September 8, 2009: The Michigan Hispanic Caucus is seeking nominations for outstanding Latinos across the state of Michigan.  The Caucus is looking to honor individuals who have shown exemplary leadership in their communities who will be recognized during a day-long celebration of Latino culture that will take place in Lansing on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. 

The events are part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated nationally between September 15^th and October 15^th. This year’s day-long festivities are a coordinated effort by the Michigan Hispanic Caucus, co-chaired by Senator Valde García and Representatives Lee Gonzáles and John Espinoza; the Capital Area César E. Chávez Commission; the Michigan Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs; and Lansing Community College .

The categories for the leadership awards are as follows:  Fine Arts, Business/Economic Development, Hispanic Advocate, Hispanic Educator, and Lifetime Achievement.

Nomination forms are available on the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs website: www.michigan.gov/cossa or by calling Ms. Vicky García at (517) 373-8339.  Nominations should be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009.

Award winners will be recognized at the Annual Recognition and Chávez Commemorative Dinner that will take place at the Causeway Bay Hotel (previously Holiday Inn South, Lansing) on Sept. 29—reception at 5:00pm, dinner at 6:00pm. 

The keynote speaker is Rubén González, Three-time Olympian and National Luge Champion.  A master storyteller, González uses his Olympic experiences to inspire audiences to think differently, live life with passion and have the courage to take the necessary steps toward their goals - to push beyond self-imposed limitations and to produce better results!

Tickets for the dinner are $35 each or $280 for a table and may be purchased by contacting Vicky García at (517) 373-8339 or [email protected]. For more information about the events taking place, go to www.michigan.gov/cossa