The New Jersey Business Immigration Coalition and the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Statewide Multicultural Business Expo on June 25. The event, which is free to attend, will feature exhibits and awards celebrating culturally diverse entrepreneurship, along with food and live entertainment.
Scheduled to take place at the Pines Manor in Edison, the event will begin with the annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by the business expo from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees can network with multicultural business owners and meet potential clients without any admission fee. Businesses interested in sponsorship or exhibiting opportunities can obtain more information through the organizers.
The Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards were created by the New Jersey Business Immigration Coalition and its founding partners, including the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. This year's winners are immigrant entrepreneurs from Kosovo, Taiwan, Jordan, Philippines, and Germany who have made significant contributions in New Jersey.
Jordan Hu, founder and CEO of RiskVal Financial Solutions, LLC in Princeton, has been named Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year. His company produces products used by trading desks at banks throughout North America.
Dieter Weissenrieder, founder and CEO of Weiss-Aug Group in East Hanover, will receive the Immigrant Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in precision contract metal stamping.
Dr. Shihab Kuran has been awarded the Albert Einstein Award for Innovation. An investor and serial entrepreneur in global semiconductor, power, and cleantech sectors, he is currently president and CEO of Power Edison, which is developing the largest EV charging superhub in Kearny.
Leo Alquiros will receive the Caspar Wistar Award for Growth. He owns Tropical Hut Philippine Cuisine, a network of Filipino restaurants and grocery stores with six locations across New Jersey and New York. Alquiros opened his first restaurant in Old Bridge in 1999.
Burim Nimon Regjaj is honored with the David Sarnoff Award for Advocacy and Community Engagement. Originally from Kosovo, Regjaj has built successful careers in both restaurant industry and property management while engaging extensively in philanthropic work. He chairs the Homeless Veterans Fund with six regional Rotary Clubs and raises funds for rebuilding projects such as Westfield American Legion Post and YMCA. Additionally, he serves on several boards including Downtown Westfield Corporation and Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
