WASHINGTON, DC, May 31, 2012 – Leaders from Latin American embassies, local and federal government, nonprofits, corporations and small businesses will be attending the GWHCC’s 36th Annual Gala on Friday, an event that will honor the founders of the organization.

Many of the Chamber’s early collaborators will be joining current members and supporters. “We are honored to have the opportunity to have our founding members present at our gala and we are excited to share our accomplishments of the Chamber in the last year with our stakeholders,” Angela Franco, GWHCC President & CEO affirmed. “The work of our founder Jose Antonio Font and all the leaders that established the Chamber has touched many lives, including mine. We are proud to continue their work strengthening local businesses though the Chamber and the GWHCC Foundation programs.”

The Gala will also serve as an opportunity to introduce the new officers for the Board of Directors. “Serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the last three years has been wonderfully fulfilling, and I am proud to have played a small part in the tremendous growth the Chamber has enjoyed,” Miguel Ornelas comments. “I will stay on the board, serving as treasurer, and I look forward to working with everyone for our continued success”.  The Chamber is also pleased to welcome new partner organizations Montgomery College Hispanic Business Institute and the Minority Business Development Division at Prince George’s County.

The Gala will kick off with a networking reception, followed by a program including leaders in the Hispanic community such as Antonio Tijerino, President & CEO of Hispanic Heritage Foundation, who will be the master of ceremonies; also joining are Congressman Robert Garcia (ret.) and Tenor Jesus Daniel Hernandez. The program will be followed by dinner, live music and dancing. Exclusive goods will be auctioned throughout the night, including airline tickets, hotel stays and art work.

Sponsors for the 36th Annual Gala include, Platinum Sponsors – Lanigan, Ryan Malcolm & Doyle, M&T Bank, Verizon and Walmart. Gold Sponsor – John Marshall Bank. Silver Sponsor – Goya Foods. Networking Reception Sponsor – Wells Fargo. Bronze Sponsors – Aeromexico, American Airlines, B-thrifty, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Erie Insurance, Events DC, Giant, Keystone Plus Construction, PNC Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Toyota, VMG Inc, Washington Gas and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Table Sponsors – Building Hope, CENTECH Group, Destination DC, Eagle Bank, PPI, State Farm Insurance and ZGS Group. Media Sponsor – Telemundo Washington DC.