Columbus: The Ohio Latino Affairs Commission (formerly, OCHLA) and the Ohio Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (OHCC) have joined forces to recognize Latinos’ and non-Latinos’ outstanding contributions in the areas of business, policy, and service.

“We are honored by the opportunity to partner with the Ohio Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to celebrate outstanding men and women, as we acknowledge their efforts and dedication to make Ohio a better place for all,” stated Mary Santiago, Vice- Chair of the Commission and Chair of the DHO Awards Committee.

The OCHLA will acknowledge outstanding policy and service with The Governor’s Distinguished Hispanic Awards, which highlight three Latino leaders, along with three non-Latino individuals and/or organizations that have done their utmost in supporting and contributing to the Latino communities in Ohio. Five Latino business leaders will be recognized by the OHCC for the leaders’ entrepreneurial and advocacy efforts.
Latino Leadership Awardees include:

GOVERNOR’S DISTINGUISHED HISPANIC OHIOANS AND NUESTRA FAMILIA AWARDS: María T. Lang (Cincinnati), Onnie Martin (Cincinnati), Rosa Torres Caskey (Dayton), María Cardona (Lorain), Dina Ferrer (Lorain), and Joanne Bailis (Cleveland).

BUSINESS AWARDS: Lourdes León (Fairfield) Business Woman of the Year; Rick Zamora (Cleveland) Business Man of the Year; Joe Santiago (Cleveland) Government Hispanic Business Advocate of the Year; Victoria Nuñes (Columbus) Corporate Advocate of the Year; Joe “Rafi” Rodríguez (Dayton) Hispanic Advocate of the Year; and Liborio Alcauter (Columbus) Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.

The keynote speaker will be United States Senator Sherrod Brown.

The Gala takes place at the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus, Ohio on September 4th, 2009. The cost for dinner is $75 per person, with a reception starting promptly at 6:00 pm, followed by the Program and Dinner at 7:00 pm. Registration for the event is available on line at: http://ochla.ohio.gov

For questions call 614-466-8333.