República Chairman & CEO Jorge A. Plasencia Honored with Inaugural Goya Hispanic Achievement Award

República Chairman & CEO Jorge A. Plasencia Honored with Inaugural Goya Hispanic Achievement Award 

MIAMI, January 25, 2013 — República proudly announced today that its chairman and CEO, Jorge A. Plasencia, was the first-ever recipient of the Goya Hispanic Achievement Award bestowed by the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The honor was presented at a sold-out black-tie gala dinner held on Thursday, Jan. 17 at the New York Public Library.

Jorge A. Plasencia is considered one of the foremost experts in reaching the burgeoning multicultural majority in the United States, with a celebrated career that spans over two decades of pioneering success in media, marketing, entertainment and professional sports.

Regarded one of America’s most influential Hispanics, Plasencia has coupled his keen business sense with a passion for giving back to the community.  Most recently, Jorge was elected first Cuban-American, first Floridian and youngest  Chairman of the Board of the National Council of La Raza, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.  In 1991, while still a teenager, Jorge cofounded Amigos For Kids, a non-profit organization supporting underprivileged children and families that he has since nurtured into an institution of national prominence. His work with Amigos For Kids has earned him the March of Dimes’ Humanitarian of the Year award, among others.

“I am extremely humbled to have been selected as the first recipient of the Goya Hispanic Achievement Award,” said Plasencia. “I share this recognition with the millions of U.S. Hispanics who every day work tirelessly to fulfill the American Dream and contribute honorably to our nation for their families and future generations.”

The Goya Hispanic Achievement Award pays tribute to a Hispanic leader who has made a lasting impact in the fields of business, arts, science or social responsibility. Through their commitment and dedication to making a difference in their respective fields and local communities, honorees have left an indelible mark on the Hispanic population in the U.S.

“We are truly honored to host and organize this prestigious event for one of our founding members, Goya Foods,” stated Xavier Ruiz, Chairman of the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  ”Mr. Plasencia was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Goya Hispanic Achievement Award due to his extraordinary contributions to advancing the social, business and political objectives of the Hispanic community.”

In 1959, Goya Foods was a founding member of the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber fosters the economic ties between Spain and the U.S. and represents the interests of companies that have established, or are interested in establishing, business and commercial relationships between the two countries

“We established the Goya Hispanic Achievement Award to celebrate our heritage and the success of the Latino community,” said Bob Unanue, President of Goya Foods. “We wanted to highlight and commend an individual like Jorge A. Plasencia, who symbolizes and embodies the characteristics and qualities of an outstanding leader.”

Renowned sculptor Pepe Antonio Márquez Pérez from Seville, Spain designed the emblematic award replicating Goya’s original sign.