Exhibitor Space Available for 2023 Biz Expo Hosted by Jersey Shore Chamber on April 25
Six-foot exhibitor tables with a cloth are still available at a member rate of $249 at 2023 BizExpo sponsored by The Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce (JSCC), Wall Township, Tuesday, April 25, at the Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, NJ 07753 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited, free of charge, to see more than 70 exhibitors, enjoy free tasting samples from member restaurants, and win prizes from free raffles. Taste of the Jersey Shore give away includes gift certificates to local restaurants, wine, and more. The Grand Prize, sponsored by Corinne Trainor of Fox Rothschild, is a 55” T.V.
The non-member rate of $399 for exhibiting includes membership in JSCC for 2023.
Sponsorships for $499.00 are available and include prime exhibitor space with an 8-foot cloth-covered exhibit table; social media exposure; company logo displayed on the Expo tote bag; recognition on display advertising, press, news articles, the Chamber website (www.jsccnj.com); and on a flyer emailed to more than 2300 businesses, community leaders, and chamber members. Also included are e-blasts announcing the event to more than 2300 contacts; an introduction at the event; a list of fellow exhibitors for post-marketing use; and an opportunity to choose a give-away door prize.
Sponsors to-date, who will also receive a list of all attendees, are Manasquan Bank, Above and Beyond – Business Tools and Services for Entrepreneurs; Black Swallowtail Studios; Jennifer Ortiz State Farm Agency; Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services, LLC; The Rugby School at Woodfield; Valerie Barba, DDS, LLC; and Cowleys Pest Services. The Grand Prize sponsor is Corinne McCann Trainor of Fox Rothschild.
Visit www.jsccnj.com to register and pay online; or mail payment to Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1305, Wall, NJ 07719-1305. For more information, sponsorships, and table reservations, call Cassie Caulfield, operations manager of JSCC, at 732-280-8800 or email info@jsccnj.com.
Photography Workshop at Strand Theater Gallery
The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, is calling all foodies and shutterbugs to the first of many community art events in the Gallery. Bring your camera to a hands-on workshop Saturday, April 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Strand Theater’s Gallery for a “Food Photography Workshop with Andrei Jackamets,” a commercial photographer.
To begin developing one’s own signature photographic style, Jackamets, the owner of Andrei Jackamets Photography, will lead attendees through camera settings, lighting, and composition with an emphasis on texture, color, props, and light modifiers. The Photo Center of Brick and Camera Culture of Red Bank will also be present to advise on cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment.
Attendees will especially learn the essentials and tools for food styling with Gigi Alterio, the director Of Culinary Arts and Concepts at Creative Marketing Services. Alterio is the food stylist for commercials, advertising, and package design. She is also skilled in culinary concepts for new product development, line extensions, menu trend applications, recipe development for cookbooks, advertising, commercials, product packaging, recipe development, editoral application, development of product label directions, product specifications, and nutritional data.
Kendall Szpakowski, pastry chef and owner of Keke N Ko will also bring her unique confectionary creations to be photographed.
Tickets are $30.00. Purchase tickets at www.strand.org. For more information, contact Andrei Jackamets at 732-213-4040.
About Andrei Jackamets Photography: Andrei Jackamets has experience in the pharmaceutical, hospitality and advertising industries, both nationally and internationally, ranging from executive portraits, editorials, and corporate events to product photography. He and his work have been featured on the entertainment (reality programs), such as Chef Roble & Company, Fashion Hunters, Top Chef, Tabatha Takes Over, Real Housewives of New Jersey & New York, and Ghost Hunters.
Jackamets photography has been featured on eonline.com; people.com; usmagazine.com; huffingtonpost.com; nydailynews.com; nypost.com; travelweekly.com; bergen.com; and in Industry Magazine, INTIMA, New Jersey Magazine, People, and Us.
Join the Purim Extravaganza at Congregation B’nai Israel
Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI), 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, is hosting a Purim Extravaganza Monday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m., an evening of fun for all ages and free for everyone, with a Shushan Café featuring snacks, Hamantaschen, refreshments, and Mordechai’s Frozen Bar.
From 6:00 to 6:50 p.m. enjoy the Megillah reading and a costume parade. Activities for all ages will take place from 6:50 to 8:00 p.m. Adults only can gather in Esther’s Hangout from 6:50 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the CBI office at (732) 349-1244.
Wag’s Show and Special Album Release at the Strand Theater
“The Wag’s 25th Anniversary & Album Release Show” will be held at the Strand Theater on March 25 at 7:00 p.m. From the Bayshore area of New Jersey, this four-piece unit has been entertaining audiences for 25 years with pop/rock, featuring four alternating lead vocalists, catchy melodies, and sophisticated harmonies. The Wag’s are celebrating 25 years as a performing and recording band with a long-awaited official album release being held at the Strand Theater “Blue Bottles and Copper Coins.”
