The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s Hospitality Fiesta at the recent League of Municipalities was the place to be – if you were an elected official.
Almost every announced candidate for governor stopped by as did a number of state and municipal officials.
The event, held Nov. 19 at the Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City, has long had a reputation as one of the more festive parties – solidifying Hispanic chamber as the foremost platform for connecting with New Jersey’s Latino business community.
This year, it reached another level.
With the 2025 gubernatorial race approaching, the SHCCNJ’s Hospitality Fiesta provided a vital platform for candidates to engage directly with Latino entrepreneurs and decision-makers. The event highlighted the community’s economic and electoral power, underscoring the need for policies that foster its continued growth and empowerment.
Among the gubernatorial candidates who came by included (in alphabetical order):
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D),
- Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R),
- Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop (D),
- Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th District),
- Radio personality Bill Spadea (R)
- Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller (D).
Also in attendance were statewide elected officials, including Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, who serves as senate majority leader and is poised to succeed Rep. Nellie Pou as Latino Caucus Leader.
Notable Assembly leaders included Minority Leader John DiMaio as well as Assembly members Alixon Collazos, Yvonne Lopez, Julio Marenco, Carmen Morales, Jessica Ramirez, Gabriel Rodriguez and Sterley Stanley.
Mayoral representation included Hugo Jimenez of Ridgefield, Michael Pagan of Teaneck and Andre Sayegh of Paterson.
County officials in attendance included Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, Bergen County Commissioners Rafael Marte and Germaine Ortiz.
Local leaders included North Bergen Commissioner Allen Pascual and Newark Councilman Luis Quintana.
Chamber CEO Carlos Medina obviously was thrilled.
“Hospitality Fiesta isn’t just a celebration — it’s where connections are made, issues are addressed and leaders are heard,” he said.
Telemundo 47, the Fiesta’s official TV media partner, amplified the event’s impact with interviews featuring prominent attendees, including elected officials, gubernatorial candidates, chamber members and business leaders.
“Our partnership with Telemundo magnifies the impact of these conversations and reinforces the importance of engaging with New Jersey’s Latino community,” Medina said.
The need to engage the Latino community has never been so strong. In addition to its ability to its rapidly growing voting bloc whose support is essential for candidates, the community’s $97 billion impact on the state’s GDP makes it a cornerstone of the state’s economy and a rapidly growing voting bloc whose support is essential for candidates.
Medina said the SHCCNJ, as the voice of over 120,000 Hispanic-owned businesses, has become an indispensable partner for leaders seeking to connect with this influential demographic.
“We are eager to meet with and work with anyone,” he said. “That’s why opportunities such as this are so important.”
SHCCNJ Chairman Luis De La Hoz opened the evening by delivering a unifying message, encouraging attendees to engage online using #SHCCNJ and #Familia. Medina reflected on the chamber’s accomplishments and outlined its vision for the future. And Nelson Ramos of Wells Fargo delivered a keynote emphasizing the bank’s commitment to empowering Latino entrepreneurs.
Remarks from legislative leaders further underscored SHCCNJ’s vital role in bridging the gap between the business community and policymakers.
“This event underscores the resilience and influence of Hispanic entrepreneurs,” De La Hoz said. “Any candidate aiming to lead New Jersey must have a plan to support this community.”
Beyond celebration, the event reinforced SHCCNJ’s leadership in advocating equitable policies and economic growth, ensuring Latino businesses remain central to New Jersey’s prosperity.
The event featured generous support from title sponsor Wells Fargo Bank, with additional backing from VIP Lounge sponsors McCarter & English and Horizon BCBSNJ.
Additional co-sponsors included Montclair State University, AT&T, Comcast, Borinqueneers Park Education Alliance, Alamo Insurance Group, Tito’s Vodka, United Airlines, Donohue, Gironda, Doria & Tomkins.
Individual sponsors such as Rey Vega Cruz, TechMonke, Johe Afandor of JAMS Group, William Paterson University and Manuel Grova of MB Law Firm.
Media partners included ROI-NJ, Que Pasa NJ, Poder Latino USA, Otro Rollo, The Shiara Show, Negocios Hispanos USA, Americano Newspaper, and TV Media Group.
Giovanna Aguilar is a freelance reporter and an occasional contributor to ROI-NJ.
