UNIONLEADER UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM
OCTOBER 2023
VOL. 08 NO. 07
Market says University hosts business summit shop locally
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Scoring with the NY Jets
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Hispanic Heritage fun
By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Correspondent Entrepreneurs, local business owners and employees gathered on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Kean University’s Liberty Hall Academic Building in Union, to attend the first-ever Union County WORKS Business Summit. The goal of the summit is to cultivate growth of local businesses and further strengthen the bond between the Union County American Job Center and the business community. The event was open to the public and free of charge for registered guests. Guests were able to listen to expert panelists offering their valuable information for businesses of all sizes, followed by question-and-answer sessions, lunch catered by Gourmet Dining and the opportunity to network. There were also several vendor tables providing educational information and resources. Leodaris Allen, a program coordinator for Hillside Family Success Center, said, “A lot of times, people are not aware of resources just around the corner. We understand hard times can come to anyone. We will support you. We welcome anyone.” Ajsha Bajcina-Berisha of Linden, began her business, petcarespot, last October. She said, “It’s slow. I don’t advertise. It’s word of mouth. I’m trying to figure out what the demand is. I’m learning as I’m going.” Erica “E” Bradshaw, CEO of Bradshaw Creative Services, a fine, creative and performing arts studio in Union, uses art to uplift, motivate and inspire See BUSINESS, Page 8
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Carlos Medina, president and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, and co-founder of the Hispanic Chamber Fund, left, sits beside Adam Farrah, president of the Union County Economic Development Corporation, at the first-ever Union County WORKS Business Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Kean University’s Liberty Hall Academic Building in Union.
Former mayor of Union dies at age of 82 Michael Bono remembered as ‘an integral part of the township’
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By David Jablonski Managing Editor Michael T. Bono, of Union, died Wednesday, Sept. 6. He was 82. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, 767 Prospect St., Maplewood, on Saturday, Sept. 9. Interment was private. “Mike Bono was born, raised and spent his whole life in Union,” said Anthony Russo, who served 27 years on the Union Township Committee, including 10 years as mayor, as well as a former state senator, in an interview with LocalSource on Monday, Sept. 11. “He was a graduate of Union High School. He
excelled in sports. He played football, baseball and wrestled.” Born and raised in Union, Bono was the son of Michael and Rose Bono. Graduating from Union High School in 1959, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bloomfield College and is a member of its Hall of Fame as the baseball team’s catcher. “Mr. Bono did go to Union High School and was a very good athlete,” said former Superintendent Dr. Theodore Jakubowski in an interview with LocalSource on Monday, Sept. 11. “Then he was on the Board of Education and the Township Committee. He See FORMER, Page 10