NEW ORLEANS (October 14, 2021)—Culminating America’s celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana (HCCL) has selected Hancock Whitney for the prestigious Excelencia Award for President’s Choice. HCCL will present the award to Hancock Whitney during the 2021 Excelencia Gala in New Orleans on October 15.
This year’s Excelencia Gala—themed “Building an Equitable Community”—pays tribute to the history and contributions of Hispanic Americans to the nation’s growth and prosperity and commemorates the September Independence Day of nine Latin American countries. The Excelencia Awards honor individuals, companies, and organizations for commitment to the Hispanic community through outstanding leadership, vision, inspiration, community development, volunteerism, and creating opportunities amid community challenges.
“We at Hancock Whitney are exceedingly grateful to receive the Excelencia Award. For hundreds of years, Hispanic heritage and tradition have run deep throughout Greater New Orleans and Louisiana, helping to shape a rich, vibrant history and bright, promising future for our city and state,” said Hancock Whitney President Joseph S. Exnicios. “We’ve been part of New Orleans’ growth since the late 1800s; and, as we mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, we salute generations of the Hispanic community for so many invaluable contributions that have nurtured the very heart and soul of our Crescent City.”
The national Hispanic heritage celebration began as an annual one-week observance in 1968 and, in 1988, expanded under law to 30 days, September 15 through October 15. That month-long period includes the September 16 anniversary of the independence of Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile gained independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively; and “Dia de la Hispanidad” falls on October 12 to celebrate Hispanic heritage.
HCCL is a non-profit organization committed to facilitating a business climate within the Hispanic community which fosters economic development and progress for Louisiana, including expanded trade relations between the state and Latin America and connections between traditional American businesses and the Hispanic community—the fastest growing population in the United States. Honoring leadership and community engagement in the Hispanic community, the Excelencia Gala helps fund critical HCCL programs and services to assist the Hispanic community, particularly in the wake of significant impacts from the pandemic.
“I am thrilled to be recognizing Hancock Whitney for their commitment to bridging gaps in the Hispanic community and continued support of our organization. We look forward to continuing to build on this partnership for the common good and economic development of our state of Louisiana,” said Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana President and CEO Mayra Pineda.
Other 2021 Excelencia Award winners include Shell (Corporate Partners); Hispanic Apostolates of New Orleans and Baton Rouge (Community Leader); Brewster Procurement Group (Small Business); and Cathy Alfonso with the Port of New Orleans (Young Leader).
To learn more about HCCL and the Excelencia Awards, visit https://www.hccl.biz/