The Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held its inaugural Award and Recognition Gala at Springhill Suites by Marriott, honoring eight Hispanic business leaders for their contributions to the economic and social vitality of Napa County. The honorees — spanning restaurants, law, winemaking, immigration services, hospitality, marketing, and nonprofit work — were recognized as leaders, activists, and role models.
Among those honored were La Prima Pizza co-owner Betty Nunez, who received the American Dream Award, and leaders like Belia-Eugenia Ramos Bennett, Gustavo Brambila, Dalia Ceja, Frances Ortiz-Chavez, Santana Saldivar, Rosaura Segura, and Juan Sirotka. Each represented the entrepreneurial spirit and community dedication that defines Napa's Hispanic business community.
The evening featured a performance by Lilia Navarro and Ballet Folklorico of Napa Valley College, a dinner by Chef Arturo Delgadillo of Frida's Restaurant, and a keynote by internationally known psychologist and author Dr. Jorge Partida. Representatives from eight Northern California Hispanic chambers attended, along with Napa Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Batto, who called the NCHCC "an important partner" in strengthening the local economy.
The gala arrived at a time when Hispanic-owned businesses are fueling economic growth nationwide, with 1.6 million Hispanic-owned businesses generating over $220 billion in annual gross receipts.
