When the American Mexican Regional Chamber of Commerce was formed earlier this year, some people were surprised to learn that the 20 founding members had a combined annual revenue of more than $605 million.
Members of the Hispanic business community were not.
They know Hispanics own 16.8% of all businesses in New Jersey — and that Latinas start more businesses than any other segment of society.
They also know this: The GDP of Hispanics in New Jersey exceeds $100 billion annually, our state’s contribution to a national GDP for Hispanics that exceeds $4 trillion — an impact that would rank U.S. Latinos as the fifth-largest economy in the world if measured independently.
It’s the reason BINJE decided to make a BINJE’S Best list of Hispanic Business Leaders part of its annual honors.
Read all of BINJE’s Best Hispanic Leaders 2025 digital edition here:
- BINJE’S Best Hispanic Business Leaders 2025: Number 1
- BINJE’S Best Hispanic Business Leaders 2025: A to D
- BINJE’S Best Hispanic Business Leaders 2025: E to M
- BINJE’S Best Hispanic Business Leaders 2025: N to Z
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- Leading Latino excellence: On 20th anniversary of Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute at Seton Hall, transformative organization celebrates how far it’s come — while envisioning next steps
- Celebration of Roots: Why Hispanic grads of Seton Hall Law proudly honor their heritage
- Freakin success story: Q&A with Derick Lopez, chef who is bringing his unique brand of Puerto Rican food — The Freakin Rican — to Teaneck
The first list comes out today.
We feel the list accurately represents the fabric of the Hispanic business community: Entrepreneurs and executives, males and females, young and old — the barrier-breakers and the trailblazers.
And, while we opted not to include elected officials, we do have two judges who have served as an inspiration from the bench.
We have plenty of company leaders — and many who lead nonprofits and Hispanic-assisting organizations.
We have heads of banks and universities, decision-makers in health care, leaders in law and lobbying — and those setting the pace in food and beverage.
We even have someone connected to the FIFA World Cup.
Most of all, we have the small business owners who are the backbone of their community: The entrepreneurs who are just starting out — and those who have made it.
That’s what the inaugural BINJE’S Best: Hispanic Business Leaders is all about: Honoring those who serve as an inspiration to others.
And proving to others that the Hispanic business community is as strong as any in the state.
Carlos Medina and Luis De La Hoz, the leaders of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (and honorees on the list), said the ultimate goal of the chamber is recognition — and revenue.
“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,” they said.
The key drivers will be on the pages that follow.
