Published on NJ.com/Latino on October 01, 2015.

The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce-NJ will hold its 25^th Annual Convention & Expo from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 at The Brownstone, 351 West Broadway in Paterson.

The event will bring together government officials, corporate leaders and diplomats. Business owners will have the opportunity to network, explore new business opportunities and cultivate relationships with the rapidly growing Hispanic community. There will be more than 60 exhibits where business owners and attendees can explore the varied products and services available.

Carlos A. Medina, Esq Chairman SHCCNJ

Carlos Medina, the chairman of the SHCC-NJ and a member of the organization for more than a decade will give the opening remarks at the 9 a.m. reception. Medina is the owner and president of Robinson Aerial Surveys Inc. located in Hackettstown. “I look forward every year to this, our marquee event.  We receive so many emails and calls every year thanking us for the connections we help our members and friends make and the positive energy that everyone leaves with,” Medina said.  “The bottom line is that this event helps our members expand their relationships, hone their skills and meet people that will improve their bottom line.  We manage to do this by working hard, but also by having lots of fun.”

A workshop, slated from 10 to 11 a.m. will feature author and photographer Marius Jovaisa, who will speak about “Unseen Cuba,” a book that takes you on a photographic journey of the Caribbean island’s landscapes and cityscapes photographed from the air.

Urban Mayors Panel at the SHCCNJ Annual Convention  (L to R) Mayors Steven Fulop of Jersey City, Joey Torres of Paterson and Alex Blanco of Passaic

Urban Mayors, a workshop being held from 11 a.m. to noon will have as panelists Mayors Steven Fulop of Jersey City, Joey Torres of Paterson and Alex Blanco of Passaic. The workshop will be moderated by Jennifer Carrillo-Perez.

Mariela Dabbah will be the keynote speaker during the afternoon awards luncheon. Dabbah is an award-winning author, international speaker, and founder of the Red Shoe Movement, a career and leadership development company focusing on diverse women. She also is the founder and chief executive officer of Latinos in College, a not-for-profit organization focused on helping Latino students and families find the resources they need to successfully choose, pay and graduate from college.

This year’s SHCC-NJ award recipients are the following:

Attorney of the Year: Arlene Quinones, partner, Decotiis, Fitzpatrick & Cole

Latina Trailblazer of the Year: Monique Manso, publisher, People En Espanol magazine

Businesswoman of the Year: Ona Diaz-Smith, creative director, 5 Salon Spa and executive producer of the film Pelo! Pelo!

Small Businessman of the Year: Michael Miqueli, president, San Antonio Trucking

Small Business Advocate of the Year: Kellie LeDet, region 2 administrator, U.S. SBA

Non-Profit Advocate of the Year: Yvonne Lopez, chief executive officer, PRAHD

Restaurant of the Year: Chilltown Kitchen

Chairman’s Award: Cesar Teixiera, president, CATB Imports

“This year we are particularly proud of our six Latina award winners and Latina keynote speaker who focuses on women’s empowerment.  We recognize that Latinas are starting new businesses at a pace seven times greater than the general population,” Medina said.

The luncheon and awards ceremony will take place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The fee is $75 per person.

For more information, call (973) 900-5886 or email at chamber@shccnj.org. Visit www.shccnj.org.

For more on the 25th Annual Convention, Expo & Awards Luncheon, click here.