JUNE 19, 2026
NJ BUSINESSES NJ BUSINESSES
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¡Llegamos! Union City Soccer Festival 2026 Brought the Beautiful Game, Great Food and New Jersey’s Latino Business Community to Summit Avenue
If you ever wondered what the 2026 global soccer tournament means beyond the stadium, Union City gave New Jersey the answer: an eightblock stretch of Summit Avenue
filled with fútbol, familia, música, great food and Latino traditions. The beautiful game didn’t stay on the field. It spilled into the streets.
The Union City Soccer 2026 Festival brought together Mayor Brian P. Stack, the Union City Board of Commissioners, Cedar Stars Academy and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for more than a street festival.
It kicked off the fan festival energy coming to New Jersey and reminded everyone that soccer does not begin and end at the final whistle.
It lives in the kids taking the field. It lives in the familias walking Summit Avenue. It lives in the música, the jerseys, the vendors serving tacos riquísimos, cotton candy, popcorn, flowers and entertainment And it lives in the small businesses getting ready for one of the biggest summers New Jersey has ever seen.
With more than 10,000 members, SHCCNJ represents New Jersey’s Latino business community. Together with Latino consumers across the state, our community contributes more than $127 billion to New Jersey’s GDP That economic engine showed up on June 13 at the Union City Midtown Athletic Complex at José Martí STEM Academy and along Summit Avenue between 15th and 22nd streets. We soaked up the sun, celebrated our culture and stood with local businesses building community pride through soccer
More Than Two Years in the Making We didn’t improvise this moment
Since 2024, SHCCNJ has hosted Countdown to the Game events at American Dream, preparing the business community for the day the world’s largest soccer tournament would land in New Jersey’s backyard.
New York New Jersey Stadium sits just minutes from Union City, and with more than 12 million visitors expected across the region this summer, the chamber’s mission was clear: help New Jersey businesses prepare, participate and be seen.
Union City made the kickoff feel personal. One of the most densely populated cities in the country, it is home to families from nearly every Latin American nation. This summer, three of them Brazil, Ecuador and Panama — play within miles of where we stood.
“We will come together as one big familia to celebrate the game, our culture and each other. Every goal Every bite,” said SHCCNJ President John Lucas in our chamber’s official press release.
From the Cancha to the Grill: Soccer Was in the Air
That Saturday came in hot and sunny, the kind of New Jersey summer day that turns a street festival into a feast for the senses
Summit Avenue was filled with color: banners, jerseys, smiles and aromas that made everyone forget whatever diet they were pretending to be on
Cedar Stars Academy faced off against Union City Soccer Club in the day's marquee match, with games kicking off at 11:30 a.m. A live DJ kept the avenue moving, kids enjoyed free rides, and a full lineup of food vendors turned the whole stretch into a fiesta:
El Asadero Mexican Grill
Las Marias Restaurant
Mis Amores Raspados Antojitos Mexicanos
Tacos Basilio Restaurant
Basilios Campuss
Gelato Fruity
Crazy Corns Antojitos Restaurant
Simply Bagels
Chilangos
SHCCNJ staff confession: we have a tacos al pastor problem. We found our way back more than once, and every bite was delish We also made our way onto the field for pictures with the soccer kids, because some moments you don't just cover, you live them
Tacos for a Senator, Sello M
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim stopped by the festival and left with a full stomach. He grabbed tacos from El Asadero Mexican Grill, the Delgado family’s four-location operation. What he may not have known: those tacos came from a restaurant carrying the Sello M distinction, awarded by Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and the Mexican Academy of Gastronomy to restaurants abroad that meet a rigorous standard for authentic Mexican cuisine
A sitting U.S. senator ate from a kitchen recognized by the Mexican government itself A well-earned taco.
El Asadero wasn’t the only Sello M honoree on Summit Avenue. Las Marias Restaurant, coowned by María Guadalupe “Lupita” Nieves Auroza and Miguel Menez Diaz, holds the same distinction, and Lupita celebrated it right there at the festival. Las Marias is no stranger to recognition: SHCCNJ named the business its 2025 Business of the Year
Two restaurants One stretch of pavement Two nationally recognized culinary credentials. That is not a coincidence. That is what happens when culture, craft and community meet visibility.
Mucho Más Que Comida
Summit Avenue was not only about food A full marketplace of small businesses lined the festival, each one showing how wide New Jersey’s Latino business community really runs.
