Parker Honored By Latin American Association
Friday, April 12th, 2024
Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente once said, "if you have an opportunity to accomplish something that will make things better for someone coming behind you and you don’t do it, you’re wasting your time on this earth." That quotation is a favorite one of Dalton City Adminstrator Andrew Parker, and he spoke it again on Thursday when he accepted the Latin American Association's (LAA) inaugural Northwest Georgia Partner of the Year Award at a gala luncheon in Atlanta.
"Those words resonate deeply with me, serving as a reminder of the profound responsibility we all share to contribute to the betterment of our communitie," Parker said during his acceptance speech.
Caption: Andrew Parker gives an acceptance speech after receiving the LAA's Northwest Georgia Partner of the Year Award Thursday
"The partnership between the City of Dalton and the Latin American Association has been instrumental to providing essential services to Dalton residents at the Mack Gaston Community Center. LAA is making meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of so many Dalton and Northwest Georgia residents," Parker noted. The LAA opened a second outreach center at the community center in cooperation with the City last year.
Parker was presented with the award at the LAA's 35th Annual Compañeros Luncheon at the Georgia Aquarium Thursday. In Spanish, "compañero" means "companion." Parker was joined by a delegation of Dalton leaders, including Mayor Annalee Sams and City Councilmember Nicky Lama. Also attending were members of the City's staff and also the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce. The annual event highlighted the work done by the Latin American Association throughout the state. Founded in 1972, the LAA's mission statement is "to empower Latinos to adapt, integrate, and thrive." The organization first opened an office in Dalton five years ago.
Caption: Parker was joined at Thursday's event by Mayor Annalee Sams, Councilmember Nicky Lama, and numerous leaders from the City staff, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Dalton community
"I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the LAA, to (LAA CEO) Mr. Santiago Marquez, and (Dalton Outreach Manager) Mr. Rafael Huerta for this honor but more importantly for their exceptional dedication and tireless efforts in advancing the Latin American community," Parker said.
While noting the many services the LAA helps to provide through its outreach centers in Dalton, Parker also acknowledged the work they are doing in the community to encourage younger residents to be involved in shaping the community's future.
"LAA is nurturing the next generation of leaders in partnership with our friends from Mohawk.... within the Latino community through its Dalton-Whitfield Latino Leadership Institute Class," Parker told the crowd gathered in the Georgia Aquarium's Oceans Ballroom.
"I extend my deepest gratitude to LAA and to each one of you for this great honor," he concluded.
Click here to view a photo gallery from Thursday's event on our Facebook page.
