Tucson Metro Chamber recently issued the following announcement.

For the sixth straight year, Cox Communications is honoring two outstanding Southern Arizona Latina entrepreneurs, Michelle Cruz and Claudia Zanes, whose talent and leadership are perfect examples of the ever growing women-owned businesses here in the state of Arizona.

According to a 2015 White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics study, Latinas own more than one million businesses in the U.S., and one in 10 of all women-owned firms in the United States is owned by a Latina. Latina owned businesses are also growing at a much faster rate than businesses for all women — over 200 percent versus 32 percent between 1997 and 2014.

"Cox Communications has a long tradition of supporting businesses here in Arizona not only by providing communication services throughout the southwest, but by being a true partner and resource for business success. We salute the successes of Latina entrepreneurs like Michelle and Claudia. They are great examples of local business leaders who are contributing to our thriving economy,” said Lisa Lovallo, Market Vice President, Cox Communications Southern Arizona.

Cox has partnered with the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Azteca America Tucson television and AZ Bilingual newspaper to honor business owners Michelle Cruz and Claudia Zanes. The honorees will be featured in 30-second spots produced by Cox Media in English and Spanish and will run on air on Cox and Azteca America Tucson throughout the month of July. In addition, they will also be profiled in AZ Bilingual and through the Chamber’s communication vehicles.

“The Tucson Hispanic Chamber is proud to once again partner with Cox to highlight Latina Entrepreneurs in Arizona. It is exciting that this year’s honorees represent businesses in both urban and rural settings,” said Lea Márquez Peterson, President and CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “The award is important in promoting the economic impact of entrepreneurship to our region and the fastest growing business segment - Latina entrepreneurs!”

The individuals featured in the Southern Arizona campaign include:

Michelle Cruz: owner of La Bella Donna Florist

La Bella Donna Florist proudly serves the Douglas area. They are committed to providing great customer service, the finest floral arrangements, beautiful floral designs, as well as gift baskets and much more. Their customers are important to them and their friendly staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one. They will always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect

Claudia Zanes: Co-Founder of Zanes Law

Zanes Law was founded in 2003 by Claudia and her husband Doug Zanes in Tucson, Arizona. Zanes Law has represented thousands and recovered tens of millions of dollars. As injuries become more complex, the Zanes team constantly upgrades knowledge in issues such as truck and motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, catastrophic injury accidents, traumatic brain injury and wrongful death. Claudia, who is not a lawyer, brings marketing and business expertise that allows Doug to focus on representing the firm’s clients to the highest legal standards.

Original source can be found here.

Source: Tucson Metro Chamber