SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND, 2017Quad Ci t ies Water front Convent ion Center

Special Guest & Keynote:

MARIA HINOJOSA

02 | 2017 Annual Gala

On behalf of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I would like to welcome you to our 8th. Annual Gala Celebration. We have just finished another very successful year and we are looking forward to the remainder of 2017.

We want to give special thanks to our members, sponsors and supporters. With your ongoing support, we can continue to provide the programs, networking opportunities and other resources that will make a difference in our community and other communities in our region. By all of us working together, we can achieve the mission and goals that we initially set out over 8 years ago.

Thank you for joining us this evening. We hope that you will have an enjoyable experience and that you will look forward to joining us again next year for our 9th Annual Gala.

Lee VasquezExecutive Director

LEE VASQUEZ

Thank you for supporting the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It is because of big thinkers like you that the Quad Cities is fortunate to host this relevant and responsive organization. Together we are making a difference!

Our mission has always been to support, promote and enhance the growth and success of our local businesses and to leverage the community’s assets, contributions and unique Hispanic cultural identity in the Quad Cities. Over the years, the Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber has been uniquely positioned to serve in this capacity. Unlike most Chambers of Commerce, we are not geographically limited. In fact, thanks to you, our sphere of influence has expanded westward, to include Mount Pleasant and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and eastward to include Joslin, Illinois.

Today, we have members ranging from organizations that employ thousands of workers to entrepreneurial ventures with just one or two. We are fortunate to have members from numerous cultural backgrounds. This diversity is what makes us strong.

In the past, some of our signature offerings include the annual Gala, which promotes comradery amongst our supporters, the Paul Lensmeyer Future Leaders Scholarship program (aiding students seeking academic excellence), a Multicultural Speaker Series (addressing topics critical to our diverse community) and Mixers (providing new opportunities to network). Last year, we launched our Empowering Latina Leadership Alliance (E.L.L.A.) program that supports the growth of our young Latinas in the community. These programs have grown and continue to make an impact in the Quad Cities.

This past year we have broadened our impact by launching our Economic Development Initiative for Minority Enterprises (eDIME) offering important bi-lingual training for start-up and existing small businesses in the community.

We could not do this important work without you. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Sincerely,

Michel PontarelliChairman of the Board

MICHEL PONTARELLI

2017 Annual Gala | 03

It was an honor to have been invited by the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to be a speaker at the Multicultural Speaker Series in November, 2016. I also had the opportunity while I was there to participate in the Rock Island Armory event commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month that was keynoted by Mr. Lee Vasquez, Director of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Both of these events provided me the unique opportunity to understand the breath and depth of work of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

It is clear under the leadership of Mr. Lee Vasquez he is working hard to insure the growth and development of local business to promote enhanced understanding of Hispanic contributions to the Quad-Cities and beyond. Also, it was impressive to learn about the scholarship opportunities GQCHCC is providing to insure Hispanic students will be able to develop the skills they will need as future leaders of the Quad Cities. The individuals I met spoke highly of the difference the GQCHCC is making in the region and how committed they are as business leaders, community leaders, educators, and organizations to provide continued support so that GQCHCC mission will be achieved.

All of this is to say, I wish I could be part of the Annual Gala to honor the work of all those committed to GQCHCC as an important resource to insure the continued contributions of Hispanics in Quad-Cites. I wish you all the very best and congratulate you for all of your efforts on behalf of Hispanics. Please know, as I said in my remarks, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Quad-Cities since it contributed to my role as an educator.

Adelante,Nancy Rusty Barcelo, Phd.ProfessorNorthern New Mexico College

NANCY “RUSTY” BARCELO

Thank you to Black Hawk College

and Eastern Iowa Community College

District for their continued support of the Multicultural

Speaker Series.

