Title
Naming North Lawrence Street between West Westmoreland Street and West Ontario Street in honor of Guillermo Bill Salas, Jr.
Body
WHEREAS, Guillermo Bill Salas, Jr. is a native of San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, who was raised in Philadelphia and has spent his lifetime dedicated to supporting the success and growth of Philadelphia's Latino business community; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Bill Salas, Jr. began a lifelong journey when he founded the local Hispanic Association of Contractor's and Enterprises 'HACE' without any staff members or an operating budget, and has for over 35 years shaped and expanded the organization into one of the nation's leading voices on economic development and revitalization; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Bill Salas, Jr., HACE continues to empower the Latino community through providing a variety of social, housing, and property management services, as well as over $60 million in commercial and business revitalization projects, such as the 5th Street Main Street Program; and
WHEREAS, HACE, under the leadership of Bill Salas, Jr., has recently navigated and stewarded the revitalization of Lawrence Street in North Philadelphia, through the new development of the Lawrence Street Home Development Project; and
WHEREAS, Bill Salas, Jr. has made countless contributions to the City of Philadelphia, including his service and advocacy on both the Mayor's and Governor's Commissions on Latino Affairs, and with the Greater Philadelphia Economic Development Coalition. Bill Salas, Jr. continued his work by subsequently founding the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations, as well as the Hispanic Contractor's Association; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the lifelong career of community service and support in empowering and inspiring Philadelphia's Latino community; now, therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor the remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication of Bill Salas, Jr., by also naming North Lawrence Street between West Westmoreland Street and West Ontario Street in honor of Guillermo Bill Salas, Jr.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Guillermo Bill Salas, Jr. as a token of our appreciation and gratitude.
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