FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, TEXAS  –  Rosa Rios Valdez, Chief Executive Officer - BCL of Texas, will serve as the chair of Celebrando 2020, the annual celebration gala hosted by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). Celebrando will be presented as a virtual experience on October 8, 2020 with Ascension Seton as the presenting sponsor. The VIP event will begin at 5:30 p.m followed by the award program beginning at 6:00 p.m. In line with its history, Celebrando 2020 will occur during Hispanic Heritage Month and will commemorate the 47 years the GAHCC has served businesses and professionals in the Greater Austin area.

Rios Valdez brings decades of economic and community expertise that has leveraged the Hispanic population in Greater Austin. She will lead the nomination committee to select the awardees who will be featured at Celebrando. Her business relationships will also help in sponsorships and guide the committee in delivering a successful digital celebration. 

“Rosa is a key stakeholder in our community. Not only does she have expertise on small business development and lending, she also understands growing a business, and manages a team that represents BCL of Texas with the highest respect statewide. She will be essential in the progression of our 2020 Celebrando signature event and will guide us in elevating this annual celebration to digital excellence,” said Joseph Cajas III, Chairman of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Rios Valdez is a co-founder of the economic development organization Business & Community Lenders of Texas, where she has served as CEO since 1997. Under her leadership, BCL of Texas has launched innovative programs to address economic inequalities, including the Community Loan Centers of Dallas and Austin payday alternative programs; Texas Small and Diverse Loan Fund for growing minority businesses; and NeighborhoodLIFT down payment assistance. Rios Valdez has grown the BCL of Texas assets 42-fold to over $25 million.

Celebrando 2020 will include new award categories, renowned talent, and digital surprises. The GAHCC will announce items to bid on in a Facebook event that will be shared prior to Celebrando.

About the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC):

Established in 1973, the GAHCC is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization with the primary goal of  continuing the advancement and progression of a strong and stable economic culture for Hispanic Businesses. Our board and members represent diverse industries from corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits, to governmental agencies that touch all corners of the Greater Austin area. The mission of the GAHCC is to be the leading resource and advocate for the Hispanic business community.

Contact:

Stephanie Bazan
Director of Communications, Signature Events & Programs
C: (512) 731-7814 | sbazan@gahcc.org | www.gahcc.org