On Feb. 20, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) will be celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Each year, the GPHCC celebrates its anniversary with its signature annual event — the Alegría Ball, a fundraising gala that goes towards funding its core programs throughout the year.

In addition to the fundraising component of the event, the Alegría Ball is also used as a time to celebrate the growth and success of Latino-owned businesses and Latino professionals. 

“While Hispanics experience the highest poverty rate in Philadelphia, our community is also the most entrepreneurial, starting businesses at three times the general population rate,” Jennifer Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said in a press release. 

To celebrate that growth, each year the GPHCC presents the annual Excelencia Hispanic Business Awards. 

The 2020 recipients will be:

• Hispanic Professional of the Year: Angel Corella, artistic director of the Pennsylvania Ballet
• Hispanic Business of the Year: LUHV Food, a family-owned vegan and gluten-free food manufacturer and restaurant
• Corporate Initiative of the Year: Visit Philadelphia’s “Filadelfia - You Gotta Feel It” marketing campaign 

According to the press release, the 2020 recipients “have distinguished themselves through their extraordinary achievements and contributions to the community.”

The success of Hispanic businesses is critical to the U.S. economy. According to this report, Latino-owned businesses are contributing more than $700 billion in sales to the economy annually, and nearly half of Latino-owned businesses were started within the last six years. 

“If Hispanic businesses were to grow modestly, by only one or two employees, we would be adding thousands of jobs in the communities that need it most,” said Rodriguez.

“It costs our economy when Hispanic businesses do not scale up and GPHCC is committed to change that,” she added. 

The funds raised at the gala will also help the GDP deliver on its 2020 Latino Small Business Agenda, which include:

• Advocating for a welcoming business environment
• Helping businesses adopt best practices through entrepreneur education
• Providing Latino entrepreneurs with access to the capital, resources and experts that will make a difference in their success

The annual event attracts more than 300 business leaders who help support GPHCC’s mission of building wealth in the Hispanic community.

Comcast NBCUniversal will be the presenting sponsor for the gala, and co-host of E! News Lilliana Vazquez will serve as the master of ceremonies.

The 2020 Alegría Ball will take place on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 at the Union League of Philadelphia from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

For more information or to purchase a ticket, click here.