Gubernatorial candidates Jack Ciattarelli (R) and Mikie Sherrill (D) will speak at Feria de Negocios, the state’s largest Latino business expo, sponsored by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, July 17 at the Pines Manor in Edison.
The candidates will be interviewed, separately, by BINJE editor Tom Bergeron, in a meet-and-greet Q&A format.
Sherrill and Ciattarelli will be asked to address topics related to how their individual proposed policies will affect Latino-owned small businesses, Latino consumers and respective sectors driving New Jersey’s economy.
They will be asked to discuss five core issues affecting Latino-owned small and microbusinesses – as well as general questions regarding the state’s economy.
Both candidates will be given hour-long time slots.
- Sherrill will speak at 12:30;
- Ciattarelli will speak at 1:30.
SHCCNJ CEO Carlos Medina said candidates can ignore the power, reach and influence of the Latino business community at their own peril.
“Latino businesses in New Jersey contribute more than $100 billion to our state’s economy,” he said. “We’re not just talking about economic impact—we’re living it. The Feria is one of the ways we level up our small business community so they can lead, grow and help build a more inclusive economy for everyone.”
The Q&A with the candidates is just one part of the day – which is the largest networking and business expo for the Hispanic community in the state, which will run until 8:30.
More than 1,000 attendees are expected (it’s free to come, but space is limited – register here).
Luis De La Hoz said Feria de Negocios celebrates the strength and impact of Latino entrepreneurship.
From construction firms and tech startups to family-run food vendors, the expo brings together Hispanic-owned businesses and companies looking to engage Latino markets.
“Attendees will see first-hand just how strong, deep and passionate the Hispanic business community is,” he said.
Medina and De La Hoz said the Statewide Hispanic Chamber represents more than 120,000 Hispanic-owned businesses across the state. With over 7,000 active members, SHCCNJ is one of the largest Hispanic chambers in the nation.
Through advocacy, education and high-impact events like the Feria de Negocios, the Chamber works to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs and strengthen families and communities throughout New Jersey, they said.
