A nother year bites the dust and not a moment too soon huh ?
Wow – big year , that 2009 was , with lots of firsts …… first African-American President was sworn into office , Swine Flu came on the scene , and George Lopez got late night talk show ( Congrats George !). We had the biggest recession in decades , the highest gas prices in history , unemployment soared , food prices doubled and in some cases – tripled ! ( my favorite McDonalds Apple pie TRIPLED in price .)
I say it loud and I say it proud 2009 ; Goodbye y farewell , adieu , adeus y adiós , cheerio , ciao and Godspeed , so long amigo , arrivederci , sayonara and hasta la vista baby because its 2010 !
I am plenty excited about being in 2010 , because I know that it is a year of recovery for our country , for our communities , for our homes , our health , and for our businesses . It is said that it is always darkest before the light -- I know that many of you may be going through a difficult period in your life … I would like to offer you a little encouragement -- and a lot of hope , 2010 is your year !
I am always grateful at the beginning of a new year , because a new year gives us the opportunity to start over , to make amends for last year ’ s mistakes ! It ’ s a time to learn , and a time to grow . For me , 2010 will be the biggest new start of all , because it is the year that I will reach new heights , the year Latin Times will grow and prosper , and it is also the year that I will get married ! On Saturday , January 9 , 2010 , I marry my best friend , and soul-mate Victor Padilla , who has already become a huge part of our Latin Times familia as the Operations Manager !
Opportunities Abound ! Latin Times is currently looking for sales professionals in the Tampa Bay area . The positions are commission based . We do provide leads , and do offer training a office support . Interested individuals should contact our office .
Have you attended our exciting events !? We have over 40 exciting events scheduled in 2010 ! Our most famous event , the 1st Friday networking socials will be held at the Annual Florida State Fair . This 2nd annual networking social will be held on Friday , February 5th , 2010 at the Florida State Fairgrounds and is an advertised part of the Florida State Fair , on this very special evening we will also be paying a tribute to the 2010 Latin Times Magazine , Latina Movers N Shakers !
Subsequent 1st Friday events are held at Mirage Restaurant and Lounge , which is located at 3605 W Hillsborough Ave in Tampa . Other Upcoming Dates include : Friday , March 5th , and Friday , April 2nd , 2010 – which is the BIG 6th Anniversary celebration of the Latin ConneXions events .
Our 2nd Friday Networking Socials continue to be a BIG hit in Brandon ! These events are held on the 2nd Friday of each month at Boomerang Martini Bar which is located at 2016 Town Center Blvd , in Brandon . Upcoming Dates includes : Friday , January 8th , February 12th , and March 12th , 2010 .
Our Ladies ’ Tea and Spa Parties are the perfect way for Ladies to spend a Sunday afternoon getting to know other elite women in the community . These events are held at the Empress Tea Room @ 6810 E . Fowler , Temple Terrace , FL . Join us at this charming Victorian Room , where you will be awed by the formal setting and beauty of the room . Feel spoiled , as you are served with Crystal , Linens and Bone China . Talk and get to know other elite local business women in an atmosphere designed to make you unwind and relax . Develop new friendships or business relationships . Afterward , stroll through the connecting gate into the Secret Garden ; enjoy wine tasting , and Champaign toasts and a Chocolate fountain with delicious fresh fruits . Relax and unwind in the Garden Spa we create , while enjoying the firm hands of our massage therapists , or getting a pedicure , a manicure , facial , skin care consult , beauty consult and more from one of our exhibitors ! The next date of this “ Elite ” ladies event is scheduled for : Sunday , January 10th , 2010 .
Latino Love Connections is Tampa Bay ’ s Premier Latino Single ’ s Club : Events are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at varying locations throughout Tampa Bay . Outings include : Speed dating , golf outings , sports outings , bowling , billiards , dinners , lunches , concerts , retreats , picnics , game rooms , camp fires , beach days , dancing , and more ! For specific dates and locations , please join our Facebook fan page , where you will be kept updated !
Viernes Social – Pinellas Networking Social is BACK : Join us on Friday , January 29th , 2010 for our Pinellas County networking social , which is held at Gasoline Alley – 14042 66th Street North , in Largo , FL . Held on the last Friday of every month , this is Pinellas County ’ s premier monthly Business Networking Social . Guests are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards and their dancing shoes . Enjoy LIVE cultural presentations , free parking & a delicious Latin-style buffet , giveaways and much more ! Other Viernes Social dates are : Friday , February 26th and Friday , March 26th , 2010 .
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the BIG ExploSION Latina : This 1st annual Fair / Expo will offer Tampa Bay ’ s Hispanic / Latino community with educational workshops on Health , Higher Education , Marketing , Business 101 , Career Planning / Jobs , Business Opportunities , Community , Fashion , Music , Culture and MORE ! This is an all day family event that will offer over 200 Exhibiting companies , Educational Workshops , LIVE music , theater and dance performances . Location TBA .
May God Bless You ALL !
Jolie Gonzalez
My 2010 Latin Times Resolution : Let ’ s not just look for opportunity – lets invent it and create it , let ’ s not wait for it to knock on our door , lets swing the door open run outside , find and bring it home in 2010 !
Step up to the plate and dare to be the Elite Latino !