HispanicBusiness

Gaby Alban, co-founder and COO of marketing firm Conexión, has received the "Latinas in Business Award" from the Los Angeles chapter of the National Latina Business Women Association.

The honor was bestowed for Alban's accomplishments in the field of public relations.

"I am honored and humbled to receive this award from an organization made up of a group of dynamic Latinas in business that I admire, many of whom have paved the way for other Latina entrepreneurs," Alban said. "I feel very fortunate to have had mentors in my life that have played vital roles in my success and I commend the NLBWA for their work in fostering Latina entrepreneurship."

Claudia Bodan, president of the association's L.A. chapter, praised Alban and the other applicants -- Latina entrepreneurs, executives and professionals. "These women are phenomenal," she said. "Every one of them is an inspiration and a winner. Their success extends beyond their business and into the community through personal contributions, dedication and participation.''

The association's mission is to encourage Latinas to develop their professional skills and reach their career goals through education, referrals and networking. The L.A. chapter annually recognizes outstanding Latina businesswomen in the Los Angeles metropolitan area who demonstrate financial success and a commitment to bettering the Hispanic community.

Alban's Conexion specializes in reaching the Hispanic market. Of Mexican descent, Alban was born and raised in Los Angeles. In 2006 and 2007, she was named to Latin Business magazine's Latin Business 100 list.

U.S.-Mexico Chamber Honors Ricardo Salinas Pliego

The U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce honored Ricardo Salinas Pliego, chairman and founder of Grupo Salinas, with the "Good Neighbor Award" recently.

The award recognizes Salinas Pliego's entrepreneurial spirit on both sides of the border. That includes his work for the Spanish-language television network Azteca America on the U.S. side and Grupo Elektra, Banco Azteca, TV Azteca and Grupo Iusacell on the Mexican side.

"The U.S.-Mexico relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world," said Salinas Pliego. "In fact, this is the most important relationship to both our countries, and we should build on that."

The Mexican businessman, who has ranked among the world's richest people, was also recognized for his philanthropic work with Fundacion Azteca America.

"There are many success stories that are tied to U.S.-Mexico growth in commerce," said Al Zapanta, president and CEO of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. "Our mandate at the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Congress is to celebrate these successes, such as that of Ricardo Salinas Pliego."

In the public sector, the chamber recognized Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and her Mexican colleague Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora.

Past award recipients include Carlos Slim Helu, chairman of Grupo Carso; Lorenzo Zambrano, chairman of Cemex; and two past Mexican presidents, Ernesto Zedillo and Carlos Salinas de Gortari.

Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas, Grupo Salinas comprises a group of fast-growing, technologically savvy companies whose aim is to create shareholder value, help advance the middle class in the countries where it operates, and improve society through excellence.

The U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit coalition of business people founded in 1973 to promote trade, investment and joint ventures on both sides of the border.