Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone, Honored at the 3rd Annual Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
Tampa, FL – December 20th, 2012 – Last week, Tampa Bay celebrated its thriving Hispanic/Latino business community at the prestigious 3rd Annual Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, held at the elegant Double Tree Hotel on December 13th. This event brought together an inspiring group of business leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs from across the region to honor the remarkable contributions and success stories within the Hispanic and Latino communities.
The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as the Chamber announced the year’s top nominees and award recipients in multiple categories, recognizing excellence in various fields. Among the distinguished nominees was Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone, who was honored in the Medium Business category for his outstanding accomplishments and leadership in the Tampa Bay real estate industry.
The event, which took place from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, provided a unique platform for the community to come together, celebrate the achievements of local businesses, and foster valuable connections. Attendees enjoyed a full dinner, DJ entertainment, and dancing, all while showing support for the region’s dynamic Hispanic and Latino business landscape. “The Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force in promoting diversity and economic growth in the region. I am truly honored to be recognized alongside so many other incredible leaders in our community,” said Jorge Vazquez, reflecting on the experience. “Being a part of this celebration reaffirms the importance of our collective efforts to empower the Hispanic/Latino business community here in Tampa Bay.”
The awards ceremony featured several categories, each highlighting the exceptional work and contributions of businesses and individuals making a significant impact in the community. The categories included Small Business, Medium Business, Large Business, Non-Profit Organization, Business Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Media Professional of the Year, and the special “Compadre of the Year” recognition. In addition to Jorge Vazquez and Graystone’s recognition in the Medium Business category, the nominees encompassed a diverse range of industries and professional expertise, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent within Tampa Bay’s Hispanic/Latino community.
Celebrating the Best of Tampa Bay
The Small Business category recognized visionaries like Guido Maniscalco of Guido Morano Jewelers, Shanida De Gracia of De Gracia Enterprise, Julia Palacios of The Trust Keeper, John Rivera of Rivera’s Tostoneras, and Danny Alvarez of Alvarez Law. Each nominee demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, representing the resilience and innovation that small businesses bring to the community.
In the Medium Business category, Jorge Vazquez of Graystone was joined by other notable nominees, including Roddy Flores of My Party, LLC, Sonia Celpa of Celpa Medical Clinic, and Jackie Toledo of Creative Camps. The recognition in this category underscored the importance of medium-sized businesses in driving economic development, creating jobs, and enriching Tampa Bay’s business environment.
The Large Business category paid tribute to industry giants such as Cynthia Fuente of Fuente Cigars and Richard Gonzmart of Columbia Restaurant, each of whom have become pillars of success in the region, while the Non-Profit Organization nominees – including Jay Molina of Metropolitan Ministries, Sylvia Alvarez of Housing and Education Alliance, and Miriam Velez of Are You Safe – highlighted the selfless dedication of individuals working to better the lives of those in need.
Special awards such as Business Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Media Professional of the Year honored individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service to the community. The event concluded with the “Compadre of the Year” award, recognizing those who support and uplift the Hispanic/Latino business community, fostering a spirit of collaboration and camaraderie.
A Night to Remember: Building Connections and Strengthening Community
The evening was not only about celebrating achievements but also about building relationships and creating opportunities for future growth. As guests mingled, exchanged ideas, and forged new connections, the sense of community and shared vision for the future of Hispanic/Latino businesses in Tampa Bay was palpable.
Jorge Vazquez, who has been a long-standing figure in Tampa Bay’s real estate scene, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “Graystone has always been about empowering individuals through real estate investing and creating lasting financial legacies. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. It is an incredible honor to stand among so many accomplished business leaders who are not only building successful enterprises but also making a positive impact in our community.”
The event also served as an invitation to the greater Tampa Bay business community to become more involved with the Chamber. Jolie Gonzalez Padilla, event organizer, emphasized the importance of participation and membership, stating, “We invite Tampa Bay’s business community to join us, support our initiatives, and be part of this growing network that champions diversity and economic success.”
Looking Forward: Continuing the Legacy of Excellence
The 3rd Annual Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce Business Awards marked a milestone in recognizing the invaluable contributions of Hispanic/Latino businesses to Tampa Bay’s economic landscape. It was an evening filled with pride, joy, and a deep sense of commitment to advancing the success of the community. As the Chamber continues to grow and advocate for Hispanic/Latino businesses, events like this serve as a reminder of the collective power of collaboration, networking, and mutual support.
As we look back on the achievements of this year’s nominees and award winners, including Graystone’s CEO Jorge Vazquez, it is clear that the future of Tampa Bay’s Hispanic/Latino business community is bright. The dedication, hard work, and passion displayed by all participants set a strong foundation for continued success and prosperity in the years to come.
Join Us in Supporting the Hispanic/Latino Business Community
For those interested in being part of this vibrant and dynamic business network, the Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce welcomes you. Nominate deserving individuals or businesses, participate in upcoming events, and contribute to the growth and success of Tampa Bay’s Hispanic/Latino community.
About the Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce
The Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advocating, promoting, and facilitating the success of Hispanic businesses in the Tampa Bay area. Through events, programs, and networking opportunities, the Chamber serves as a hub of communication and support for the Hispanic/Latino business community, fostering an environment of growth, diversity, and economic empowerment.
For more information about the Chamber and how to get involved, visit their website at TampaLatinChamber.org. To nominate individuals for next year’s awards or to learn more about membership benefits, please contact Jolie Gonzalez Padilla at Jolie@Latin-Times.com.