HISPANIC CHAMBER LEADERSHIPBoard MembersMichel PontarelliVeronica SchrockAstrid GarciaAlvaro MaciasRobert HillPatty CasasTodd AshbyMaria Mier LlacaAaron SerranoJuanita Zertuche

StaffLee VasquezZenaida LanderosNorma Juarez

General ReceptionPrestige Music

Welcome Elizabeth Nino & Margarita Mojica

Opening Remarks Lee Vasquez, Executive Director

Presentation of AwardsSmall Business of the Year – Carmen’s JewelryCorporation of the Year – City of DavenportAdvocate of the Year – Juanita & Abel ZertucheCommunity Leadership Award – Global Communities

DinnerMenu - Arugula Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Mangos, Coconut, and Dried Tomato with a Pomegranate Vinaigrette Herb Seasoned Teres Major and Paprika, Chile, and Lime Marinated Chicken with Roasted Red Potatoes with Broccolini Chocolate Mouse Cake, with Flan Shooter and Orange Berry

Keynote Speaker Maria Hinojosa

Closing Remarks

AGENDA

ENTERTAINMENTGrupo Innstinto

EMCEES

04 | 2017 Annual Gala

Margarita MojicaMargarita Raya Mojica has taught in the East Moline School District #37 for the past 21 years. She received both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Western Illinois University. As a first generation American and a first generation high school and college graduate in her family, Margarita is a strong advocate for higher education. Margarita is founder of the One by One program at Glenview Middle School, a member of LULAC Council 5285 and ELLA.

Liz NinoLiz Nino is the Director of International Admissions at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Her career combines her passions for cultural understanding, languages and higher education. Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Spanish from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa and is working on her Masters in Bilingual/Bicultural Education. Liz was born and raised in the Quad Cities to Mexican American parents. She is an active member of the community and serves as board member of the Quad Cities Empowering Latina Leaders Alliance (ELLA), as an educational coach for the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) and as member of the International Association for College Admissions Counseling (IACAC).

Thank you to our 2017 Gala Sponsors!

2017 Annual Gala | 05

P la t inum Sponsor Diamond Sponsor

S i l ver Sponsors

2016 Annual Gala | 7

Bronze Sponsors Familia Dental

 First National Bank IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union

 Lane & Waterman LLP MetroLINK

 USI Insurance Services

Patron Sponsors Gentle Family Dentists

 Hiland Toyota Scion McGuire for Illinois

 Schnell & Hancock, P.C.The Sedona Group

Thank you to our sponsors!Platinum Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

BUSINESS AWARD RECIPIENTS

06 | 2017 Annual Gala

Advocate of the Year

Juani ta & Abel Zer tuche

This award is handed to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to the Hispanic community.

Small Business of the Year

Carmen’s Jewelr y

This award is handed to a local business that is actively involved in addressing and supporting Hispanic community needs and willing to help.

Corporation of the Year

Ci ty of Davenpor t

This award is given to an organization that offers special programs to the Hispanic community that make a positive difference.

Community Leadership Award

Global Communit ies

This award is given to a nonprofit organization or group who has made an outstanding contribution to the Hispanic Community.

Maria HinojosaMaria Hinojosa is an award-winning news anchor and reporter who covers America’s untold stories and highlights today’s critical issues. As the anchor and executive producer of NPR’s only Latino news and culture show Latino USA, and anchor and executive producer for the PBS series America By The Numbers with Maria Hinojosa, she has informed millions about the changing cultural and political landscape in America and abroad. In 2016, Hinojosa became the host of In The Thick, Futuro’s new political podcast, and Humanizing America, the company’s digital video series.

In April 2010, Hinojosa took a groundbreaking step by creating the Futuro Media Group, an independent nonprofit organization producing multimedia journalism that explores and gives a critical voice to the diversity of the American experience. Futuro Media is committed to telling stories often overlooked by mainstream media.

In over 25 years as a journalist, Hinojosa has worked for CNN, PBS CBS, WNBC, and WGBH. Her previous projects include PBS’ Need to Know series and the WGBH/La Plaza talk show Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One. Hinojosa was the first Latina to anchor a FRONTLINE report: aired in October 2011, “Lost in Detention” explored abuse at immigrant detention facilities, garnering attention from Capitol Hill to both the mainstream and Spanish-language media.

