The town hall of Paterna has celebrated its third commerce awards gala, an event dedicated to recognising the efforts, initiatives, and achievements of professionals and establishments that contribute to the economic vitality of the municipality's neighbourhoods. The Gran Teatro Antonio Ferrandis hosted this year’s gala on 22 October, bringing together local merchants, representatives from commercial associations, and municipal officials for an evening of recognition that featured a performance by comedian David Cepo.
Juan Antonio Sagredo, the Mayor of Paterna, closed the gala with remarks emphasising the importance of supporting local commerce. He stated, “Supporting local commerce means supporting the people behind it: the self-employed, the workers, and the families who depend on each business.” He reaffirmed the town hall's commitment to continue collaborating with the sector, listening to their needs, and promoting initiatives that encourage shopping in Paterna.
This year, the Gastrobar El Comboi restaurant received the Hospitality Award in recognition of its quality service and personal attention. Its manager, Ángel García, accepted the award from the presidents of Multipaterna and Paterna Unió de Comerç, Rosario Torralba and Rosa Domínguez, respectively. The clothing store Monarca was awarded the New Commerce Award for its entrepreneurial spirit in the city, with manager Mónica Soler receiving the accolade from Pedro Romero, head of the Town Hall’s Commerce Department.
Camina Conmigo was honoured with the Best Commercial Initiative Award for its creativity and innovative contributions to local commerce. The award was presented by Lucas Jodar, the councillor for Employment and Commerce, to its creator, Estela Dionisio. The dedication and close relationship of Ferretería Avenida were recognised with the Commercial Trajectory Award, celebrating its years of service and the trust built with customers. This award was given by Eva Pérez, the Deputy Mayor for Presidency, Employment, and Modernisation, to its manager, Rosario Torralba.
The Special Paterna Commerce Award went to the footwear company Zapato Feroz, recognising its innovative capacity, commitment to quality, and focus on child welfare. Mayor Juan Antonio Sagredo presented the award to Héctor Nebot, co-founder and engineer of the company, which operates the Ferozland space in La Canyada.
The gala also paid tribute to Jesús Fernández from Bar Churrero, Juan Bernabeu and Francisca Lleó from Carnicería Hermanos Bernabeu, and Pedro Berruga from Carnes Pedro for their years of service and contributions to Paterna's commercial and social life. During his speech, Sagredo expressed gratitude to the honorees for their dedication and acknowledged the families who have supported them in their businesses. “Thank you for your dedication and for being part of the lives of so many people in Paterna,” he remarked.
The mayor also highlighted the collaboration between Multipaterna, Paterna Unió de Comerç, and Asycval with the town hall, as well as the work of councillor Lucas Jodar and the Commerce Department team in promoting initiatives to support the sector. He recalled campaigns such as the Commerce Voucher, Back to School, the Paterner Breakfast Route, and the Baby Cheque, noting that the recent Back to School campaign generated €240,000 in purchases at local establishments. “I always say that Paterna is a great city with a village soul. And when I think of that closeness, I also think of our shops,” Sagredo concluded, congratulating the award winners and finalists and thanking the entire sector for their contributions in making each establishment a meeting place.
