The Spain US Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the 2015 “Ponce de Leon” Excellence Business Awards, rewarding the successful internalization of Spanish and American companies with investment or business in both countries.
Fernando Pérez-Hickman, Managing Director of Sabadell Bank, received the “Ponce de Leon” Business Excellence Award which recognizes the Spanish company investing in the United States. Meanwhile sustainable energy company, Smart Solar, won first place in the American company category sending their director Daniel Higueras to receive the “Ponce de Leon” Business Excellence Award. In addition, Spanish firms BBVA and IE Business School won second and third place, while U.S. company CISCO Systems, came in second. Morrison Infrastructure and La Dorada, tied for the third place.
Also, the winners of the youth entrepreneur program were announced during the event by Marina del Corral, Secretary of Emigration and Immigration. A competition carried out by the Chamber under the support of the Ministry of employment and Social security of Spain. The Audiovisual production “La Panda Productions” won first place, followed by “Juntos Salimos” in second place and “US Architect”, in third place
Emilio Estefan received, on his and his wife’s behalf, receive the “Ponce de León” award for their exceptional contribution to Hispanic Heritage in the U.S., from the hands of the consul-general of Spain in Miami, Cristina Barrios, and the Mayor of the city, Tomás Regalado, who valued the effort of Hispanics working in the USA as a key piece in the country’s growth. The renowned international designer, Cristóbal Gabarrón, was the creator of this honorary award.
The president of the Spain US Chamber of Commerce in Miami, Lauro Bravar, affirmed feeling “proud to recognize these relevant companies showing interest and for the continued success that the Spanish and American companies are achieving in both countries; In addition, we have the good example of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. We think that it is crucial to support the entrepreneurial spirit among young Spaniards residing in the United States through our contest for entrepreneurs.”
This event was possible with the support of Greenberg Traurig, and companies such as Mapfre, City National Bank, Domingo Alonso Group, First Bank, IE Business School and TotalBank; Pernod Ricard and Vinaméricas which provided the wine during the lunch.