On the recordSeptember 22, 2010
I am so proud to rise tonight to recognize South Florida's own Joseph ``Pepe'' Badia, the president of Badia's Spices, who will be honored on October 8 for his many contributions to our community at the 10th annual Bubbles & Bones gala. Pepe's life is the classic story of a refugee in the United States, the land of opportunity. Pepe came as a lone 14-year-old Hispanic immigrant who, through hard work and determination, has become the leader of one of the largest and fastest growing spice companies in the United States. Pepe's accomplishments will be highlighted at an event in South Florida by John Kross, known as Footy, and this will benefit Here's Help, a nonprofit substance abuse treatment facility which assists over 300 inner city youths. Congratulations to our very own Joseph ``Pepe'' Badia, a great civic activist in South Florida.
