Thursday, October 06, 2005

Community News

Press Release

Banco Popular Celebrates 112th Anniversary and Hispanic Heritage With Los Emigrantes Art Exhibit and Five DreamMaker Awards
Los Emigrantes to City Hall, An Exhibit with Works by Antonio Cortes

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco Popular North America (BPNA), one of the country's leading community banks, today celebrates its 112th Anniversary and National Hispanic Heritage Month with the unveiling of "Un verano en Nueva York - Serie Los Emigrantes", an art exhibit featuring the works of renowned Puerto Rican artist Antonio Cortes, and by Making Dreams Happen for five local organizations selected to receive this year's DreamMaker Award from the Banco Popular Foundation, dedicated to support community empowerment initiatives.
"I cannot think of a better way to honor Banco Popular's 112th year of history and community legacy than to recognize the invaluable contributions community-based organizations make every day toward the betterment of our region. I salute the five Central Florida 2005 DreamMaker Award recipient organizations for their relentless commitment to education, economic and cultural development of our communities throughout the region," expressed Mercedes F. McCall, Central Florida-Region Executive for Banco Popular North America.
During the anniversary reception, Honorable Buddy Dryer, Mayor of the City of Orlando, joined McCall to congratulate representatives from the award-winning organizations including: Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, Central Florida Police Athletic League, Orlando Science Center, Hope & Help of Central Florida and The Russell Home.
"I am pleased to join Banco Popular during its 112th anniversary celebration, a significant milestone in today's changing financial world. Banco Popular's commitment to providing much needed access to capital through its top Small Business Administration lending program, has not only helped thousands of area entrepreneurs achieve financial independence, but has also made an invaluable contribution to the economic well being of our City," expressed Mayor Buddy Dryer, City of Orlando. "As we celebrate this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, I stand proud with Banco Popular to acknowledge and applaud the contributions of the Hispanic community to the cultural, civic and economic mosaic of the City of Orlando. We are proud to welcome at City Hall this year's Banco Popular exhibit Los Emigrantes by famed Puerto Rican artist Antonio Cortes."
In line with Banco Popular's longstanding commitment to the arts, the Bank celebrates the fourth installment of its annual traveling art program with the unveiling of "Un verano en Nueva York - Serie Los Emigrantes". The exhibit, which will be on display at City Hall during the month of October, is a celebration of the lives, struggles and experiences of Puerto Ricans and Hispanics who relocate to the United States in search of their "American Dream". Banco Popular along with the City of Orlando, Galos Corporation, American Airlines, PanAmerican Express, A. Cueto Gallery, Telemundo Orlando and the Orlando Sentinel, are the sponsors of this unique showcase of Antonio Cortes' work.

About Los Emigrantes and Antonio Cortes:
In Los Emigrantes, Antonio Cortes captures the experiences lived by Puerto Rican immigrants in New York during the 1980s and 1990s. Cortes lived and studied in New York City for more than 10 years where he developed his craft and style. Born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, he holds an M.A. in Studio Art and has furthered his studies in Columbia University. He has exhibited all over the world with resounding success.

About Banco Popular:
Banco Popular North America is a subsidiary of Popular, Inc., with more than $44 billion in assets and is ranked among the country's 30 largest bank holding companies. BPNA operates 137 branches in California, Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Florida. Popular, Inc. was named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2005 by FORTUNE Magazine and ranks among the top 10 Small Business Administration lenders in the country. Banco Popular was founded 112 years ago in Puerto Rico. For more information, visit http://www.bancopopular.com.

Source: Banco Popular North America

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