República CEO Jorge A. Plasencia Named “Outstanding CEO of the Year” by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Jorge A. Plasencia, chairman and chief executive officer of República, one of America’s fastest growing full-service advertising, branding and communications companies, was named “Outstanding CEO of the Year” by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) at its Top 100 Minority Business Awards Luncheon held last week. This annual awards program celebrates South Florida’s rich diversity and spirit of entrepreneurship.

The “Outstanding CEO of the Year” award recognizes an individual who has excelled in their field, devoting time and energy to strengthen and transform the organization that they lead. This includes specific situations or initiatives where the recipient’s insight, discernment and ability to lead and inspire have guided their organization to a new level of growth, achievement and recognition.

“The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is pleased to celebrate our community’s minority businesses and the critical role they play in our economy,” said Maria C. Alonso, Chairman of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Market Manager for Bank of America. “Entrepreneurs such as Jorge are part of our community’s DNA and success. Beyond his business acumen, Jorge realizes he can do well by doing good and I believe has a deep sense of responsibility to give back.”

The award was one of six categories in which the GMCC honors individual and corporate accomplishments among a finalist pool of the top 100 minority-owned businesses, a list on which República was featured for the second time in the few years it has been since it was founded. A distinguished panel of judges comprised of business, civic and academic leaders selected the recipients. Winners in other categories included Perry Ellis International, the University of Miami and Sushi Maki restaurants.

“I am extremely humbled to have been chosen for this award. I extend my deepest gratitude to my República family for all their hard work and commitment to the growth of our company. I also want to thank each of our clients who inspire us every day to deliver great work,” stated Plasencia.

Plasencia possesses a lifelong commitment to community and this spirit of giving back is inherent in República’s culture. In 1991 Plasencia cofounded, and today still serves as chairman, of Amigos For Kids, a nonprofit organization that assists abused and underprivileged children. He also serves as vice chair of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), chairman of the Cuban-American National Council (CNC), and on the boards of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), the Miami Dade College Foundation and Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, among others.

Over the past few years, República has been recipient of myriad industry and community service awards. Among these recognitions are numerous national, regional and local ADDY awards for the agency’s commitment to creative excellence, as well as the Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council’s (SFMSDC) 2010 “Supplier of the Year” award, which the company received for its unwavering commitment to promoting a culture of inclusion with its employees and clients.