Nominations Now Open for Hispanic Leaders in Small and Big Business, Civic, Community, and Education

Nominations Now Open for Hispanic Leaders in Small and Big Business, Civic, Community, and Education

HABLA Awards Luncheon Presented by Verizon Will Serve as the Closing Ceremony to Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations

ATLANTA, Aug. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As Atlanta maintains the #3 slot in the nation for cities with the fastest-growing Hispanic population, this southern city continues to foster a climate ripe with entrepreneurs, executives, civic officials, community leaders, and budding students. With the sixth annual Hispanic Achievement and Business Leadership Awards (HABLA) program nominations now open through September 16(th), judges will have a wealth of talented local Hispanic business and civic leaders to choose from, each who have made meaningful contributions to the community.

For the sixth consecutive year, the HABLA program, the leading Hispanic business to business (B2B) event in Atlanta, will recognize the accomplishments of Hispanics nominated by the community at large in the following four categories: corporate executive, civic, entrepreneur, and unsung hero. In addition to recognizing Hispanic professionals and community leaders, the program is an opportunity for budding Hispanic students to be acknowledged for their contributions as they evolve into tomorrow's leaders. Verizon, the presenting sponsor for HABLA, has established a $5,000 scholarship for rising Hispanic students. Scholarships in that amount will be awarded in four different markets to a deserving high school senior entering college in the fall of 2014 or currently attending college as a freshman.

Since the inception of HABLA in Atlanta in 2008, Verizon has been an unwavering corporate supporter. "Hispanic leaders in Atlanta are making great strides," says Jonathan LeCompte, president - Georgia/Alabama Region, Verizon Wireless. "As a national company that has made diversity an integral part its corporate culture, it is our pleasure to help recognize the many accomplishments of our city's current and future Hispanic civic and business leaders and innovators, to inspire others to follow in their footsteps."

The HABLA Awards luncheon, produced by Lanza Group LLC, will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 103 West. To nominate a corporate, civic, entrepreneur, unsung hero or student, please visit HABLAawards.com. All entries must be received prior to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013. For tickets to attend the HABLA luncheon, please visit HABLAawards.com or HABLA Awards on Facebook.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 100.1 million retail customers, including 94.3 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 73,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://news.verizonwireless.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

About Lanza Group, LLC
Founded in 2003, Atlanta-based Lanza Group, LLC is a Hispanic marketing, PR and events firm that provides integrated bilingual and bicultural Hispanic marketing solutions and experiences - connecting marketers to Latinos throughout the United States. Our goal is to identify opportunities, create programs, and deliver turnkey execution for our clients that will generate brand awareness and incremental revenue growth from the fastest-growing consumer market segment in the country. Lanza Group's signature events include Atlanta's annual official Cinco de Mayo celebration, Fiesta Atlanta; Georgia's Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration, Fiesta Georgia; and the Hispanic Achievement & Business Leadership Awards (HABLA) program in the Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston and Orlando markets.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kate Jay
Verizon Wireless
678.339.4828
Kate.Jay@verizonwireless.com

Roselyn A. Castillo
Lanza Group
404.350.0200
RCastillo@LanzaGroup.com



SOURCE Lanza Group, LLC

Lanza Group, LLC

Web Site: http://www.HABLAawards.com


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