It was a sold out affair that made for a wonderful evening full of family and civic pride as more than 500 people came out for the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce 45th Annual Dinner & Dance Celebration, themed, “Our Change, Our Future”. The elegant affair took place at the Pueblo Convention Center February 24th, 2024.

Many civic, political and business leaders were in attendance, along with dozens of friends and families of awardees, dignitaries and members, past and present. They were all there to honor those who have helped make the past 45 years of entrepreneurial success while presenting awards to the next generation of leaders that will carry on the successful legacy of the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce.

Mariachis, great food and beverages along with a silent auction kept the event lively throughout the evening. A 50/50 raffle netted someone more than $600.

In a video presentation, Colorado Lieutenant Governor, Dianne Primavera, praised the organization for their contributions to advancing Latino entrepreneurship in the state while recognizing the city of Pueblo for its patriotic history as the “Home of the Heros”.

A moniker given to the city for its record setting number of recipients of the Medal of Honor claiming Pueblo as their hometown. “What is it… something in the water out there in Pueblo? All you guys turn out to be heroes!” President Eisenhower famously said. Henceforth the nickname, Home of Heroes.

Board Chair, Tracy Gutierrez, in her remarks said, “As we look forward to our next 45 years, we know our work is never done.

We continue to grow and identify ever-changing needs in our business community and the Pueblo community.”

Noah Commerford, the 26 year-old President/CEO of the chamber stated, The Latino Chamber has come a long way over the last 45 years and has many successes and broken barriers to celebrate. Like each year, 2023 presented challenges, but I am proud to say that we overcame those challenges and had a great 2023.

As we look ahead to 2024, please know that our work is never finished. We anticipate another great year of serving you and listening to the needs of the business community as well as the Latino community in Pueblo. When we stand together and have our eyes set on the same goals, there will never be an obstacle too big for us to overcome.”

With 49 percent of Pueblo’s population being Hispanic an organization to meet the needs of an ever growing Latino business community became necessary.

The event program for the 45th annual celebration of the organization stated that, “The Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo began in 1979 when a group of prominent and influential Hispanic businessmen joined together to create an organization to serve as a needed voice for the fast growing Hispanic business community.

Meetings often took place in bars and restaurants and were held in order to provide support to its members. Issues that faced these founding fathers included items such as drafting the necessary legal documents in order to form an organization, the development of political and legislative contacts, the importance of political issues in the economic arena, deciding whether to use the term Latino or Chicano, and many other issues. With the help of these and other outstanding founding individuals, the Chamber began to grow in membership and in credibility. Such strides in positive development came with little to no staff support. Often times the President of the organization recruited members, scheduled meetings and did whatever else necessary to keep the organization going.”

This year, the Pueblo Latino Chamber was thrilled to announce that mortgage on property that houses the organization has been paid in full and the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo is now the sole owner. 121 City Center Dr, Suite 200G Pueblo, Colorado 81003

This year’s 2024 Awardees are:

V I C T O R N A V A R R O O U T S T A N D I N G
B O A R D M E M B E R O F T H E Y E A R
Francisco (Cisco) Cervantes Jr., a graduate of East High School, began his collegiate journey in 2010 as a parent, first generation student and non-traditional student at Pueblo Community College to study Business Administration. In 2013, he transferred to Colorado State University Pueblo to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. After graduating from CSU-Pueblo in 2016, Cisco began his journey in the emergency service restoration industry working with Property Craft where he learned from the best and excelled as an estimator, claims manager, and project coordinator.

Cisco is currently the owner of his own business, Pioneer Estimating and Consulting Firm, which was founded in September of 2019. He provides estimates, project management, and claims management services for emergency service losses and remodels, assisting homeowners, contractors and adjusters across the country.

While owning and operating his own business, Cisco maintains his engagement in the community by serving on the Latino Chamber of Commerce Board and Ambassador team as well as serving as an Ambassador for the Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of a number of other committees in Pueblo. Cisco also has a passion for sports, and in the past he has led various youth teams to championships. Cisco is proud to contribute as a local business owner to any organization with a culture driven by honesty, hard work, dedication, community involvement, the extreme gratification of helping others within our wonderful community, and will continue serving this beautiful town, second to none.

G I L S A N C H E Z O U T S T A N D I N G
P R O F E S S I O N A L O F T H E Y E A R
Zolanye McCulley-Bachicha is a Pueblo native, who graduated from Central High School in 2009. She attended Colorado State University- Ft. Collins earning her Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration with a concentration in organizational management and innovation in 2013. During her time at CSU- Ft. Collins she studied international business abroad at Florida State University in Panama
Republic de Panama. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018 from CSU-Pueblo.
Zolanye currently works in the family business, Angelus Chapel Funeral Directors as the 3rd generation.

Her hope is to ensure Angelus Chapel is here to serve the Pueblo and Southern Colorado communities for another 50 years. She also manages to find time to work as a surgical nurse. In 2021, Zolanye was appointed as the Pueblo City Councilwoman of District #4, due to the passing of Ray Aguilera. She served as President of Posada for 7 years, with one of her cherished events being the Petra McCulley Memorial Picnic & Take Care Fair. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Pueblo Central High School Foundation, Garcia Futures Project Foundation, and the Pueblo City/County Board of Health. She is also a member of Junior League Pueblo.

Most recently Zolanye ran for Pueblo County Coroner. Although the election didn’t go in her favor, she continues to advocate for those who no longer have a voice and those who are here to grieve for them. In her eyes and heart; your loved ones matter. She is impassioned with the need to
“Pay it Forward” and advocating for others, derived from her late Grandparents, Charles and Petra McCulley; and mother, Yanera’s dedication to their community.

L O R R A I N E K . S A L A S O U T S T A N D I N G
C O M M U N I T Y P A R T N E R O F T H E Y E A R
Carma Loontjer, /Lun-ger/ is a relatively new member of the Pueblo community having moved to Pueblo from Woodland Park Colorado in 2017. Originally hailing from the hospitality industry, Carma served her community as a champion for small businesses with the Better Business Bureau and Small Business Development Center.

As of January 2024, Carma now serves the Pueblo community as Development Director for SRDA, the Senior Resource Development Agency. She looks forward to raising funds, promoting awareness of
the diversity of SRDA’s programs and growing resources to further the SRDA mission of
helping Pueblo’s older adults live with confidence and dignity.

She is also active with the Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce where she was awarded
Member of the year in 2023. Currently, Carma serves as the Chair of the Board and as an
Ambassador. Carma is also a member of the Liquor Licensing Board for the City of Pueblo.
When she is not working or serving, Carma and her husband Don enjoy playing golf at
Desert Hawk Golf Club. She also rides her Ducati motorcycle in the summer and serves as a
wage-free servant to three cats Jake, Carrot and Champagne. Carma’s favorite attributes about living in Pueblo include: the weather (except for the wind), the green chiles, and most importantly, the people!

O U T S T A N D I N G C O R P O R A T E
M E M B E R O F T H E Y E A R

PUEBLO BANK & TRUST
After finishing his first term as Colorado’s governor, Alva Adams jumped into business in Pueblo, the industrial capital of the state. He formed the Pueblo Savings Bank in 1889. In 1960, the bank settled at Fifth and Court streets where it remains.

With ambition and determination, the Bank grew and prospered changing locations to accommodate its rapid growth. Its name evolved to reflect the changes in its mission and expanded services. Today, the bank is known as PB&T Bank and is proud of its heritage. Unlike other banks of its size, PB&T Bank remains independently owned. This allows the Bank to focus its energy on each local Colorado market with multiple branches in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Canon City, Salida, Castle Rock, Longmont, Leadville, Denver, and North Metro Denver. PB&T Bank provides loans to many small businesses, actively
reinvests in the community, and participates in various downtown renewal projects and economic development programs.
Through the commitment of local ownership and the Bank’s long history of providing
solid, reliable products and services, the future of PB&T Bank is secure. Continuing with progressive and individualized service, PB&T Bank will continue to be a leader of independent banks. At PB&T Bank, we believe in the power of community. We believe in people. PB&T Bank: People Belong Together.

G I L P A D I L L A O U T S T A N D I N G
A M B A S S A D O R O F T H E Y E A R

Joe Vigil is a distinguished individual known for his dedication, accomplishments, and vibrant personality. Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, he has become a cherished member of the community through his various roles and contributions. He attended East High School, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, he furthered his education at Pueblo Community College and Colorado State University Pueblo.

Joe Vigil serves as the agency owner at I Am Solutions Insurance. Through his leadership and expertise, he has made significant strides in providing valuable insurance solutions to his clients, earning their trust and respect. As an Iraq war veteran, he demonstrated courage and resilience in the face of adversity, embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice. Additionally, his exceptional performance in the insurance sector earned him recognition, including the prestigious titles of 2017 Rookie of the Month and 2000 Sales Leader of the Month at Bankers Life. Joe takes immense pride in his role as a father, cherishing the joys and responsibilities that come with parenthood.
Outside of his professional commitments, Joe finds joy in various hobbies and passions. An avid angler, he enjoys spending time fishing, immersing himself in the tranquility of nature. He is also dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regularly engaging in workouts to stay fit and active.
However, his greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his beloved family and dogs.
For Joe Vigil, Pueblo holds a special place in his heart, particularly because of its food. With its rich culinary heritage and diverse array of dining options, he most enjoys exploring the local food scene and supporting local restaurants.

O U T S T A N D I N G N O N-P R O F I T M E M B E R O F T H E Y E A R
In 1972, the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center opened its doors with funding provided through a match between the federal Economic Development Administration and Pueblo County.

In the past 51 years, the Arts Center has enjoyed great success in achieving its mission, and has seen phenomenal growth.

The Arts Center’s founders included Puebloans Kathy Farley and Pat Kelly, working diligently with former Pueblo County Commissioner John E. Hill, along with former Pueblo City Planner Allan Blomquist, in league with numerous Puebloans and outstanding regional backers. The original two-building complex housed a single gallery, a 500-seat theater, conference/banquet facility.
In 1982, the Arts Center completed its first expansion, funded by Puebloan Helen Thatcher White, adding three galleries, a gift shop, and a small children’s museum.

The latest expansion resulted in the wonderful Buell Children’s Museum and Jackson Sculpture Garden. The Buell Children’s Museum offers 7,500 square feet of interactive space. From an original staff of three and a budget of under $100,000, the Arts Center employs numerous full-time employees and has an annual budget of over $2 million.

With the progressive addition of over 24,000 square feet to the original 65,500, the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center is now a stunning three-building complex, offering all of the arts for all of Southern Colorado. The Arts Center remains an art gem of the Southwest and brings art, performances, culture, and STEAM education representing the West and the world to the region.
The Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center has been a Latino Chamber of Commerce of
Pueblo member since 1995.

J O S E P H P . R O Y B A L O U T S T A N D I N G
S M A L L B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R
GAME KNIGHT GAMES
Warhammer 40K and Star Wars for Fantasy Flight games in 2016. As life progressed and he visited other game stores throughout the state, Brian saw a need for a game store that his family could enjoy as well since they had became gamers themselves. One where new players could meet others, learn to play, and feel welcomed by the community.

Game Knights Games was formed in 2021 to provide a family-friendly and inviting environment for people interested in exploring tabletop gaming. Through weekly demos, community outreach, gaming events, and non-threatening tournaments; we have created a gaming community you can be a part of. Gaming has helped Brian make lifelong connections and friends, such as Luke Johnson and Chad Arguello who have been instrumental to the creation and success of Game Knight.

Photos by Alex Johns-Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media