Biuchic brought accessories Blossom Little Readers LLC brought children’s books. El Color de Mexico brought Mexican accessories Negocios Hispanos Magazine brought the press. Salamandra brought an online candle shop to life in person Genesis
Accessories rounded out the jewelry and accessories lineup, and Botas Monterrey El Guero brought authentic Mexican boots to a New Jersey street corner
Union City was not a one-day moment. It was part of SHCCNJ’s season-long campaign, NJ Businesses Welcome the World, which spotlights Business Link members tied to the tournament’s rhythm, match by match and week by week. Each feature gives a small business something it cannot always buy on its own: visibility timed to a global audience already paying attention.
That is the real engine behind Business Link. It helps a restaurant, accessories shop, children’s book publisher, candle maker or boot seller get discovered beyond their usual radius, including
by visitors coming to New Jersey for the first time this summer.
Featured: NJ Businesses Welcome the World
As of June 19, here's the lineup the campaign launched with, the Business Link members carrying New Jersey's small business community through the tournament:
El Asadero Mexican Grill (Gold) the Delgado family's four-location Mexican grill and the campaign's launch feature
Otro Rollo Films (Gold) recording our stories, part of the community telling New Jersey's narrative
Paint 2 Smile entertainment and facepainting energy for every celebration.
Santos Flowers floral artistry for every occasion
S&A Auto Center an ETP and LETS program graduate success story with two New Jersey locations
Las Marias from ETP graduate to 2025
SHCCNJ Business of the Year
Ospina Law Firm the bilingual, boutique law practice helping members navigate trademark and branding compliance during the tournament
DailyPay — a corporate partner since 2015, giving workers real-time access to wages they've already earned, supporting financial wellness and retention for businesses across the state
Eight businesses and growing through the final kick and score, one campaign, every Latin American nation in this tournament cheered on by a New Jersey community standing behind all of them.
Leadership Showed Up
SHCCNJ leadership did not send flyers and stay home. They showed up on the ground all day
SHCCNJ President John Lucas, Board Chairman Luis O. De La Hoz, Chief of Staff Aixa Lopez, Vice President of Corporate and Entrepreneurial Programs Dr Jairo Borja, Operations Manager,
Danilo Melan, events team member Danik Kean and Catalina Perico, an ETP graduate who served as SHCCNJ’s videographer and photographer, all helped represent the chamber throughout the festival Catalina’s presence tells its own story. SHCCNJ’s training programs do not just support business owners. They help develop the people documenting the movement
More Than a Trophy
To every Latin American nation on the field this summer: this tournament means more than the scoreline. It is a chance to share culture, swap stories and watch the soccer sector in the United States keep growing, kid by kid, league by league, business by business.
It is also a chance for our communities to shine on a global stage and show the world what New Jersey already knows: Latino culture is not a footnote. It is the main event.
¡Vamos, todos!
Stay in the Game
Business Link is free for every SHCCNJ member, a digital directory that connects New Jersey businesses with the more than 1.2 million visitors expected in the NY/NJ region this summer. If you have not claimed your listing yet, now is the moment
And if Union City had you feeling the energy, save the date.
La Feria de Negocios Hispanos, SHCCNJ’s signature business expo of the year, comes to Pines Manor in Edison on July 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Exhibitors, government officials, corporate leaders and diplomats will fill the room, 1,200 strong, building the partnerships that carry New Jersey’s Latino economy into its next chapter.
This is your moment, familia. Don’t let it pass. Ya sabes, ¡Juntos Somos Familia!
Here's a look back at the six Business Link members featured this past week:
El Asadero Mexican Grill campaign launch feature, four NJ locations of Mexican flavor Otro Rollo Films — recording our stories, part of the community Paint 2 Smile community energy on NJ's first game day Santos Flowers fan gear and gifting for every celebration
S&A Auto Center — an ETP/LETS graduate getting fans where they need to go Las Marias Restaurant an ETP graduate's journey to the world stage
Six businesses, six stories of heritage and heart all part of the $127 billion Latino business community driving New Jersey forward
Are you an SHCCNJ member? Your membership already includes a free Basic Business Link listing — our digital directory connecting New Jersey businesses to customers, partners, and a global audience as more than 1.2 million visitors are expected across the NY/NJ region this summer
Ready to be discovered? Log in and claim your listing.
Ready to stand out? Upgrade to Bronze, Silver, or Gold starting at $50/month with featured placement, event promos, special offers, and more
This is your moment. Don't let it pass. �� shccnj.org/business-link/member-benefits
SHCCNJ President John Lucas and board member and former Vice Chair Claribel Cortes recently visited Goya Foods headquarters in Jersey City, where they met with the company’s National Director of Public Relations, Rafael Toro.
