Lideres Advertising Campaign Launched

MillerCoors has unveiled its 2008 Líderes advertising campaign to recognize and honor the work of 14 Hispanic leaders across the country. The print advertisements will be placed in local and national Latino publications beginning in October and running throughout 2009.

“The 2008 Líderes featured in the print ads are a diverse group of respected community leaders and MillerCoors is proud to highlight their achievements.They serve as an inspiration and an example of what one person’s dedication can accomplish,” Joedis Avila, Multicultural Relations Manager for MillerCoors, said. “We are committed to facilitating the development of Latino leaders by providing leadership tools that benefit the Hispanic community.” Avila noted that the Líderes program supports national and local leaders within the Hispanic community and provides leadership tools such as scholarships, training, sponsorships and economic development that foster the development and advancement of all communities, in particular the U.S. Latino community.

The individuals chosen for the 2008 Líderes program were selected for their leadership and desire to make a difference in their communities. These individuals, ranging from national figures to individuals who are driving forces in their local community, were nominated by MillerCoors’ Hispanic partner organizations. The 2008 Líderes include:

· Jessica Aerni, The Latina Chamber, Denver, Colo.

· Esther Aguilera, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Washington, D.C.

· Dino T. Barajas, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Los Angeles, Calif.

· Lupe Barrera, National Latino Peace Officers Association, Los Angeles, Calif.

· Juana Bordas, Mestiza Leadership Institute, Denver, Colo.

· Victor Capellan, Dominican American National Round Table, Brooklyn, N.Y.

· Roberto and Betty Cordova, League of United Latin American Citizens, Greeley, Colo.

· Guarione Diaz, Cuban American National Council, Miami, Fla.

· Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, San Antonio, Tex.

· Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, Washington, D.C.

· Madelyn Lugo, National Puerto Rican Day Parade, New York, N.Y.

· Melissa Quesada, National Puerto Rican Day Parade, New York, N.Y.

· Florencia Velasco Fortner, Dallas Concilio, Dallas, Tex.

One leader out of the 14 will be selected as the Líder of the Year through an online vote at www.CoorsLideres.com from November 1 – 11, 2008. The public is invited to go to the website and vote. The winner, determined by a third party review of the votes, will receive a $25,000 grant for a community leadership project with MillerCoors and its sponsoring non-profit organization.

Avila said: “When you look at the unique work of each honoree, they are all deserving of the Líder of the Year honor.”

Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), has championed the advancement of higher education in the Latino community throughout his career. “We must strive to make higher education available to everyone so that members of every community may reap the benefits and opportunities that learning brings,” said Flores. As CEO of HACU, Flores works to break the education disparities within the Latino community and leads an organization that champions success in higher education for thousands of young Hispanics. 

Roberto and Betty Cordova are proud to be a part of the group of chosen leaders. As “Team Cordova,” this duo of educators has made a commitment to helping their community by actively participating in organizations such as the local and state chapters of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). “Furthering education is vital to fostering leadership in any community. By uniting all our efforts, we can truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Dr. Cordova. “By developing innovative youth initiatives, we can ultimately help and support our fellow Latino and Latina community members,” Betty Cordova said.

About MillerCoors

Built on a foundation of great beer brands and more than 288 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers. MillerCoors is the second largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales. Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment. Miller Lite is the great tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to refreshment as cold as the Rockies. MillerCoors brews full-calorie beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft; and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light.  The company also imports Peroni, Pilsner Urquell and Molson Canadian and offers innovative products such as Miller Chill and the Sparks line of caffeinated alcohol beverages. MillerCoors features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel’s craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, WI and two microbreweries, the Leinenkugel’s 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver.  MillerCoors vision is to become the best beer company in America by driving profitable industry growth. MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact. MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.