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PLAINS TWP. — A new statewide event focusing on the Latino business community had its debut here on Saturday.
The inaugural Latin American Business Gala, held at the Mohegan Sun Pocono ballroom, was hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA).
“We need to be united and lift each other up,” GACLA Executive Director Luz Colon said in her opening remarks, discussing life as a Latina American.
“Throughout history, Hispanics have served and contributed to the growth and strengthening of our country in numerous ways, and business is one of them,” Colon said.
Speakers included Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, a commissioner on the advisory commission, and Jonathan D. Encarnacion, the administrative director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
The keynote speaker was Kerry L. Kirkland, the deputy secretary of the Department of General Services. Kirkland works directly with Gov. Tom Wolf on a number of business and economic issues.
Kirkland is also a Vietnam veteran, and served as the Vice President of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, working with them to provide technical assistance and advice to minority-owned businesses all over the country.
“I want to thank Ms. Colon for inviting me to this fantastic event, and for the fantastic work that you do … it is absolutely necessary,” Kirkland said. “But there’s still a lot of work to do.”
Special presentations also were made by Francisco Torres and Amaris Hernandez.
The event featured performances from Wanda Rivera y su Orquesta, as well as singer, songwriter and producer Anthony Colon.
The program’s master of ceremonies was Fulvio Acosta, who entertained the crowd with stories and a spot-on performance of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
From there, Acosta introduced Pastor Frankie Rodriguez to lead everyone in prayer before the program officially started.