Returning for it’s third year, the Entrepreneur Summit 2013, produced by Hispanic Unity of Florida,, provided emerging entrepreneurs and established business owners access to seasoned experts and educational resources to help their businesses grow. Last year’s event was a resounding success and attended by more than 500 guests from throughout South Florida. This year’s event was another great success.
“As more South Floridians venture out on their own with dreams of starting a new business the Entrepreneur Summit becomes even more relevant. It’s also helpful for those in second stage expansions,” said Josie Bacallao, President and CEO of Hispanic Unity of Florida. “It is encouraging to see the progress and dramatic results of these entrepreneurs.”
Attendees were a mix of business-owners, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 companies, economic development specialists, government staffers, small business experts, procurement officers, educational institutions, media and corporate partners and others interested in entrepreneurship.
The event Keynote speaker was Keith Koenig, Founder and President of City Furniture, a retail furniture company of 24 showrooms in South Florida under two brands, City Furniture and Ashley Furniture HomeStores.
American Dreamers are individuals who were recognized for their steadfast success, business acumen and community service. Honorees included:
· Mitchell Kaplan – Founder of Books & Books and Co-Founder of the Miami Book Fair International
· Maria Elena Ibañez – Founder and President of Intermark Foods / El Latino Brands, which focus on the Hispanic market in Florida and the East Coast
· John Ruffin, Jr. – Founder of J.D. Ruffin Associates, Inc. and civic and community leader involved with organizations such as NAACP, UNCF, Urban League of Broward County and many more
Stanley, Kenny & Jimmy Tate of Tate Capital, as well as founders of several national and international real estate development, general contracting, management, and finance companies
· Remedios Díaz-Oliver – Founder and President of All American Containers, Inc. and the only Florida woman to be a member of the Board of Directors of three Fortune 500 companies, simultaneously.
About Hispanic Unity:
Hispanic Unity was founded 31 years ago by community leaders to ease the acculturation transition for newcomers from other nations. Today this nonprofit provides assistance through 19 programs – in three languages – to Broward’s diverse community. Hispanic Unity remains the county’s largest agency dedicated to the immigrant population, providing them with the tools they need to build a new life. In 2012, the agency served 20,000+ clients, from toddlers to adults. The agency offers assistance in eight Broward County sites. Its mission is: Empowering Hispanics and other members of the community to become self-sufficient, civically engaged and lead productive lives.
