2017 Chamber Business Diversity Luncheon
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2017 Chamber Business Diversity Council Luncheon
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Keynote Speaker:
Michel Zajur, President/CEO & Founder, Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Michel was born in Mexico City and immigrated to the United States in the early 1960’s. He attended the VCU School of Business and went on to establish various businesses in Virginia. The most recognized of these achievements was La Siesta Mexican Restaurant, which became an iconic eatery in Richmond, Virginia for over 30 years. In addition to catering, manufacturing, and distributing La Siesta’s personal line of salsa, La Siesta also created an education program for children. La Siesta Restaurant was recognized on “The Very Best: Mexican Restaurants and Where to Find Them in the United States” list by Herbert Wolff.
As a result of his work with outreach programs and his involvement within the community, Michel founded a statewide organization, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC), in May of 2000. The VAHCC serves as the bridge linking the Hispanic business community within the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2003, the VAHCC Foundation was established as an effort to further provide education, information and resources to the Hispanic community.
As Founder and CEO of the VAHCC, Michel has helped to educate Virginia’s community about changing demographics within the state and has helped to provide opportunities to include the Hispanic population in the business world. By promoting business opportunities and profiling the contributions of Hispanic businesses at major Chamber events and programs throughout the state, Michel has been innovative in his efforts to build partnerships and connect people while highlighting the increasing importance of the Hispanic community. Michel Zajur works with Hispanics on a national and statewide level, and all those interested in Hispanic business, including the Virginia Hispanic business community; Virginia businesses and corporations; local, state, federal, and international entities; non-profit organizations; and individuals.
John F. Bell, Sr., Founder, JF Bell Funeral Home
The CBDC John F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award will be presented to the 2017 award recipient at the luncheon. Nominations will be accepted July 1 through August 18 here.
The CBDC Vanguard Award is named in honor of John F. Bell Sr., a strong, determined and respected business leader and citizen who established successful businesses during a time when society wasn’t so welcoming to people of his cultural background. The Bell family understood the importance of entrepreneurship. Mr. Bell not only taught his children about business, but he also employed many within the African American community and taught and mentored them as well. The funeral home he founded in 1917, J.F. Bell Funeral Home, is the area’s oldest existing business owned by people of color. His granddaughter, Deborah Bell Burks, and her husband Lieutenant Colonel Martin Burks, III (US Army, retired), now run the business. The Burks continue Mr. Bell’s legacy of being successful business leaders and active citizens making significant contributions to their community in many ways.
Date and Time
Tuesday Sep 19, 2017
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM EDT
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
11am- Networking
1130am- Luncheon Program and Awarding of John F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award
Location
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
2nd floor of Jefferson School City Center
233 4th Street NW
Charlottesville, VA
Fees/Admission
Early bird registration from July 1-July 31
Members: $30
Nonmembers: $35
August 1-September 14
Members $40
Nonmembers $45
Late/On-site registration September 15-19
Members $50
Nonmembers $60
Table sponsorships also available
Contact Information
Andrea D. Copeland-Whitsett
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