Bridgeton Hosts First UEZ Gala, Salutes Local Business Owners, Supporters
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
BRIDGETON – Some 200 individuals and organizations were recognized during the inaugural City of Bridgeton Urban Enterprise Zone Awards Gala at the Marino Center on Nov. 8.
Bridgeton UEZ coordinator Stephanie Gonzalez called the event “an unforgettable evening” that celebrated those who have had an impact with the city’s program over the past year. She said it honored leadership, partnership and community excellence within the program.
Gonzalez said Bridgeton now has more than 80 certified UEZ businesses “whose resilience and entrepreneurship are the heartbeat of Bridgeton.” Many of those businesses have included Black and Hispanic small businesses becoming entrepreneurs for the first time.
“The businesses I work with embody the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority’s mission to strengthen local economies, support small businesses, and foster community growth,” Gonzalez said on Facebook.
“Through participation in UEZ programs — from the Revolving Loan Fund to Façade Improvement initiatives — they demonstrate a commitment not only to their own success but also to the ongoing prosperity, vitality, and future of our city.”
Gonzalez praised the work of UEZ board of trustees, which includes Harlan Miller, Tony Hill, Minerva Alvarado, Latoya Miller, Ashley Logan, and Michelle Azpiri for their service.
“Your dedication, creativity, and teamwork helped make this event and every UEZ-funded event a success,” Gonzalez said. “Thank you for advocating for the UEZ program and participating through your own nonprofit and business organizations.”
Miller’s late twin brother Haron Miller was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the gala. The Miller brothers co-founded the at-risk youth nonprofit Keeping Young Minds Occupied, KYMO.
Haron Miller’s wife and children received the award on his behalf present to receive it on his behalf.
“I want to take a moment to thank UEZ Coordinator Stephanie Gonzalez for the awards presented to me and my wife LaToya Miller, as well as for honoring my twin brother with the Lifetime Achievement Award,” Harlan Miller said on Facebook.
“It was a true blessing to have his wife and kids there to receive it on his behalf. I also had the privilege of giving my nephew Haron a special award for his years of supporting and performing for the community since he was just five years old.”
Gonzalez and Miller lauded Mayor Albert Kelly and other city officials for their support for the UEZ program.
“Deep appreciation to Business Administrator Kevin Rabago, Heather Moran (Bridgeton UEZ Team), and our City Council — Council President Edward Bethea, Councilwoman Rosemary DeQuinzio, Councilman Curtis Edwards, Councilman David Gonzalez, and Councilwoman Marian King — for your leadership and ongoing commitment to economic growth and community unity,” Gonzalez said.
Miller said of Kelly, “We truly appreciate the fact that you stood up front with us, helping pass out awards and representing the city the entire night. That was a great moment of leadership and unity.”
Gonzalez said she was happy to get new businesses to take part if services offered by the program, such as the Revolving Loan Fund through the Cumberland Empowerment Zone, led by Denise Jackson and Shirley DeLeon and the Façade Improvement Program.
“I’m beyond proud — and deeply grateful — to everyone who made this milestone possible,” she said. “Together, we showed what collaboration, heart, and community truly look like in Bridgeton.”
Gonzalez said that she hopes 2025 signals just a beginning for Bridgeton’s UEZ program and more positive programs to support businesses.
“This was our very first Bridgeton UEZ Awards Gala, and I truly hope it brought warmth, recognition, and inspiration to our local businesses, partners, and community members who continue to make a difference every day,” she said.
“My goal is to ensure every business feels included and to encourage those not yet part of the UEZ to join us and take advantage of the many opportunities and resources available through this free program.”
Note from AC JosepH Media: If you like this story and others posted on Front Runner New Jersey.com, lend us a hand so we can keep producing articles like these for New Jersey and the world to see. Click on SUPPORT FRNJ and make a contribution that will go directly in making more stories like this available. Thank you for reading!
About Author
