POR FIN: Latino Expo

I say "por fin" (finally) because the event took place this past Sunday, but I'm just now getting to this post. Ah, the life of a socialite....I mean student.

I also say "por fin" because it's about time the Seattle area has an event of this scale that's dedicated to professionals.

The Latino Expo (aka the Latino Consumer, Business and Career Expo) at Meydenbauer Center was a pretty big event, as it turns out. This I believe is Expo NW's first event of this type in Western Washington (correct me if I'm wrong), although they've mastered it in Pasco!

They sold out all the exhibitors' booths and had an interesting combination of banks, schools, insurance carriers, cookware, jewelry, and and and the list goes on. It was hard to know whether I should apply for a job, enroll in school, or get car insurance. I think if the event were more focused (or somehow categorized) it might be more meaningful to attendees and bring more of the exhibitors' target to the event and to their booth.

All in all, I was happy to see that there was indeed some attendance there (including some of my favorite people) and I know that with more events in our area, Expo NW will see success with their well-planned events.

Say "Vay-May"

In case you're not aware of the coolest in Spanish-language children's and educational programming, turn to V-Me, the local affiliate of the national network. This station is run by our own KCTS and you should tune in to what they've got to offer, on V-Me as well as KCTS, Channel 9:

TONIGHT ON V-ME Presidential Debate: Live in Spanish
Tuesday, 10/7, 6 pm V-me will simulcast the debate between candidates McCain and Obama with live Spanish interpretation.

WEDNESDAY ON KCTS 9 History, the Arts, and Political Power
8 p.m. - Midnight Tune to KCTS 9 for a fantastic line-up celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month:

Secrets of the Dead: Aztec Massacre 8 pm: By analyzing codices and using forensic science, this program rewrites much of what we thought we knew about the Aztec reaction to the Conquistadors.
Latinos ’08 9 pm: Latinos will play a growing role in American politics this fall and beyond. Join acclaimed director Phillip Rodriguez (Brown Is the New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream) for a cutting edge exploration of the diversity, unpredictability and growing power of Latino voters.
Los Lonely Boys: Cottonfields and Crossroads 10pm: Following the Garza brothers out of rural West Texas, award-winning documentarian Hector Galán follows the rise of Los Lonely Boys from humble beginnings to fame and critical acclaim as some of rock’s freshest innovators.
A Quest for Home: Latino Artists in Seattle 11:30 p.m.: Longtime Northwest producers of national Univision programming Mario Zavaleta and Martha Sanchez connect with our region’s Latino artists, musicians, writers and dramatists to explore the emergence of a vibrant new art scene.

Check www.KCTS9.org for more information.

Man, that was a great Hispanic Chamber Gala!

Saturday night's gala was a great event, well attended with lots of good networking, an inspiring address from our Governor as well as one from the Republican gubernatorial candidate, some well-deserving people getting awards (no one at my table was sure how one becomes eligible for this honor), the food was phenomenal, and on and on.

I thought it was super-cool that Cris Guillen was recognized for the commitment he's shown to the Chamber and to pulling all the Washington State Hispanic Chambers together as one association. He literally quit his job to take on that task and his accomplishment was celebrated at the Gala.

But it became really obvious that this event was (with the exception of Chris Gregoire) all about men!

Everybody on the new Association of Washington State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors and all regional Chamber leaders--men, all of them!

All three award winners? Men.

The MC? a man.

That was more than a little disheartening, especially since I have personally chatted with many successful businesswomen (Latina and otherwise) not only at that event, but throughout the year at King County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce events. Are we not leaders? What's going on?

I invite your comments.

In Today's Puget Sound Business Journal

TGIF - the week's PSBJ has come out and with it, a great local focus on banking (how timely!).

And ... Don't miss the op-ed piece from Carlos Guangorena, president and CEO of Plaza Bank, the Northwest's first Latino bank.

>>The article focuses on a new City of Seattle initiative, Bank On Seattle-King County, to reach the unbanked population here locally. It's an initiative that's taken off in San Francisco, and we think it will here, too. If you're not a subscriber and would like a PDF of the article, please email us at info@conexion-marketing.com.

If I don't post again today, wishing you all a fabulous weekend! See my post yesterday about all the happenings in the Latino community ...

Hugo Ludeña, Fotógrafo Local

CONGRATULATIONS to our own local photographer extraordinaire, Hugo Ludeña. He earned one of this year's prestigious Mayor's Art Awards, presented by none other than Greg Nickels. His talents are featured monthly in Latino Cultural magazine, and he was in last month's City Arts magazine. Local Boy Makes Good!

Jam-Packed Weekend Coming Up!!!

I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tell you a little about this weekend's events in the Latino community. So I'll do my job!

The 2008 Annual Gala Dinner of the Association of the Washington State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce is this Saturday evening! That's October 4 at the Meydenbauer Center, with reception at 4:30 and dinner at 7pm.

Not only will AWSHCC winners Edgar Martinez, Gil Kerlikowski and Dennis Basford be present, but we'll have both Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire AND the Republican candidate for governor Dino Rossi kick off the event with a welcoming address. Together? No creo.

In any case - these gala dinners are always classy events, and I look forward to seeing you there! http://www.wshcc.com/

Did I mention Hispanics love the Meydenbauer Center? ;-) The following day at the same venue we'll have the pleasure of attending the Latino Business, Consumer & Career Expo, put on by Expo NW. So October 5 from 12-6, stop by the Meydenbauer and you might catch Edgar Martinez, Actor Nicholas Gonzalez, and a full house of Latinos interested in scoping out their opportunities. What's more--it appears to be a free event! I'm definitely going to check it out. http://www.expolatinobusiness.com/

....and...put it on your calendar...

CASA LATINA 2008 GALA DINNER & AUCTION will take place Saturday, October 18.

CASA Latina is a locally based organization that empowers Latino immigrants through educational and employment opportunities. In case you weren't aware, CASA stands for "Centro de Ayuda Solidaria a los Amigos." A-ha!

This year's program is themed La Fiesta del Sol, and Hilary Stern and her team have some great plans to unveil for those who attend this year's fundraiser. http://www.casa-latina.org/

In Good Health

Hey, Everybody - The Latino Health Forum 2008 is coming up October 7!

What? You didn't know about the Latino Health Forum? It's an annual event presented by Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Public Health Seattle-King County, and the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle to coincide with Binational Health Week. The event will take place at South Seattle Community College, all day Tuesday the 7th. For more details: http://groups.google.com/group/latino-health-forum-seattle?pli=1 or call Spence Comstock at 206-788-3200 or Irma Farsch at 206-764-4700.

This is one of those significant events that would be terrific for the right sponsor...especially if you work in the healthcare industry, your organization may want to think about this kind of opportunity in your 2009 planning to reach local Latinos!