Hinojosa has reported hundreds of important stories—from the restrictive immigration policies in Fremont, Nebraska, to the effects of the oil boom in North Dakota, to stories of the poor in Alabama. As a reporter for NPR, Hinojosa was among the first to report on youth violence in urban communities on a national scale. During her eight years as CNN’s urban affairs correspondent, Hinojosa often took viewers into communities rarely shown on television. Now at Futuro Media, Hinojosa continues to bring attention to communities and issues usually ignored.

Hinojosa has received numerous awards for her work including: four Emmys, a 2014 Peabody Award for Latino USA, the 2012 John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism, Robert F. Kennedy Award for Reporting on the Disadvantaged, the Studs Terkel Community Media Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Overseas Press Club for best documentary for her groundbreaking “Child Brides: Stolen Lives.” In addition to her broadcast work, Hinojosa has been a weekly syndicated columnist for King Features/Hearst and is the author of two books: Raising Raul: Adventures Raising Myself and My Son, a motherhood memoir; and Crews: Gang Members Talk with Maria Hinojosa, an in-depth collection of interviews with gang members in New York City.

Hinojosa was born in Mexico City and raised in Chicago. She received her BA from Barnard College. She is currently the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Chair of Latin American and Latino Studies at DePaul University in Chicago and a Global Post ‘Voces’ columnist. She lives with her husband, artist German Perez, and their son and daughter in Harlem.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

2017 Annual Gala | 07

GoldGroup O Isle CasinoJumer’s Casino and HotelRhythm City Casino Resort TerrostarUniversity of IowaWQPT

SilverAmerican Bank and TrustHiland Toyota ScionQuad City Bank & Trust

BronzeArconic, Inc.Ascentra Credit UnionAT&TAugustana CollegeBlack Hawk CollegeCity of BettendorfCity of DavenportCommunity Health Care Inc.DuTrac Community Credit UnionEastern Iowa Community College DistrictEnterprise Rent A CarFirst Midwest BankFirst Trust & Savings BankHoliday Inn & Conference Center - Rock IslandHotel BlackhawkiWireless CenterIH Mississippi Valley Credit UnionIowa American WaterLee EnterprisesLRC Developers, IncMetroLINKMonmouth CollegeMRA- The Management AssociationSam’s Club #8238Skip-a-Long Family & Community ServicesSmart ToyotaSt. Ambrose UniversityStoney Creek InnTerrell LandscapeThe Family Credit UnionTriumph Community BankTyson Fresh Meat Inc.Unity Point Health - TrinityUniversity of Iowa Community Credit UnionUniversity of Iowa Health CareValley Construction CompanyVibrant Credit Union

2017 GQCHCC MEMBERSWal-MartWells FargoWest Gateway PartnersWestern Illinois University Quad CitiesWVIK, Quad Cities NPR

Corporate7G DistributingBillion AutoCity of East MolineCity of MolineCity of Rock IslandCity of SilvisFamily Resources, Inc.First American State BankMediacom CommunicationsPalmer College of ChiropracticPerformance Food Group - Thoms Proestler CompanyThe Sedona GroupUnited Way of the Quad Cities Area US BankWest Music Company, Inc.

Small BusinessAAA Minnesota/IowaAcupoint Health ConnectionAflac (Kimberly Aikins)American Communications Network - International PulseAmerican Family InsuranceBarbara K. Wallace, P.L.C.Principal Financial Group (Robert Belman)Best Western Airport InnCafe Fresh Eatery & Wine BarCaliff & HarperCardinal Sign & GraphicsCareer Cruising Quad CitiesCarmen’s JewelryChocolate ManorChristine Elsberg Insurance Agency, Inc.Collins Concrete LtdCommunity CPA & AssociatesCountry Style Ice CreamDiversity Initiatives - Multicultural CompetencyEdward Jones (Paul Schnell)Eric Reyes LawFalbo Bros. PizzeriaFamilia DentalFarm Bureau Financial ServicesGabelmann & Associates, P.C.Ganzo’s Mexican FoodGentle Family DentistsGlobal Awareness Consulting

