The Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 annual gala on Oct. 10.

The chamber’s signature event brings business leaders, community partners and regional stakeholders together for an evening of celebration, recognition and meaningful networking.

The gala will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn St., Reading, and will include a keynote speaker, the presentation of several awards and the opportunity for networking.

“The gala represents the culmination of a year of impactful programming dedicated to supporting Latino-owned businesses, workforce development, and economic growth across Berks County and beyond,” the chamber said on its website.

The Latino Chamber of Commerce began more than 20 years ago with the goal of building an organization to serve as a catalyst for economic empowerment, connection and long-term growth within the Latino business community, the organization said.

Over the years, the chamber has helped entrepreneurs start, grow and sustain their businesses, and has connected members with financial institutions, government agencies and corporate partners.

Among those being recognized at the event are Centro Hispano, 201 Penn St., Reading, which will receive the Community Partner of the Year award.

Centro Hispano supports the Latino population in Berks through collaborative initiatives designed to enable individuals and families to improve their lives and their communities. The organization has been supporting the community for 60 years.

La Mega Radio will be presented with the Small Business of the Year award.

The third award recipient is Fabulous Cake Factory, 1134 Muhlenberg St., Reading, which is receiving the chamber’s Emerging Entrepreneur award. The bakery, which opened in 2023, is owned by Edwin and Mia Rios. The bakery is inspired by Puerto Rican traditions, crafting custom cakes, fresh bread, empanadillas and pastries, according to the bakery’s website.

Keynote speaker for the event will be Perla López Baray, journalist anchor and executive producer of 69 News Edición en Español at WFMZ-TV.  Baray has been a pioneering voice in Spanish-language television, and has spent more than 20 years informing and empowering diverse communities. This year, she was inducted into the MATAS Mid-Atlantic Silver Circle Society.

For more information on the Latino Chamber of Commerce and to get tickets for the event, visit https://berkslatinochamber.com/.