September 8, 2009 - The Michigan Hispanic Caucus is seeking nominations for outstanding Hispanics across the state of Michigan. The Caucus is looking to honor individuals who have shown exemplary leadership in their communities who will be recognized during a day-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino culture that will take place in Lansing on Tuesday, September 29th.
The events are part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated nationally between September 15th and October 15th. This year's day-long festivities are a coordinated effort by the Michigan Hispanic Caucus, co-chaired by Senator Valde Garcia and Representatives Lee Gonzales and John Espinoza; the Capital Area Cesar E. Chavez Commission; the Michigan Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs; and Lansing Community College.
The categories for the leadership awards are as follows: Fine Arts, Business/Economic Development, Hispanic Advocate, Hispanic Educator and Lifetime Achievement.
Nomination forms are available on the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs website: www.michigan.gov/cossaor by calling Ms. Vicky Garcia at (517) 373-8339. Nominations should be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009.
Award winners will be recognized at the Annual Recognition and Chavez Commemorative Dinner that will take place at the Causeway Bay Hotel (previously Holiday Inn South), reception at 5:00pm followed by dinner at 6:00pm. Tickets for the dinner are $35 each or $280 for a table and may be purchased by contacting Vicky Garcia at (517) 373-8339 or garciav@michigan.gov.
The keynote speaker is Mr. Ruben Gonzalez, Three-time Olympian and National Luge Champion. A master storyteller, Gonzalez uses his Olympic experiences to inspire audiences to think differently, live life with passion and have the courage to take the necessary steps toward their goals - to push beyond self-imposed limitations and to produce better results!