SBA Names Martha C. de la Torre Small Business Person of the Year

LOS ANGLES (Hispanic PR Wire) May 8, 2004 - Martha C. de la Torre, President and CEO of El Clasificado, has been awarded “Small Business Person of the Year” in the Los Angeles District of the United States Small Business Administration. The announcement will be presented at the awards ceremony on May 16, at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Los Angeles.

De la Torre founded El Clasificado in 1988. With a circulation of 130,000, the publication has become one of the nation’s largest free Spanish weekly publications. Martha has already been recognized as a business leader by notable organizations such as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year, the National Association of Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and, locally, by the Latin Business Association.

“This award couldn’t come at a better time since El Clasificado is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this May,” said de la Torre. “I am delighted to share this award with all my employees.”

El Clasificado is a free weekly publication that blends classified advertising with consumer friendly editorial - Distribution: Los Angeles and Orange counties, Inland Empire - Readership of 450,000 - V.A.C. Audited: 130,000 - The efforts are now concentrated into making it the nation’s largest Hispanic publication by increasing circulation to over 150,000 weekly issues.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1954 to protect, strengthen, and represent America's small businesses. The Annual Los Angeles District Office Small Business Awards luncheon is designed to recognize successful businesses throughout the Los Angeles area. The Los Angeles District Office luncheon traditionally honors these winners and is the premier small business event in Southern California. The national award is presented at the White House during the celebration of National Small Business Week.