Chueca justified the decision by pointing to Ibercaja's 150 years of history, a record that, she stressed, has been linked not only to the economic development of Zaragoza and Aragon, but also to their social evolution. The institution was founded in 1876 and has since helped finance families, small businesses and companies, as well as carrying out significant social work through the Ibercaja Foundation.
THE AWARD WILL BE PRESENTED ON OCTOBER 10 DURING THE FIESTAS DEL PILAR
The mayor said the award recognizes the institution as a whole, including both Ibercaja and its Foundation. Chueca personally conveyed the decision to Ibercaja Foundation Chairman Amado Franco and Ibercaja Chairman Francisco Serrano, who received the news with "great excitement" and surprise. The mayor considered that, coinciding with the 150th anniversary, it was the right time to recognize a record that has contributed to making Zaragoza and Aragon what they are today.
The Gold Medal will also be one of the key institutional events of the upcoming Fiestas del Pilar. Ibercaja thus follows in the footsteps of Paloma de Yarza, president of Heraldo de Aragón, who received the distinction last year.