The visit reaffirmed a long-standing relationship rooted in shared values, community commitment and Hispanic business leadership.
Founded in 1936, Goya Foods is the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States
As Goya marks its 90th anniversary, SHCCNJ recognizes this milestone as a powerful example of what Hispanic entrepreneurship, perseverance and community investment can build across generations
SHCCNJ exists to support and grow in partnership with businesses like Goya — enterprises that drive economic impact and reinvest in the communities they serve Goya Gives is that commitment in action: in celebration of its 90th anniversary, Goya distributed 1 million pounds of food to individuals and families across the United States, Puerto Rico and Spain
As New Jersey’s Latino business community continues to grow, contributing more than $127 billion to the state’s GDP, stories like Goya’s help show what is behind that number: individual vision, family enterprise, job creation, community investment and generations of Hispanic entrepreneurship in action.
We applaud Goya Foods on 90 years of excellence and look forward to continuing to grow together.
SHCCNJ and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) have maintained a strong partnership since 2021, and this meeting marked an important next chapter.
Our President, John Lucas, recently met with NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly and Director of Business Growth & Innovation Stephanie Casano as part of SHCCNJ’s ongoing partnership with NJMEP. The meeting provided an opportunity to connect NJMEP leadership with SHCCNJ’s new president and explore new ways to support workforce development, business growth and community impact.
Backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NJMEP has served as New Jersey’s premier training and consulting provider for 30 years, helping small and medium-sized manufacturers access resources, adopt innovative technologies and build the skills needed to grow. Over these three decades, NJMEP has helped generate nearly $8 billion in value for New Jersey businesses.
Through this partnership, we continue to advance our mission to promote the continued growth and development of New Jersey businesses by expanding access to the tools, training and relationships entrepreneurs need to compete, grow and succeed.
Learn more about NJMEP at www.njmep.org
The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey was honored to participate in Latino Magazine’s Encuentro, an intimate salon dinner held June 11, 2026, at the Harvard Club of New York City.
Dr Jairo Borja, Vice President of Corporate & Entrepreneurial Programs, represented SHCCNJ alongside Latino Magazine Editor and Publisher Alfredo Estrada and a distinguished gathering of Latino business leaders for an evening of economic insight, opportunity, and meaningful connection.
“Thank you to Latino Magazine for hosting an engaging evening at the Harvard Club of New York City. The event brought together business leaders and professionals for meaningful networking, valuable economic insights, and conversations focused on growth and opportunity We look forward to continuing the connections made throughout the evening,” said Dr. Borja.
Immigration Attorney Minwon Cho of Cho Law LLC to Lead June 22 Session
LYNDHURST, NJ June 16, 2026 The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) will host a free webinar on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 12:00–1:00PM EDT, addressing one of the most pressing compliance challenges facing businesses today: Form I-9 enforcement.
With federal enforcement intensifying and no grace period for corrections, businesses of all sizes face significant financial exposure. A single defective Form I-9 can carry penalties of up to $2,861. For a business with just 100 fineable defective forms, that exposure can exceed $250,000.
Leading the session is Minwon Cho, Founder of Cho Law LLC, whose practice focuses on
employment-based immigration and corporate strategy. Cho will walk attendees through the latest I-9 enforcement updates and provide practical guidance for protecting their businesses.
“SHCCNJ is committed to giving our members the resources they need to grow their businesses, including the knowledge and skills to navigate business compliance with confidence.”
The event is free and open to the public Registration is required.
For more information and questions, please reach out to Daniela Velez - dvelez@shccnj.org (201) 935-0035
More Than a Business Expo—It's a Blueprint of How Latinos Are Re-Defining New Jersey's Economic Growth
In today’s evolving business landscape, growth is no longer a solo journey. It is a collaborative path paved through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and inclusive spaces. That’s exactly what the Feria De Negocios the largest Hispanic Business Expo in the Northeast —offers. Hosted by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), this marquee event returns on July 30, 2026, at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ.
More than a business expo, Feria De Negocios is a celebration of connection, culture, and commerce—an opportunity to build community while expanding your business network in one of the most dynamic markets in the country
Aixa G. López, SHCCNJ’s Chief of Staff weighed in on this annual event: “La Feria de Negocios is truly special to me. It’s not just about business, es sobre comunidad, conexión, y darnos la mano. Every year, I see so many faces, some nuevas, some familiar; all coming together to to share ideas, build relationships, and support one another. It really feels like familia. This event brings us closer, opens doors, and reminds us that when we grow juntos, we grow stronger.”
