Bronx Chamber of Commerce

Hispanic Heritage Leadership Luncheon

    The Bronx Chamber of Commerce held their Hispanic Heritage Leadership Luncheon today. Leadership award recipients included Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York Assembly members Felix Ortiz and Jose Rivera, former Bronx Democratic County Leader Roberto Ramirez, Asst. Chief NYPD Edward Delatorre, with a special closing by New York Yankee closer for 2012 Rafael Soriano # 29.

    The only problem was last night's Yankee game was rained out, and a special day night doubleheader was scheduled for today, so Yankee ace closer Rafael Soriano had to be at the stadium in case he was needed to come in the game.  In the 8th inning with two outs Soriano came in to close out the 4 - 2 victory for the Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays. 

     BCC president & CEO Lenny Caro did a fine job of moving the luncheon along even though his closer was not available, so the next best thing was done with the introduction of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Diaz Jr. the 13th and youngest Bronx Borough President reflected on the struggles of past Hispanics that made it possible for him to attain the position he has now. He then went  on to bring out the growth of new Bronx Businesses including a second Macy and BJ's coming to the Bronx, Fresh Direct with borough wide service and new jobs at a new warehouse to be built in the Bronx to buy new trucks built in the Bronx by the new Smith Electric plant. 

    Ray Negron author of a book called "Yankee Miracles" "Life with the Boss & the Bronx Bombers", which Negron was signing for attendees said that it is easy to say that Arod or Jeter was the star of the Yankees. He said though that "this year it was Rafael Soriano who was the star this season". He added that it is also Soriano's commitment to community outreach like no other player in baseball. Below are a few photos of the event.

Left - Group photo of Assemblyman Jose Rivera, former Councilwoman June Eisland, BP Diaz, and former County Leader Roberto Ramirez.

   

 Left - BP Diaz addresses the attendees.

 Left - Group photo of Honorees.

Left - Ray Negron signs his book for Ms. Maria Kuhry.