The new album will be performed in its entirety, along with selected tunes spanning their 25 year career. Special guests Morningside Lane and Lisa Bouchelle will open the show and join in again for the finale. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now — Orchestra: $20.00; Loge: $20.00; Mezzanine: $20.00; Tier: $20.00; ADA (Handicap): $20.00
About Morningside Lane: Morningside Lane was established in Palisades Park, New Jersey, in 2009 and has had domestic and international recognition with their innovative spin on the fresh, energetic “Jersey Sound.” In 2020, the band released its first full-length album, “These Are Our Years.” Since then, the band has been transforming its sound, leaning towards a modern 80s pop/synth sound, culminating in the 2022 release of their second album, “Flowers to Flames.”
About Lisa Bouchelle: The music of Lisa Bouchelle encompasses a wide variety of genres, including Americana, pop, singer-songwriter, classic rock, gospel, and more. The songs are all based around her unique acoustic guitar grooves, and her lyrics are often about empowerment and believing in oneself and one’s dreams; about not being afraid to take chances in life; to overcome your fears, to go for it, and “Jump In!”
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.
Lakewood Twp to Hold Free Rabies Clinic
Lakewood Township has announced that it will hold a Free Rabies Clinic on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Public Works Building, 1 America Avenue, Lakewood, NJ.
All dog and cat owners are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to have their pets inoculated against rabies.
Dog licenses for the year 2023 will also be available at the clinic via cash (no large bills), check, or money order. Dog license fees are $16.00 for non-spayed/neutered dogs and $13.00 for spayed/neutered dogs. A 5.00 late fee will be charged, after March 1, 2023, for renewals.
For more information, contact Township Clerk Lauren Kirkman at twpclerk@lakewoodnj.gov.
Strand Theater Board Held Its Reorganization
The board of the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, held its reorganization meeting this February. Each executive officer will serve a one-year term. Amy Freeman was elected the president of the Strand’s executive board; Andrei Jackamets is the vice president; Karen Stafford-Smith is the treasurer; and Jeff Gerstenblatt is the secretary.
Strand board members include Dave Kapulsky, Gene Mele, Jon Petz, Debra Roeder-Shaw, and Craig Theibault.
The executive board oversees strategic planning and decision-making for the Strand Theater. The board of directors helps to provide strategic oversight and serves on committees based on a member’s expertise.
Anyone interested in becoming a Strand Board member, should contact Amy Freeman at amy@strand.org.
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.
Crisafulli Becomes VP, Senior Business Development Officer of First Commerce Bank
John Crisafulli, Toms River, who has more than 20 years of experience in many banking positions, including 15 years in management, has been promoted to Vice President, Senior Business Development Officer of First Commerce Bank, 105 River Avenue, Lakewood.
With 10 offices state-wide, including a new expansion in Jackson, First Commerce is considered a community-based, full-service commercial bank that emphasizes the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses, professional entities, governmental agencies and individuals, offering a broad range of consumer and commercial banking services. As Vice President, Senior Business Development Officer, Crisafulli is responsible for business development in all 10 branches of First Commerce Bank.
Crisafulli takes pride in being community minded. He is the founder (2016) and a board member of Central Ocean Business Association (COBA), which he formed to support small businesses in Ocean County with focus on the Route 9 Corridor. COBA is a formal 501(c) with more than 150 active members. A non-exclusive business association working with municipalities, COBA’s mission is to drive economic development, support small business, and draw attraction to developing communities.
He is an active member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance, Rockland Business-2-Business Network, and handles Business Development for the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, an internationally recognized Chamber of Commerce.
Crisafulli also serves as a board member of the Strand Center for the Arts, Lakewood; Community Affairs Resource Center, Asbury Park (since 2022); and the Burlington Mercer Chamber of Commerce (since 2019). He served as a board member of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club as president; the Union Rotary Club; the Girls Scouts of the Jersey Shore; and was District Chairman for the Joshua Huddy District of The Boy Scouts of America Jersey Shore Council. He was honored as a Hometown Hero at the 2018 Ocean County Awards Gala.
Crisafulli grew up in Cedar Grove and attended high school at Montclair Immaculate where he was a Peer Minister and graduated as a member of the National Honors Society. He was also a State Champion for the 1996 Montclair Immaculate H.S. Football team. John attended Kean University for two years, focusing on accounting and small business.
