latino entrepreneurs honored

Utah is one of many Western states with a burgeoning Hispanic population. The Latino community is the largest and fastest growing minority group in the Beehive state, representing about 10 percent of the state's overall population.

Since 2004, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce celebrates the accomplishments of Latinos with its annual awards ceremony.

This year, some 550 crowded the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City to pay tribute to eight of the state's most deserving Latino community members.

Antonella Romero Packard, Vice President of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, said the main purpose of recognizing these individuals is to inspire others to become their best.

"When you hear that someone came into this country with just a hundred dollars in their pocket and nothing more than the clothes on their back, and now they run a million dollar corporation, that inspires people," she said.

"I don't care if they are Latinos or Asians or Caucasians or whomever. Then you know that success is within the reach of individuals if you work hard enough and you're focused in your dreams."

This year's recipients are:

• Founder's Award: Given to the Latino business that has strengthened the foundation of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce. Alex Collantes, Azteca America TV

• Partner Award: Given to the Latino business or business person that has collaborated and served by promoting Latino businesses and community. Ed Distel and Bustos Media

• Popular Choice Award: Given to a business that specialized in serving the Hispanic/Latino community. Adolfo Campos, Tenochtitlan Mexican Market

• Emerging Business Award: Given to a Latino business that has experience a rapid growth in its market segment and has sales receipts in excess of $1 million. Jose E. Lopez, Creative Woodworks, Inc.

• New Entrepreneur Award: Given to an entrepreneur who has been in business for less than a year and has overcome hurdles and achieved profitability. Jessica Yescas, owner-operator, Pier 49 Pizza in Murray

• Business Opportunity Award: Given to business that produces new prospective businesses within the Latino Community and advocates self-sufficiency and success. Joyce Mathie, Sargent Steam

• Success in Business Award: Given to a business that has achieved and sustains success. Eduardo Bedoya, EBC Computers

• Bartholomé de las Casas Award: Given for exceptional community activism. Tony Yapias, Proyecto Latino