(Seguin) — Businesses and community members making an impact in Seguin are not going unnoticed. A slate of award recipients was recently presented to the community during this year’s annual awards banquet hosted by the Seguin-Guadalupe County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Gloria Sasser, the publicity chair for the Hispanic Chamber, says the banquet works to honor and recognize those who continue to support and do business here in Seguin.
Leading the pack of award recipients was the recognition of this year’s Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year.
Recognized as Businessman of the Year was Edward Davila, of Davila’s BBQ. Davila says he is honored to have been a part of the business community for years.
“Being recognized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the people behind it is a great honor. We have been in Seguin for so many years and we’ve grown our business from a small mom-and-pop to a nationally recognized restaurant featured on CBS News, the Wall Street Journal, on national food network shows and travel channels but we couldn’t do it without the people of Seguin. That’s why we’ve always tried to give back to the community. And, of course without the family, especially my wife, we wouldn’t have the business that we have now. The family is the backbone of the business. I always wished my mom and dad were here to see where this restaurant has gone and we continue to try to build on what they left behind,” said Davila.
This year’s Businesswoman of the Year award went to Yuli Sandoval, of Alex’s Tacos. Sasser who speaks on behalf of the restaurant owner says the chamber recognizes her work ethic and continued contributions.
“Yuli Sandoval has been a really successful businesswoman. She’s been running this business for several years. She’s really the epitome of a successful woman who grows her business from a small taco stand. I find that remarkable to what is now a lovely new restaurant and her work ethic and her ability to do all of this especially since English isn’t her first language,” said Sasser.
Teijin Automotive Technologies was also on hand during the banquet to receive this year’s Corporate Community Award.
Those also receiving recognition included Andrea Jaramillo, Seguin ISD’s chief of innovation and learning, who received this year’s Academic Merit Award.
Jose Alberto Rincon, the districtwide ballet folklorico instructor in the Seguin ISD and the co-artistic director for Ballet Folklorico De La Rosa, was the recipient of this year’s Daniel Rodriguez Community Service Award.
Presented with this year’s Humanitarian Award was local businesswoman Linda Dietz.
Seguin ISD Mariachi Director Rafael Alarcon was also recognized by the Hispanic chamber with this year’s Youth Leadership Award.
Receiving this year’s Rosita Ornelas Media Award was Henry Ramos, Kens 5 anchor.
The Geronimo VFW Post 8456 was also honored as the recipient of the Hispanic Chamber’s Patriot Award.
Finally, this year’s Pete Garza Business Award was presented to United Alloy.
Sasser says nominations for these awards are accepted and vetted seriously by the Hispanic chamber’s board of directors. She says recognition of their efforts is vital to the growth and preservation of doing business in Seguin.
“We feel very strongly in that as a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that we reach out and we recognize those businesses and corporations in Seguin and Guadalupe County that reflect the values of Seguin and Guadalupe County,” said Sasser.
Rounding out the slate of honorees during this year’s banquet were two special award recipients.
They included Wanda Rosales who received this year’s Chairwoman’s Award and Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen, who was surprised with this year’s Juan Seguin Award.
The Seguin-Guadalupe County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet was held Wednesday night in the Seguin Coliseum.