John Fonfara

Fonfara Honored by Spanish American Merchants Association

Receives 2012 Leadership Award for “commitment to the minority and Latino business community”

State Senator John W. Fonfara (D-Hartford) was honored by the Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) at a ceremony last week for his commitment to the Latino business community, and presented with the “2012 Leadership Award.”

“I am very grateful to Angel Sierra, Julio Mendoza, and all the members of SAMA for this honor. SAMA is one of the most important organizations in Hartford, and a pillar of the Latino community statewide that has supported the growth of hundreds of businesses and jobs. I have been very proud to support your work over the years, and I will continue to stand by you,” said Senator Fonfara.

“Senator Fonfara is the champion of champions for our organization and for Latino owned small businesses. In particular, the $4.7 million in state funds he secured for façade improvements and the security camera system on Park Street was an enormous accomplishment. But more than this, he has been an overall champion for Latino businesses, and no one could represent the community better. He is the best,” said Julio Mendoza, Executive Director of SAMA.

The Spanish American Merchants Association, Inc. is a Connecticut non-profit organization created to assist business people, in particular Latinos, to acquire a better understanding of economic principles. The organization seeks to promote business expansion, job creation, economic growth, and new entrepreneurship.

Funds raised at the ceremony and award banquet will go to benefit many of the organization’s programs, including training, technical assistance and marketing to minority and Latino owned businesses throughout the region.

The event marked the 30th anniversary of SAMA’s founding in 1982. The group now boasts the membership of more than 500 Hispanic business owners and organizations statewide.

State Senator John Fonfara represents the 1st Senatorial District communities of Hartford and Wethersfield. He is Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee.