By Bary Alyssa Johnson (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Aug 27, 2012 03:19 PM EDT

The Hispanic Achievement and Business Leadership Awards (HABLA), in collaboration with Verizon Wireless is holding an awards ceremony for Latinos who have made business and civic achievements in the Atlanta Hispanic Community. Award nominations are now being accepted.

"Great things are happening in Atlanta's Latino business community and there is no better time to recognize those efforts than during Hispanic Heritage Month," Jonathan LeCompte, president of the Georgia/Alabama region of Verizon Wireless said in a statement.

The 5th annual HABLA awards will recognize achievement in the following four categories: Corporate Executive, Civic-Government, Entrepreneur and Unsung Hero.

The Corporate Executive category is for individuals who serve as role models and use their influence to change, promote or otherwise benefit the community. The Civic-Government award is for those that act as liaisons to the community for civic/government projects and issues that increase the visibility and viability of the community. The Entrepreneur category is for the successful businessperson whose venture makes a positive impact on the community. Lastly, the Unsung Hero category awards the tireless person who works to better the community through daily activities, work and projects without receiving recognition or accolades.

Additionally, HABLA and Verizon Wireless are sponsoring a $5,000 scholarship award to freshmen entering college in the fall of 2013. The scholarship program "is presented in an effort to keep the community moving forward through education and community involvement," according to a recent press release. Scholarship nominations can be made through the HABLA Web site and must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday September 16th.

The HABLA Awards, which will also take place in Charlotte, NC and Orlando, FL, are a tribute to Latino business and civic leaders and provide these individuals with the recognition they deserve for their hard work. The HABLA Atlanta Ceremony will serve as the closing ceremony to Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in the city. For more information or to make a nomination, click here to visit the official Web site.