Why Community Matters More Than Ever Central New Jersey is the perfect setting for business networking.
And within this vibrant mosaic, the Hispanic community stands out as a powerful economic driver. 120,000 Hispanic small business owners contribute $20B to the state’s economy
Yet, despite this growth, many Hispanic entrepreneurs still face barriers whether in access to capital, mentorship, or market reach. Events like Feria De Negocios play a crucial role in bridging those gaps They create a platform where minority-owned businesses can showcase their services, learn from one another, and connect with corporations and consumers who are eager to support local and diverse vendors
At its core, building community is about showing up— for your business, for your peers, and for the people who share your vision Feria De Negocios is a space where you’re not just trading business cards; you’re forging long-term relationships built on trust and mutual support.
What to Expect at the 2026 Feria De Negocios
This year’s expo promises to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees can look forward to: Exhibitor booths featuring a wide range of industries from tech and finance to health, retail, and food Food vendors that celebrate the rich diversity of New Jersey’s Hispanic communities (and sabores!)
Networking opportunities to meet elected officials, procurement professionals, and nonprofit change makers
Whether you’re attending as a vendor, entrepreneur, sponsor, or community member, you’ll leave with more than just business leads you’ll leave with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
In business, growth is about more than numbers it’s about people. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued in the marketplace. The Feria De Negocios is a powerful reminder that when communities come together, businesses don’t just survive—they thrive.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, July 30, 2026, 2:30 – 8pm EDT and join us at Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. Let’s connect, collaborate, and continue to build a strong business community in the heart of the most diverse state in the nation.
October 22, 2026 | 4 PM - 7 PM
Sponsors
JUNTOS 2026: Hosting Opportunities for
Restaurants and Businesses
The gathering concluded with a lively exchange between members and leadership, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines JUNTOS and the value of bringing the right people into the same room
If you are a business owner and SHCCNJ member who has not attended one of the Chamber’s JUNTOS gatherings since the series launched in August, you are missing out on one of the most valuable resources the Chamber offers: direct, meaningful access to leadership and insights from special guests.
Why JUNTOS Exists
JUNTOS was created with members in mind, offering direct access to Chamber leadership and trusted experts in a setting designed for real conversation These are the questions members want to ask, and often cannot, at large networking events. At JUNTOS, those conversations happen face to face, in a warm, welcoming environment built for dialogue, not distance.
Access That Feels Personal — and Practical
Unlike traditional networking formats, JUNTOS prioritizes access and engagement. Members sit in the room with decision-makers and subjectmatter experts, gaining insight typically reserved for boardrooms or high-cost consulting environments. The result is a gathering that feels personal, practical and purposeful.
Food is the bridge between cultures, neighbors, ideas and opportunity. When good food meets honest conversation, something meaningful happens. That is the heart of JUNTOS
No stages. No stiff scripts. Just people, ideas and open dialogue
Every time JUNTOS comes together, something new happens A business owner finds a partner. A founder gains clarity. A longheld question finally gets answered. A community grows stronger.
Looking ahead, the Chamber plans to expand JUNTOS in 2026, including opportunities for members to host future gatherings at their own venues. Members interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to watch for upcoming announcements.
You can also complete this short form.
“Food has always been a way to bring people together, and this event does exactly that. We’re proud to partner with the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey to celebrate culture, connection, and the incredible energy of our local business community,” said our February main sponsor and host Jaime Delgado, owner of El Asadero Mexican Grill Fort Lee.
Showcasing the chamber’s members in the hospitality and food industries!
The Hospitality Fiesta & Cocktail Party is an event that showcases members of the Chamber working in the hospitality and food sectors, coinciding with the NJ League of Municipalities Convention. This event draws a distinguished audience from public and private sectors in New Jersey, offering them a networking occasion at the vibrant Noyes Art Garage in Atlantic City.
Newark Liberty International Leads All Major Northeast Airports with Most On-Time Flights in 2026
NEWARK, N.J., June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Newark Liberty International (EWR) has led all major northeast airports so far this year with the most on-time flights in 2026 That's a notable achievement given the airport's ranking about a year ago.
United Airlines, EWR's largest carrier, achieved its best-ever on-time rate in April and May at Newark, while flying nearly 5.8 million passengers.
The airline is off to a strong start this summer, flying a record three million passengers across its network over the Memorial Day holiday with nearly 70% of customers arriving on time.
The airline expects more than 53 million travelers this summer and continues to win brand-loyal customers by investing in onboard products and services as well as industry-leading technologies like Starlink and the United Mobile App.
