Story Created:
Feb 11, 2010 at 1:20 PM PST
Story Updated:
Feb 11, 2010 at 1:20 PM PST
HUNTINGTON PARK — The Greater Huntington Park Area Chamber of Commerce will present its Businessman of the Year award to local restaurant owner Leonardo Lopez at its 104th anniversary celebration and officer installation Feb. 18 at Steven’s Steakhouse, 5332 Steven’s Place, Commerce.
In addition, Public Works Director Pat Fu will be presented with the Jack W. Parks Memorial Award named after a former Huntington Park mayor and chamber president.
The program starts with a no-host reception at 5:30 p.m. A steak dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by entertainment, said Dante D’Eramo, executive director of the chamber.
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles, will be the installing officer.
Lopez owns and operates several Leonardo’s Restaurants and nightclubs in the area, but is being honored for his philanthropic efforts in support of numerous charitable organizations, D’Eramo said.
They include the American Cancer Society, Southeast Churches Centers, the Southeast Rio Vista YMCA, the Salvation Army, the Huntington Park Police Department, Boys and Girls Club and the chamber.
Born in Durango, Mexico, Lopez lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Iris. The couple have been married 35 years and have six children.
Fu is being honored for his service to the chamber as a public employee. He has been with the city of Huntington Park for 26 years and has served as a city engineer and was recently promoted to the second job of director of field services.
Friend of the Chamber awards will go to Manuel Granados of Metropolitan Theatres, Irene Wongpec of Diana’s Restaurant, John Santillan, a local businessman and volunteer, Hector Castillo of Sagharex, Rosemary De La Rocha of Telemundo, and the Huntington Park Police Department.
New officers, who were elected by the board last month and will be installed are Don Brabant of Brabant Realty & Management, president; Andy Carrasco, of the Gas Co.; senior vice president; Jose Zepeda of El Aviso magazine, first vice president; Gilda Acosta of St. Francis Medical Center, second vice president; Art Bustamante of Gage Bowl, third vice president; and Anthony Saldana of Exide Technology, treasurer.
D’Eramo was re-appointed as executive director and CEO.
A newly elected director to be installed is Theresa Bagues of the Guerra, Cunningham and Bagues Funeral Home.
Re-elected board members are Ron Garcia of Southern California Edison, Mike Goodman of Eagle Florist, and Gina Min of Wilshire State Bank.
The dinner is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person and Tuesday is the deadline for reservations, D’Eramo said.
Checks may be mailed to the Greater Huntington Park Chamber of Commerce, 6330 Pacific Blvd., Suite 208, Huntington Park, 90255.
Information: (323) 585-1155.
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