Griselda Rendon, Latino loan specialist, griseldar@cfra.org, 308.850.4820; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
Lyons, Nebraska - The Center for Rural Affairs has named Norma Cell Marquez, of Grand Island, Nebraska, the 2017 Latino Entrepreneur of the Year. She will be recognized at an award ceremony on March 9 in Red Cloud, Nebraska.
The Latino Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented annually to an entrepreneur who has effectively utilized the services of the Center, is successfully operating and growing their business, and who best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that is so crucial to Latino-owned businesses and the rural Nebraska communities they call home.
Marquez is the owner of the newspaper, Buenos Dias Nebraska, in Grand Island. In business since 2000, Marquez purchased the publication in 2016.
The newspaper is circulated in Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, York, and Lincoln, and recently expanded to Omaha, South Sioux City, Columbus, Lexington, Gibbon, Schuyler, and Wood River. The newspaper is bilingual in English and Spanish; with online access in both languages.
“Norma has participated in many of our trainings, has attended several Coffee Table meetings, and currently carries a loan with us,” said Griselda Rendon, Latino loan specialist with the Center for Rural Affairs. “She is great at promoting our events and other community functions.”
From 2016 to 2017, Marquez doubled the amount of newspaper subscribers. She notes demand continues to grow with both the print and online versions. In January 2018, Buenos Dias Nebraska was released in a new format.
She also helps other small business owners succeed.
“Norma, with the help of her son, has assisted small and startup businesses with great marketing at an affordable price,” Rendon said.
In the future, the business owner plans to stream live interviews on Facebook.
