A Successful 2025 Hispanic Business Expo!
Edison, New Jersey.- By Oscar Alberto Quintana
The Pines Manor in Edison was the venue for the sold out 2025 Hispanic Business Fair sponsored by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (#SHCCNJ).
Some of the VIP’s that were scheduled to speak at the opening ceremony could not make it. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill was tied up in Washington fighting for New Jersey said Craig Coughlin, the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, from the podium. The stage’s backdrop was decorated with the flags from all the Latin American countries, including the Star Spangled Banner from the United States of America.
Mr. Coughlin asserted during his speech that nearly half of the $58 billion dollar State budget is used for property tax relief. “In one way or another” repeated regarding the property tax relief, as we sought clarification after a photo session. Besides Mr. Coughlin, there were other dignitaries present, among them: Nancy Pinkin, Middlesex county clerk; Middlesex county surrogate judge, Claribel Cortes; Senate Majority leader, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz from Newark, who was representing Mikie Sherrill at the event; the Mexican Consul General in New Brunswick, Mariana Díaz; NJ State Senator Linda Greenstein; Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin; County Commisioner Charles Kenny and the County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, among others.
As usual there was music, plenty of food and drink as restaurant vendors give away dish samples from their menu to the nearly 1500 people in attendance. This year there was a new Mexican pavilion for the Mexican American Merchants Association members, including the Asadero restaurant giving away slices of their tasty Tomahawk boned steak.
According to the Mexican American Chamber in 2023, New Jersey imported $7.6 billion worth of Mexican products – while exporting $3.3 billion more; The 20 founding members of the AMRCC combine annual revenues of more than $650 million.
According to the Statewide Hispanic Chamber’s website, the Hispanic Business Expo helps connect companies to a growing market. In addition, it is a great opportunity to showcase businesses through networking, community outreach, referrals, and brand awareness. The expo provides opportunities to meet influential Hispanic leaders and potential clients, big and small.
“Quien lo vive es quien lo goza” said Luis O. De La Hoz in Spanish at the opening ceremony. That means he who he lives it, is who it enjoys it. Luis is the Chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. The other Chamber’s engine, so to speak, thrusting the Chamber forward is Carlos Medina, who serves as its Chief Executive Officer and President. Carlos is an engineer who also produces the ¿Qué Pasa? weekly TV show on PBS.