Recently, First Commerce Bank received performance recognition in the banking community. The Bank was the fastest growing bank, headquartered in New Jersey, for 2013, 2014 and 2015.
For more information, contact John Crisafulli, VP/Senior Development Officer, at 973-568-4284 or jcrisafulli@firstcommercebk.com.
About First Commerce Bank: Established in 2006, with headquarters in Lakewood, New Jersey, First Commerce Bank also has offices in Allentown, Bordentown, Closter, Englewood, Fairfield, Freehold, Montvale, Robbinsville, and Teaneck, New Jersey. First Commerce Bank recently announced the opening a new location in Jackson, New Jersey. First Commerce Bank provides businesses and individuals with a wide range of loans, deposit products, and retail and commercials banking services. Visit www.firstcommercebk.com for more information.
First Commerce Bank is a full-service commercial bank that believes in the power of business to help neighborhoods and people prosper by fostering financial advancement and business growth, resulting in a solid job market and a strong economic foundation for the community. First Commerce Bank prioritizes the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses, professional organizations, and individuals throughout New Jersey and part of New York, providing the drive, dynamism, and connective energy to make a positive impact. Commerce is the lifeblood of a local community. When business prospers, neighborhoods and people flourish. First Commerce Bank is dedicated to building personal banking relationships, connecting people with opportunities, and using its financial expertise to drive commerce and communities forward. It is business banking with a personal touch.
Culinary Depot Opens a Full-Service New Jersey Store
The Culinary Depot, 500 Oberlin Avenue S, Lakewood, NJ, a retail store open to the public, recently opened its fifth location. Culinary Depot is known for its commercial kitchen equipment and supplies, such as tabletop glassware, flatware, furniture, refrigeration, ovens, janitorial supplies and equipment, etc. This location also includes offices and a warehouse for local deliveries.
Food services and businesses that could benefit from the Culinary Depot are healthcare, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, restaurants, cafés, bars, caterers, prisons, supermarkets, bakeries, and synagogues.
Sholem Potash, president and founder, said, “We’ve had some of our top salespeople working out of Lakewood for several years now. It was only natural to open a store there. Our first and foremost goal is serving our customers and the store will allow them to see and feel the equipment they are considering.”
Michael Lichter, CEO, said, “Having a store where a chef can stop in for missing supplies and walk out with it the same day assists local establishments with daily challenges. We greatly anticipate continuous growth in South Jersey and look forward to serving our customers there, ensuring their success.”
The hours of Culinary Depot are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Culinary Depot is closed on Saturday.
For more information, call Michael Lichter, CEO, at 845-659-3225. Visit www.culinarydepot.com or call 888-845-8200.
About Culinary Depot: Culinary Depot, with headquarters in Spring Valley, NY, is a full-service food service dealer and contractor offering layout and design, project management, custom fabrication, white glove delivery, and installation services. Other locations include Nevada, South Carolina; Oakland Park, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Jobs Available at the Strand Theater
Anyone looking for an exciting career at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., should apply now. Available positions include bartenders, barbacks*, ushers, and concessions. Send a resume to amy@strand.org.
*Barbacks are the equivalent of a busser, except in the bar environment. The barback makes sure that bartenders have everything they need at all times. They’re also on the floor, helping to clean up spills and retrieve more supplies from the walk-ins. They are adept at overseeing what’s happening in the front of house and in the back.
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Train the Trainers – March 9
Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is becoming as prevalent and necessary as anti-harassment training for employers. Prospective and current employees alike are more frequently expecting their employers to invest in and implement DEI initiatives, which can take many different forms. Training will better enable HR professionals and managers to understand this evolving topic and strategize an approach.
Gain insight into about how to approach DEI initiatives and training in businesses at the breakfast meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, on Thursday, March 9 from 7:45 to 10:00 a.m. at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune.
Registrations are due by Friday, March 3 online at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events
or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155.
Registration including breakfast is $35 for JSAHR members; $50 for non-members; $25 for each guest and those in-transition; and $10 for students with a valid ID.
JSAHR is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliated chapter. This program is pending one (1) SHRM PDC and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit.
About the Speakers: Ruth Rauls represents management in employment disputes before federal and state courts, as well as federal and state agencies. She also works with clients to develop workplace policies, and practices and procedures, including medical cannabis and drug testing policies, employee handbooks and policy manuals. Rauls draws on her litigation experience to help large and small companies alike identify potential legal issues and provide support for internal decision-making that affects their business operations.
Lisa Koblin assists employers with managing a wide range of complex legal HR issues, including policy development and implementation, wage and hour law compliance, and employee leaves of absence. She defends clients through all stages of employment litigation and mediation in state and federal courts.