I’m proud to announce that the Pacific Coast Business Times is launching its first-ever Latino Business Awards. This special section, publishing June 22, recognizes the outstanding Latino business leaders and professionals who have helped to shape the Tri-Counties. We’re currently seeking nominations to get the inaugural issue of this exciting special section off the blocks.

The Latino business market is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in California and the Tri-Counties, and it dates back to the earliest days of our mission-influenced traditions of trade and commerce. Join us as we break new ground in reaching this important, but often undervalued, part of our region’s business heritage.

I’m also happy to say that we already have two sponsors on board for this section: Wells Fargo and Venoco. In the case of Venoco, we have secured additional funding to advance the cause of college scholarships for area students.

We are recognizing leaders in the following categories:

• Banking and finance
• Professional and insurance Services
• Agribusiness
• Large-business owner/executive (Company with more than 100 employees)
• Medium-sized business owner/executive (Company with 25-100 employees)
• Small-business owner/executive (Company with fewer than 100 employees)
• Nonprofit or health care executive
• Higher education

Click here to nominate someone for Latino Business Awards.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Publisher Linda le Brock at llebrock@pacbiztimes.com or (805) 560-6950 ext. 233.