The Hispanic Business Council on Saturday, Aug. 21 presented Gala Osceola 2010 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Held annually since 1999, the evening event showcases the diversity of the Hispanic culture through music and dance as well as provides the opportunity for the council to give out various awards.

This year, the council’s Amigo Award went to Linda Landman-Gonzalez, with the Orlando Magic, for her ongoing support as an individual whose track record shows strong support for the Hispanic Business Community in Osceola County.

The Compadre Award recognizes an individual who volunteers and dedicates time and effort to serve the Hispanic community in the county. Beverly Hougland, chief executive officer with the Osceola County Council on Aging, earned the award this year.

The Presidente Award, presented by council Chairwoman Vanessa Guevara, recognized a Hispanic Business Council board member that provided tremendous dedication to the council throughout the last year. Jose Nido, director of supplier diversity with Wyndham Worldwide, received this award.

The Hispanic Business Council is an organization under the umbrella of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce. The mission is to provide leadership, education, networking and marketing opportunities for Hispanic businesses located in the Central Florida area.

From left are: Bill Hansen, Hispanic Business Council vice chairman of Minority Leadership Development and Gala Osceola master of ceremonies, and Compadre Award recipient Beverly Hougland, CEO of the Osceola County Council on Aging. Hansen, publisher of El Osceola Star, also is the founder of the Hispanic Business Council, which is affiliated with the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce.

From left are Presidente Award winner Jose Nido, director of supplier diversity with Wyndham Worldwide, and Vanessa Guevara, chairwoman of the Hispanic Business Council.