¡Vámonos a la Feria de Negocios!
More Than a Business Expo—It's a Blueprint of How Latinos Are Re-Defining New Jersey's Economic Growth
By Giovanna Aguilar, Director of Communications, SHCCNJ
July 22, 2025
If you were there, you know.
And if you missed it—no pasa nada—grab a cafecito or an iced summer drink and join me for a stroll through this year’s Feria de Negocios, the Northeast’s largest Latino business expo. It featured more than 140 vendors, 1,400 attendees, a meet-and-greet with gubernatorial candidates Hon. Jack Ciattarelli (R) and Sen. Mikie Sherrill (D), and—for the first time—a section dedicated to national Latino cultural pride: the Mexican Pavilion.
Event Highlights and Meet & Greet Audio
Let me set the stage.
Think tacos al pastor sizzling on the grill, birria bubbling in the back, pollo en mole that melts in your mouth, and the rhythm of networking buzzing through Pines Manor. There’s an unmistakable pride in the air when our community shows up with intention—and this year, we showed up strong.
We kicked things off with SHCCNJ Board Member Lilia Rios emceeing both the gubernatorial Meet and Greet sessions and our official program ceremony—bringing energy, purpose and that signature SHCCNJ warmth into the room.
Let’s start with the Meet and Greet.
Carlos Medina: Latino GDP—We’re Not Just Participating, We’re Powering It
At this year’s Feria, the numbers said it all.
SHCCNJ President and CEO Carlos Medina highlighted the immense economic power of the Hispanic community, citing a $100 billion contribution to New Jersey’s GDP and nearly $4 trillion nationally—an impact that would rank U.S. Latinos as the fifth-largest economy in the world if measured independently.
“We’re doing great things,” Medina said. “We only ask for a seat at the table.”
With his signature blend of candor and optimism, Medina made it clear that the Chamber is ready to lead.
“When the next governor is sworn in, I’m confident we’ll be one of the first calls. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and supercharge this economy with our growing Hispanic population—because we’re not just participating, we’re fueling it.”
The message? Access. Equity. Familia. Loud and Clear.
Luis O. De La Hoz: “We lift as we climb.”
Our commitment to turning data into action—and making economic opportunity more inclusive—was echoed by SHCCNJ Chairman Luis O. De La Hoz, who spoke with urgency and heart about the real barriers Latino entrepreneurs face.
“We focus on four of the biggest challenges for small business owners: access to capital, access to new markets, access to networks and closing the digital gap,” he said.
Staying true to the Chamber’s ethos of collective advancement, De La Hoz emphasized the importance of cross-community solidarity.
“Every time a door opens for us, we invite the Pride Chamber, the Punjabi Chamber, the Veterans Chamber and now the Mexican American Chamber. Because Carlos and I would’ve loved to have that support when we were starting out.”
That spirit—of lifting others as we climb—isn’t just a mantra. It’s how we work.
The Gubernatorial Ballot: Our Community Demands More Than Optics
With the 2025 gubernatorial race heating up, SHCCNJ events have become essential stops for candidates serious about earning Latino support. Feria de Negocios once again proved to be where business, policy and community intersect with purpose.
Jack Ciattarelli attended in person. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, unable to join due to votes in Washington, sent a video message. Her remarks were reinforced by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, who spoke about shared priorities among state and federal leaders. While Ruiz was not officially representing Sherrill, her message underscored the unity needed among those fighting for equity, procurement reform and representation.
As Medina put it, “Whoever wins must support the Latino community—and that includes moving forward with the disparity study initiated by Governor Phil Murphy.”
This is not a side conversation. The disparity study is a roadmap for addressing economic inequity—and it’s time to act on it.
Speaker Coughlin Brings the Humor—Urging “Be Ambassadors” for NJ’s Growth
New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin delivered his remarks with candor and humor:
“Carlos and Luis mentioned the $100 billion GDP contribution of the Latino community. That’s real money—even for Carlos and Luis!”
He urged attendees to become ambassadors for the state’s future. “Be cheerleaders,” he said. “Invite more businesses in. That way, we share the tax burden. Tell people what it really means to live and work here.”
Gubernatorial Candidates' Remarks Audio
Sherrill Stresses Equity; Ruiz Amplifies the Call
Though Rep. Mikie Sherrill couldn’t attend in person, her commitment to equity was evident in a video message recorded from Capitol Hill.
She outlined priorities for supporting Hispanic-owned businesses, including reforms to state contracting and streamlining permitting processes. She referenced a Latina entrepreneur whose restaurant remained closed for months due to permitting delays—despite having menus printed, staff hired and rent due.
“You will have a governor in me that is really focused on this effort,” she said.
Sen. Teresa Ruiz built on Sherrill’s message, grounding it in the lived experiences of New Jersey’s Latino families.
