Fremont, NE- Last Friday, the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce held its first-ever Hispanic Business Banquet, an event dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals within the community. Christine Torres, Director of Membership and Development and Founder of the Spanish Networking Group, warmly welcomed attendees, highlighting the event’s purpose of strengthening connections and inspiring future growth.
The evening spotlighted the newly-formed Hispanic Council, which was launched in January 2024 by the Chamber to provide more resources and opportunities for the Hispanic community. Brenda Wilberding, President of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged Torres’s leadership and the council’s role in empowering Hispanic businesses, building bridges within the community, and fostering economic prosperity in Fremont.
Lincoln Premium Poultry served as the presenting sponsor, with Cindie Serrano expressing the company’s commitment to supporting diverse voices and celebrating Hispanic culture. Other sponsors included Diers Ford, Methodist Fremont Health, and Artesan Bread, demonstrating strong community backing for the event.
Hola Nebraska’s publisher, Tar Macias, was honored to be the keynote speaker for the night. He mentioned in his speech that people all over the Midwest “are taking notice” of the work the Fremont Chamber of Commerce is doing in their “very successful” outreach to the Latino community.
Several leaders and organizations were honored throughout the evening. Paul Heinemann of Allo Communications received the Newcomer Award for his dedication to supporting the Hispanic community. Lt. Ed Watts of the Fremont Police Department was named Amigo de la Comunidad for his impactful engagement with the community. Evelyn Martinez of Three Rivers Public Health earned the Harmony Catalyst Award for her work in creating inclusive outreach programs. Dan Moran of Fremont Public Schools received the prestigious Trailblazer del Año Award for his dedication to advancing bilingual education in Fremont. Finally, Típico Helado was named Hispanic Business of the Year for its contributions to both the local economy and Fremont’s cultural vibrancy.
The banquet concluded with a piñata celebration sponsored by RVR Bank, symbolizing unity and excitement as attendees enjoyed candy and gift cards. The success of this inaugural event left organizers and attendees looking forward to next year’s celebration, a testament to the impact of Hispanic entrepreneurs in Fremont and beyond.
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