The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SACHCC) will host its 54th Annual SALUD! Business Awards on Thursday, April 9, bringing together regional leaders to celebrate Latino/a business excellence and economic impact.

The awards will take place at the Mack Powell Event Center at 2003 Howe Ave. in Sacramento. The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the awards program at 7 p.m.

For more than five decades, SALUD! has served as the region’s premier platform recognizing Latino/a business leadership and honoring the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose work strengthens the Sacramento economy.

One of the honorees is Maria Olmedo, owner of Casa Del Pan, a woman-owned and Latina-owned business in Woodland. Olmedo has built more than a successful enterprise. Casa Del Pan has become a community gathering place that reflects cultural pride, heritage and opportunity.

“This recognition honors a small business that exemplifies resilience, leadership, and meaningful economic impact in the Greater Sacramento Region,” said Cathy Rodriguez-Aguirre, president & CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Casa Del Pan represents the very spirit of entrepreneurship, rooted in culture, driven by community, and sustained through hard work and vision.”

Other 2026 SALUD! Honorees include:

Entrepreneurs of the Year — Art Aguilar & Max Archuleta, co-founders & partners. Recognized for their entrepreneurial vision and growing impact across multiple hospitality ventures.

Small Business of the Year — Olmedo, owner, Casa de Pan Bakery (Woodland). Recognized for building a community-rooted business that strengthens local economic vitality.

Corazón de la Comunidad Award — Richard Falcon, founder & artistic director, Teatro Nagual. Recognized for elevating culture and storytelling as powerful tools for community connection.

Community Impact Award — Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). Recognized for advancing regional planning and inclusive economic growth.

President’s Awards — Paul Lau, CEO, SMUD; Phil Serna, Sacramento County Supervisor, District 1. Recognized for distinguished leadership, public service, and commitment to economic opportunity.

This year’s event will feature a reception-style experience curated by local small businesses, showcasing the food, culture, and energy that reflect the vibrancy of the region’s Latino/a business community. The program will include dynamic moments highlighting leaders shaping the region’s economic future.

“SALUD! is more than an awards ceremony. It is where our region comes together to celebrate leadership, connection, and opportunity,” said Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, president & CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our honorees represent the innovation, resilience, and impact that continue to shape our regional economy.”

SALUD! continues to serve as a key regional convening, bringing together leaders across sectors to celebrate progress and strengthen connections that drive economic growth and opportunity.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities remain available at https://sachcc.org/salud/.