PUERTO RICAN CHAMBER’S “ACHIEVERS AWARD” LUNCHEON

May  30, 2007

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PUERTO RICAN CHAMBER’S “ACHIEVERS AWARD” LUNCHEON

The Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida, in conjunction with the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida (headed by its president Hector Rivera Esq., and Yesenia Collazo Esq., Vice President representing Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties and Director of Legislative Affairs) and Dynamic Community Development Corporation (headed by its Chairperson Jacob Gill), held its Quarterly Business luncheon meeting at the Doubletree Grand Hotel in Miami.  A major part of this luncheon was the presentation of the Maurice A. Ferre Puerto Rican Achievers Award, as well as other special awards to individuals who have made special contributions to the community.

The Maurice A. Ferre Puerto Rican Achievers Award was made to Honorable Lilliana Torreh-Bayouth, Judge of the U. S. Immigration Court .  Judge Torreh-Bayouth, first arriving in Miami to work with the prestigious law firm of Greenberg Traurig, and has worked to foster greater communication and improved relations between the various group with make up the culturally rich and ethnically rich community of Miami-Dade County .  She has practiced in a wide array of legal areas, and has been recognized for her special work in animal rights.  Judge Torreh-Bayouth stated that she has inherited her appreciation for a life devoted to public service from her late father, Judge Hiram Torreh Rigual, who served on the Puerto Rican Supreme Court for twenty years.

Also honored for their distinguished work as judges for the 11^th Judicial Circuit in the State of Florida were the Honorable Rose I. Rodriguez ( Miami-Dade County ) and Pedro E. Dijols ( Broward County ).  When introducing these judges, Hector Rivera Esq. and Richard Robles Esq. (current President and former founding President of the Florida Puerto Rican Bar Association, respectively) spoke of the importance of recognizing distinguished Puerto Ricans who work on the judiciary, and mentioned several current Bar Association members who have announced their intention to run for judgeships. 

Special awards were made by the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce to two individuals who have contributed to our Miami-Dade community.  The first to receive an award was Ms. Nora Smith (Center Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Human Services Neighborhood Assistance Bureau – Eugenio Maria de Hostos Facility).  In her introduction, Chamber member Darlene Swaffar (Home Mortgage consultant, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage) detailed her long career of social service to our community, and spoke of her Thanksgiving Turkey  / Christmas Toy Drives – two longstanding charitable traditions in our Miami-Dade County . 

Mr. Francisco “Paco” Guell (publisher, La Opinión Puertorriqueña) presented, on behalf of our Chamber of Commerce, a special award to Ms. Norah Venegas.  Norah is President of the Centro Cultural de Puerto Rico en el Sur de la Florida and has enriched the lives of all the residents of our ethnically rich community by bring the very best of Puerto Rican culture – art, music, dance and film – to South Florida. 

Both Luis De Rosa, Chamber President and Raymond Torres, Chairman of our Chamber, addressed the Luncheon guests – speaking of the importance of supporting the Chamber and its economic, business and community development activities.  They spoke, as well, of the importance of emulating the example of our honored award recipients by giving back to the community by joining committees, serving on County Boards , and joining cultural groups and economic development councils. By participating in this way, we can foster Puerto Rican empowerment

For information regarding future luncheons and other activities of our Chamber of Commerce, please see our website www.puertoricanchamber.com