The Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held its Eleventh Annual Awards Gala in Columbus on Sept. 12, 2008, at the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus. 

Frank Venegas Jr., Chairman and CEO of Ideal Group Inc. addressed the more than 200 attendees.  In 2004, Venegas was selected as one of the 25 America’s Most Fascinating Entrepreneurs by Inc Magazine and was honored by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as the 2004 Businessman of the Year.

2008 winners included: Laura Ramírez  was 2008 Hispanic Businesswoman; Mark Urrutia  was 2008 Hispanic Businessman; Richard Gandarillas was 2008 Hispanic Business Advocate; Dennis Robb was 2008 Corporate Hispanic Business Advocate; Christina Farr was 2008 Emerging Hispanic Business; and OCHLA/OLAnet was 2008 Government Hispanic Business Advocate of the Year.

The event celebrates the accomplishments of Latino-owned businesses across the state of Ohio. The organization annually recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders in the business community.