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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 356-07
October 4, 2007

MAYOR BLOOMBERG HOSTS RECEPTION IN CELEBRATION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Mayor Also Announces Appointment of Latin Media & Entertainment Commission Executive Director

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a reception at Gracie Mansion. Hispanic Heritage Month is held from September 15 to October 15 throughout the country to honor the richly diverse heritage of the Hispanic community. Officially proclaimed in 1988 by the United States Congress, it provides an opportunity to highlight the many cultural and social contributions achieved by Hispanics across the nation. During tonight’s reception the Mayor also announced the appointment of Carlos Manzano as Executive Director of the New York City Latin Media and Entertainment Commission.  Joining the Mayor at the reception were Hispanic Day Parade President Julio Barillas; Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Román; Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Guillermo Linares; Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Yolanda Jimenez; Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne Mulgrav; Department for the Aging Commissioner Edwin Mendez-Santiago; Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Neil Hernandez; Housing Authority Chairman Tino Hernandez; Housing Authority Environmental Coordinator Margarita Lopez and other invited guests. 

“Our City’s great strength comes from our diversity,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  “People from every part of the world who want to work hard and build better lives for themselves and their families come to New York. Tonight, we not only celebrate Hispanic Heritage, we honor the accomplishments and contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our country and City. We also welcome a new Executive Director to the Latin Media and Entertainment Commission, and I know he will continue the accomplishments of the Commission and move forward with its mission of making New York City the Latin Media and Entertainment Capital of the World.”        

The Latin Media and Entertainment Commission works with the Mayor’s Office to create and execute a strategy to position New York City as a global capital for the Latin media and entertainment industry. The Commission is made up of 30 community leaders and business executives who work together to stimulate the growth of the Latin media industry in New York. The Commission is charged with creating of economic development initiatives that recruit and grow Latin media productions, events, and businesses in New York City. The Commission has been instrumental in bringing the 2006 Latin Grammy Awards and the “Leaders of Spanish Language Television” Awards to New York City for the first time, as well as the establishment of the first Fiesta Cup soccer match, the return of the New York International Latino Film Festival, the creation of the Nueva Estella Awards and the return of the Latin Alternative Music Conference.

“It’s a privilege to have been selected to continue the work of the Latin Media and Entertainment Commission,” said Executive Director Carlos Manzano. “New York City is already the financial and media capital of the world.  Now, the Commission is developing plans to improve business strategies for the Latin media and entertainment industry, so that we can leave a lasting economic and cultural legacy in our City for generations to come.”

A Manhattan resident for nearly 20 years, Mr. Manzano has had extensive experience working in City government having served as Assistant Commissioner for the Beacons program at the Department of Youth and Community Development as well as a Project Coordinator-Computer Specialist for the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications. He also remains active in community and business affairs, having served on Community Board 4, the Midtown West Business Association and the Manhattan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Manzano holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queens College and a Master in Public Administration from New York University.

New York City is home to more than two million Hispanics and hosts an annual Hispanic Heritage Parade that showcases the cultural diversity of 21 Hispanic countries from Europe, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. On Sunday October 14th, Mayor Bloomberg will march in the 2007Annual Hispanic Day Parade up Fifth Avenue. The theme of this year’s parade is “Seguimos Creciendo – We Continue Growing.”

Guests this evening enjoyed music performed by a Paraguayan Harp Trio, Baudilio Ordoñez, and Estudiantina Bolivia de NY.  Ambar Room, Bleu Evolution, Confitería Carrera, Delicioso Coco Helado, Latin Corner Restaurant, Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine, Tortilleria Chinantla, 809 Sangria Bar & Grill, and Manhattan Beer Distributors have donated food and beverages to this reception.







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