Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED East Region Vice-President Mike Suco will be the featured speaker at the 5th Annual Latino Leadership Awards Luncheon on Monday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center. The event is hosted by La Paz Chattanooga.
Mr. Suco leads the sales and distribution of Coca-Cola Bottling UNITED in the Georgia and South Carolina territories. He began with Coca-Cola for over 20 years and prior to that held several leadership positions with Ernst and Julio Gallo Winery. Mike is a first generation Cuban American whose family came to the United States in the early 1960’s.
A native of Jacksonville, Al. and graduate of Jacksonville State University, Mr. Suco has served on several boards that benefit and empower the Latino community. Some of his past board affiliations include the Hispanic Business Council where he served as president, Fiesta-Hispanic Cultural Festival-past president and the YMVA of Greater Birmingham corporate board. He has also served on the Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama associate board.
“We could not have been more thrilled with having Mike as our keynote speaker,” said Stacy Johnson, executive director of La Paz Chattanooga. “As we work to advance opportunities for Latino families as well as celebrate the achievements of local Latino business leaders, his experiences and rich insights could not have come at a more perfect time.”
"In addition to Mr. Suco’s keynote, the luncheon will also include the recognition of Latino and Hispanic leaders that inspire change and are making meaningful contributions in their workplace and also in the Greater Chattanooga community," officials said.
La Paz will present an award to one individual in the following categories:
· Latino Leader of the Year Award
· Chattanooga’s Choice Award
· Latino Community Champion Award
· Emerging Latino Leader Award
· Volunteer of the Year
To purchase tickets or tables, visit lapazchattanooga.org or contact Christian Patiño at 423-624-8414. Individual tickets are $50 and tables start at $400. Corporate sponsorships for the event are still available.