WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On November 16^th ambassadors from Latin America gathered at the Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square for the fourth annual Embassy Celebration Dinner Series where Ambassador Roberto Saladin-Selin, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the OAS, was honored with the GWHCC Public Service Award.

Ambassador Saladin, was awarded for his leadership in the Western Hemisphere on democracy and human rights, education, and economic development especially among Hispanics in the U.S. and Latin America.  Mr. Saladin spoke about importance of the trade relations between the U.S. and Latin America and the Caribbean. "The relationship between the region and the United States in the commercial sector is extremely important because it generates foreign exchange and employment in the region of Latin America," stated the Ambassador during an interview with the local Hispanic media.

The audience included representatives from Latin American countries, local business and political leaders, congressmen and distinguished guests such as Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, Congressman Robert Garcia, Carlos Urrutia, Ambassador of Colombia; Joel Hernandez-Garcia, Ambassador Permanent of Mexico to the OAS; and Tatiana Zelaya; Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs in the Embassy of Honduras. The District of Columbia government was represented by Councilmembers Vincent Orange and Kenyan Mc Duffie and DC agency directors Nicholas Majett and Michael Kelly.

Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, who was recently elected as new Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, was the keynote speaker for the evening. Mr. Hinojosa stressed the importance of the Latino vote in the past election, and investing in education and healthcare in order to open doors of opportunities for young people. "… I love business, but I can tell that if I came to Washington as a Congressman and I focused on education, that I could make a big difference," stated Mr. Hinojosa during his speech while highlighting his Hispanic heritage and family's business background.

Angela Franco, GWHCC President & CEO and Dinner Chair Jane Lee Garcia, President of Garcia & Associates, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting trade between the North and South America, and providing opportunities for trade to our members. The Chamber thanks Events DC for hosting us at their beautiful location.

About the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization that supports the economic development of the Greater Washington metropolitan area by facilitating the success of Latino and other minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education and access to capital. The Chamber was founded in 1976 and is a 501(C) 6 organization. For additional information visit our website www.gwhcc.org

SOURCE Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce