PROVIDENCE – The Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce Rhode Island has announced the winners of its annual business and community leadership awards, honoring individuals and institutions for their commitment to the growth and development of Hispanic businesses in the state.

This year’s honorees and their awards are:

• Sovereign Bank, HACCRI Business Leader of the Year Award.

• Patricia Martinez, director of the R.I. Department of Children, Youth and Families, HACCRI Community Leader of the Year Award.

• JM Painting and Plastering of Cranston, owned by José Marcano, Hispanic Business of the Year Award.

• Maria Diaz, CEO of the Dallas-based human resources consultancy Pursuit of Excellence Inc. and the keynote speaker at the upcoming HACCRI awards banquet, Hispanic Business Vision and Leadership Award.

“Hispanic businesses are integral to our state’s economic foundation,” said Juana Horton, the HACCRI’s chair, “and we are proud to annually recognize the enormous value diversity brings to the Rhode Island business sector.”

The winners will be honored tomorrow evening at HACCRI’s seventh annual meeting and banquet, in Ballroom A of the R.I. Convention Center, One Sabin St., Providence, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event coincides with the annual Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.

Banquet tickets are $75 per person or $1,000 for a corporate table of 10. For reservations or more information, contact Jennifer Bramley at 785-0333 or hacc@visionstrat.com.