08 | 2017 Annual Gala

Great River Family ChiropracticGuadalajara RestaurantHeritage Landscape DesignHoefer Law FirmHola America Media GroupHonkamp Kruger & CO, P.C.Hughes Telephone, Inc.Junior Achievement of the HeartlandKarla Mitchell, Independent Agent for AflacLaw Office of Dolores Tapia P.C.Matthew Casillas Agency, LLCMedia Link, Inc.Midwest Meetings and MoreMilitary Cost CuttersNally’s Kitchen, Inc.Ontrack, LLCPadgett Business Services Patty Casas (Keller Williams Realty)Prestige MusicPrint Group USAPuryear Law P.C.QC Yellow Checker CabQPS Employment GroupQuad Cities Marathon & Festival of RacesQuad City Community HealthcareQuad City PressRE/MAX River CitiesRepublican Women of Rock Island CountyRestaurante El MariachiRobert ImlerRock Island County Democratic PartyRosales Lawn CareSandstorm ProductScarpellino Law, PLCSpringleaf FinancialThe Diversity Service Center of IowaToppert ServicesTrimble Funeral and Cremation CentersTrue Mortgage LendingWide Prairie HR, LLCZertuche’s One Stop AutoBozeman, Neighbour, Patton & Noe, LLPCristina Foods, Inc.Hamilton Technical CollegeKaplan UniversityMiller Trucking & ExcavatingQuad City International AirportSchnell & Hancock, P.C.Sodexo at St. Ambrose UniversityWerner Restoration Services, Inc.Brown Mackie CollegeLane & Waterman LLP

Rayz Barber CollegeSexton Ford SalesShive Hattery, Inc.Southeast National BankThe Village of Milan

Non-ProfitBig Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi ValleyBoys & Girls Club of the Mississippi ValleyButterworth Center & Deere-Wiman HouseEast Moline School District #37Figge Art MuseumGenesis Health Services FoundationGerman American Heritage CenterGirl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western IllinoisGlobal CommunitiesGreater Quad Cities Hispanic ChamberHabitat for Humanity Quad CitiesIL/IA Center for Independent LivingJewish Federation of the Quad CitiesKaaba Shriners: Shriners Hospital for ChildrenKALA-FMLULAC Council #5285LULAC Council #10Mexican American Veterans AssociationProject NOW, Inc.QC Convention & Visitor BureauQC SymphonyQuad Cities Ballet FolkloricoQuad Cities Chamber of Commerce Quad City Health InitiativeRenew MolineRock Island County Republican Central CommitteeThe ARC of the Quad Cities AreaTwo Rivers YMCA, Inc.University of Illinois ExtensionWarren County United WayWest Liberty Iowa Chamber of CommerceCommunity Foundation of the Great River Bend

IndividualJeffrey JacobsLouisa EwertMaria BribriescoMaria Mier LlacaKelly GiovanineMonica RiosMark LousbergZobeida G Laufenberg

2017 Annual Gala | 09

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Proud supporter of theGreater Quad City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

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If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

Jose Sierra Jr

Bilingual Sales

309-373-7627

Follow us on

110 E 2nd Street Davenport, IowaMon - Fri: 10:00 am - 6:00 pmSat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm(563) 355-6600

209

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At the University of Iowa, we’ve dedicated ourselves to this principle, celebrating the voices and achievements of individuals from all cultures and backgrounds.

Thank you, fellow proud members and leaders of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, for all you do to enrich the state of Iowa.

When everyone is heard, communities get stronger.

diversity.uiowa.edu

GQCHCC ad 2016.indd 1 3/15/16 10:15 AM

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WE NEED YOUR INPUTTell us your thoughts about Moline’s

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A short, anonymous survey, taking about 5 minutes, is available in English and Spanish

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wqpt.org

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