Pueblo's Union Trading Company receives Sanchez to Sanchez to Smith Award

The Union Trading Company was one of five local businesses/individuals nominated by the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo for the 2000 Regional & National United Stated Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Awards. The Sanchez to Sanchez to Smith Award is given to companies whose involvement in international trade has benefited both Hispanic businesses in the United States and the international business community. The purpose of this award is to recognize exemplary and mutually beneficial international business relationships in which "Sanchez" of Latin America works with "Sanchez" in the United States (Hispanic business) to do business with "Smith ", and vice versa.

In 1995, Salvador Acuna and Kristi Martinez began an enterprise out of Salvador's home selling silver to friends, neighbors, and various acquaintances. What initially was a deep appreciation for the country of Mexico and history of the Mexican silver industry led to a full time enterprise. At the core of Acuna's Distinctive Imports, Salvador and Kristi used their extensive cultural studies to learn the business protocol within the Mexican and Latin American regions. In becoming familiar with the complexities involved, Salvador, now Managing Partner is responsible for International and Domestic Operations and Kristi, now responsible for Financial Operations, aspired to form a business based on international trade and to eventually offer goods with the ethnic flavor. At first, silver was the main product line for the original two owners. But as the potential for silver sales, as well as other Mexican imports grew, so did the need for a storefront in which to display those goods. Soon, Salvador and Kristi would showcase these items for the general pubic.

The Union Trading Company was established with three initial partners: Salvador Acuna, Kristi Martinez and Dr. Thomas Autobee. Dr. Autobee, whose tremendous business network and 20 years experience as a small business owner operator, was a strong addition to the entrepreneurial team.

The Union Trading Company's passion comes from the lave of the country of Mexico, its people and the beauty of their enchanting culture. Its mission/philosophy supports that passion by providing a warm, relaxing and culturally nourishing environment for the customer. It is not only a place to sell products, but a service oriented "one stop shop" where customers can spend time and journey into their past. A center where consumers of all ages can discover the traditional beauty and magic of their own history.

Union Trading Company, 125 S. Union Avenue has received the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sanchez to Sanchez to Smith Award.

Other nominations included: The Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo for the Large Hispanic Chamber of the Year (200 + members) - nominated by the City and County of Pueblo; Carla Barela, President of Cortez Construction for Hispanic Business Women of the Year; Al Gurule, City Councilman for Government Hispanic Business Advocate of the Year; and, Frank Valdez, Senior Technical Sales Representative of Ashland Chemical for Corporate Hispanic Business Advocate of the Year.

Sal Acuna and representatives from the Latino Chamber of Commerce and City and County of Pueblo will be traveling to Washington, DC this week to attend the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Conference where the Sanchez to Sanchez to Smith Award will be presented during the International breakfast on Friday, October 13, 2000.

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