Small businesses earn a lot of attention from politicians. At least in theory. And some of the more charismatic small businesses are regularly lionized in the press.
Rudy Colmenero and Estella Galan
Yet to be recognized by one’s own is always a special treat. That’s why I attend the Capital of Texas Small Business Awards luncheon whenever the opportunity arises. The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce knows how to honor its own.
Monica Peña and Nancy Jaimes
As often happens at such events, the inevitability of demographic change received lots of play from speakers such as George A. Gutiérrez, Andy Martinez and Marc A. Rodriguez. This is a smart and forward-thinking strategy. Rodriguez, by the way, has risen from the local chapter to chair the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Marilyn Montano and Chris Mugica
The winners? Running Bull Media, Maria’s Taco Xpress, KUT, Lone Star Circle of Care, Stella Says Go, Mud Puppies and Hispanic Scholarship Consortium. (If memory serves.)
I was particularly pleased to see Edward Flores and Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier take the stage. Their social grasp reaches far beyond the banquet room at the Crown Plaza.