“Let me be clear: our communities are shifting,” Ruiz said. “We are mothers, daughters, sons, business owners and taxpayers—concerned about the same things as everyone else: good schools, safe neighborhoods, affordability and a better future for our children.”
Ciattarelli: Reform, Recognition and Roots
Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli greeted the room with a sense of familiarity. “It’s great to be back with you,” he said. “It’s not the first time, nor will it be the last.”
He praised the role Latino entrepreneurs play in the state’s economy: “If we were to partition new business formation across New Jersey by ethnic group, more new businesses are formed by Hispanic Americans than any other.” His platform included tax reform, regulatory relief and faster permitting.
“The only way to save New Jersey, fiscally speaking, is to grow our economy—and we do that by making it a better place to do business.”
Ciattarelli also shared his family’s immigrant story, describing how his grandfather, a laborer, became a contractor, and how his parents owned a small restaurant and bar in Somerset County. “Three generations of Ciattarellis have achieved the American Dream right here in New Jersey.”
When asked about the delayed action on the disparity study, Ciattarelli was direct. “The study only confirmed what we already knew. There’s a large part of what we see causing the disparity that can be corrected right here, right now.”
Official Program Ceremony
Celebrating Collaboration and Lifting All Chambers
Following the Meet and Greet with gubernatorial candidates, the Official Program—once again emceed with energy and poise by SHCCNJ Board Member Lilia Rios—spotlighted the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, equity and resource-sharing among business communities.
President Carlos Medina announced an upcoming RFP designed to extend SHCCNJ’s entrepreneurship training and microgrant support to smaller, under-resourced chambers across the state.
“As the largest chamber in New Jersey, we believe it’s our responsibility to extend a hand,” he said, encouraging attendees to connect and build together as one familia.
Chairman Luis De La Hoz reinforced the message, noting that SHCCNJ’s growth is rooted in partnership—not just within the Latino community, but with chambers representing veterans, LGBTQ+ leaders, and other diverse groups. He welcomed representatives from the Mexican American Chamber, the Punjabi Chamber, and international trade delegations, while highlighting Mexico’s position as New Jersey’s top trading partner with over $12 billion in commerce annually.
The program continued with remarks from Citizens Bank executives Yajaira Hafley and Nuno Francisco, who emphasized their support for entrepreneurship and economic inclusion, followed by a video message from Goya Foods showcasing its Goya Cares initiative and global philanthropic efforts.
The program concluded with Retire Ready New Jersey Executive Director Todd Hassler recognizing Luis De La Hoz with the 2025 Voice with Impact Award, honoring his leadership in promoting retirement readiness for underserved entrepreneurs across the state.
Flavors of Culture, Stories of Enterprise
The debut of the Mexican Pavilion was a feast for the senses—a vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine and orgullo. Even before stepping into the main hall, guests were drawn in by the irresistible energy: Mariachis, festive music in the air, animated conversation, and the mouthwatering scent of tacos al pastor, smoky grilled elote, and rich pollo en mole.
The Pavilion became an instant destination, with vendors like Las Marias surrounded by eager crowds and joyful buzz.
But Feria de Negocios was more than food—it was a showcase of enterprise. Vendors across Latin America represented a range of sectors, including flowers, technology, beauty and finance.
Behind every booth was a story of resilience and determination—from app developers to family-run skincare startups.
The Chamber’s Role: Strategic, Transparent and Rooted in Values
As SHCCNJ’s director of communications, I see the influence behind the scenes—through Innovation Hub Roundtables, supply chain forums, mentorship programs and community outreach.
We don’t just promote growth. We build it—intentionally, collaboratively and with purpose.
Our Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid is more than a distinction. It’s proof of accountability, results and measurable impact.
What sets Feria de Negocios apart isn’t just its size—it’s the sense of belonging.
You feel it in the handshakes between colleagues, the exchange of business cards over tastings, the confidence of new vendors and the warm smiles of mentors sharing insight over horchata.
The Feria isn’t just a celebration — it’s a platform. A beginning, or a continuation, of hard work that started as a dream for prosperity. It’s a reminder that our work has momentum and meaning.
We are here. We are ready. And we’re just getting started.
We Move Forward With Intention and Leverage
So, it is clear that as the 2025 election approaches: Latino businesses aren’t here for symbolic gestures—we’re here for outcomes.
What about that $100 billion economic contribution? It’s not just a number.
It’s leverage. And we intend to use it.
Candidates who show up, listen and act will earn our trust.
Are you still wondering what inclusion looks like in action?
Join us at next year’s feria. You’ll see it in the energy, the dialogue and the momentum of a community building its future—together.
The SHCCNJ has the blueprint. And we, Latinos, are redefining economic growth in the state and the USA.
Vámos.
The work continues.
SHCCNJ Related Coverage
Feria De Negocios: Where Community Meets Opportunity
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