Local business leaders are preparing for a night of celebration and awards at the fourth annual SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce gala, “Corazon: Heart of the Santa Clarita Valley,” Sept. 19 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, featuring keynote speaker Santa Clarita City Councilman Dante Acosta.

Starting with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour, the black-tie event recognizes the community contributions over the past year of Latino businesses and individuals. In addition to dinner, the night will feature live music, dancing and entertainment. The awards portion of the evening will pay tribute to local business leaders.

“We really like to highlight our influential and successful Latinos who serve as role models and are examples of our growing diversity in the Santa Clarita Valley,” gala co-chair Gloria Mercado-Fortine said. “It’s exciting to have one of our City Council members as the keynote speaker.”

Formed in 2010, the SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce represents more than 160 local businesses and individuals. The organization was formed to promote and encourage the success and prosperity of Latino business owners and professional, and contribute to the well-being of the Santa Clarita Valley. Regular Chamber events provide members with training and networking opportunities.

Acosta was elected to the City Council in spring 2014, and is a nearly 30-year resident of the valley. His background includes time in the automotive sales industry as well as being a financial advisor. He is also a member of the SCV Rotary Club, the Old Town Newhall Association, the Circle of Hope board of directors, and the North Los Angeles County Republican National Hispanic Assembly. He was also a delegate to the State Republican Party and was legislative chair of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors in Los Angeles.

In 2011, he shifted much of his focus to raising awareness for military-related issues, after his son, Army Spc. Rudy Acosta, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Acosta founded the Rudy A. Acosta Memorial Foundation and remains committed to commemorating America’s fallen warriors.

“Dante and his family have gone through a terrible loss, but have been able to channel their pain into giving back to the community and ensuring our troops’ sacrifices are not taken for granted,” gala co-chair Henry Rodriguez said. “He’s a community asset and will be a great speaker for the gala.”

The awards portion of the evening includes honors for Business of the Year, Sponsor of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year and a special award presentation to Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon.

The nominees for the 2014 awards include: (Business) Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary, iMortgage, Owen Patterson and Owen, Advanced Audiology; (Sponsor) Chiquita Canyon, Southern California Edison, Desert Drugs Pharmacy, Wells Fargo; (Entrepreneur) Homayoun Daryani, Byron Alvarado, Martha Aguilera, Jessie Torres; (Community Leader) Gloria Locke, Moazzem Chowdhury, Dante Acosta and Oscar Dominguez; (Nonprofit) Straightening Reins and Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP).

The evening will also feature a full lineup of entertainment, with a live mariachi band playing during the cocktail hour, the Sinatra-influenced styling of singer Jimmy Carnelli during dinner, and live music from all-female band Cervantes, of who Mercado-Fortine said: “They play a mean Santana.”

Sponsors for the gala include title sponsor Chiquita Canyon Landfill, plus Southern California Edison, Henry Rodriguez State Farm, Union Bank, J&M Entertainment, SCVTV, KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and Our Valley magazine. Sponsorships are still available at the Gold and Silver levels, in addition to table sponsorships.

For more information on sponsorships or tickets, visit www.scvlatinochamberofcommerce.com or call (661) 666-1639.