Best Practices in Billing and Collections – Free UEZ Business Seminar
The Lakewood Development Corporation, the administrative arm of the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), is offering the public a free small business seminar “Best Practices in Billing and Collections,” Wednesday, May 4, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Conference Room C, the Lakewood Municipal Building, 231 Third Street, Lakewood.
Cash is the lifeblood of any business and while many business owners focus on improving sales, they neglect to evaluate the age of their accounts receivable and what it costs them to re-bill, follow up on them, and carry receivables.
The workshop, given by Karen Cooper, MBA, will provide several tips a business owner can implement, many at no cost, that will increase cash flow and reduce operating expenses. She will also explain how to motivate customers to pay more promptly.
To register visit http://conta.cc/may4workshop. To find out about UEZ programs and seminars, call Joan Wilkes at 732-364-2500 x5256 or jwilkes@lakewoodtwpnj.org. All businesses are welcome whether or not they are participating in a UEZ program.
About Karen Cooper: Karen Cooper holds an MBA in Finance from NYU and a BA in Cognitive Science from Vassar College. She is a district sales manager, working with 200 clients at Transworld Systems Inc. where she provides a variety of services for managing and collecting past-due accounts receivable.
About the UEZ: The Urban Enterprise Zone program was designed to foster economic growth to revitalize and stimulate designated urban communities. The program encourages businesses to create private-sector jobs though public and private investment. More than 8,000 businesses throughout the state and more than 450 businesses in Lakewood benefit from tax and financial incentives. Personnel from the Lakewood UEZ are available to discuss program eligibility and answer questions.
The Coach Donates His Time to Help Caregiver Volunteers
Are you a quiet supporter or an active advocate in the groups to which you belong? What’s the difference? Chris Ruisi, “The Coach,” Holmdel, the CEO and founder of The Coach’s Zone, a business and leadership coaching company, has volunteered to work with the board members and staff of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (CVCJ) at their annual retreat April 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Toms River, to help attendees learn the tools that will move them to the forefront of advocacy.
Lynette Whiteman, the executive director of CVCJ, says, “We have a wonderful board that is fully committed to helping the elderly and helping our agency achieve our mission. With the help of The Coach, however, we are going to examine how to take that next step from being a solid supporter of CVCJ to being an active advocate.”
CVCJ is an interfaith, nonprofit agency that provides volunteers who assist the homebound elderly in remaining independent in their own homes. Approximately 1000 area volunteers provide services to 2000 senior citizens via medical transportation, grocery shopping, respite for caregivers living with an individual with Alzheimer’s disease, friendly visits to reduce social isolation, and pet therapy.
The Board of Directors is made up of a mix of business people and clergy of all faiths who show their support by attending events and meetings. The annual retreat is an opportunity to renew one’s commitment and expand everyone’s passion in helping the elderly.
Ruisi has actively worked with nonprofits for more than 10 years in developing and rekindling the passion of volunteering. Ruisi was named the 2009 Citizen of the Year by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Recently, the video he created and funded “Faces, Colors and Stories of Cancer” received the Gold Award from the Jersey Shore Public Relations and Advertising Association.
As the Founder and CEO of The Coach’s Zone, Ruisi has coached or mentored hundreds of executives in both large and small businesses. He is an accomplished public speaker, providing his audiences with direction and motivation on what is needed to accomplish their goals.
To contact “The Coach,” call 732-275-9222 or visit www.thecoachszone.com. To contact Caregiver Volunteers, call Lynette Whiteman at 732-505-2273. ###
Gary Foley Named GM of iPlay America
Gary Foley, Voorhees, N.J., has been named general manager of iPlay America and Encore Event Center, Freehold, NJ. Scheduled to open this fall, iPlay America will be the largest indoor amusement park and event venue in New Jersey. As general manager, Foley will be in charge of the daily operations, staff, and the coordination of all activities for the entire facility. His focus will be to integrate iPlay America into the community providing a solid employment base and a unique entertainment venue.
With over 28 years in the entertainment business, Foley was previously the general manager for Sahara Sam’s Indoor Water Park, West Berlin, N.J., where he managed daily operations, staffing, and maintenance of the facility. Prior to that, he was also manager at Gillian’s Island Water Park, Ocean City, NJ, where he worked for more than 25 years and was an integral part of the Gillian’s organization.
Foley, a graduate of Haddonfield High School, has extensive training in amusement park management and has attended courses at Disney University and industry workshops with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
Foley served as Chairman of the Personnel Committee for International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. In 1994, he was recognized with the Best Workshop Award for “Motivate Me,” a workshop he facilitated at the IAAPA Trade Show and Convention.
Foley said, “I am excited to be a part of a very unique facility that will be an asset to our community. I am looking forward to assembling a team of about 250 talented, skilled, and professional individuals that will serve as the backbone to iPlay America. Although I have many goals, two of my main ambitions are for iPlay America to be an economic contributor to the community; and be known as a positive, exciting experience for the guests we serve.”
So You Think You Can Cook? Amateur Male Chefs Need for Fundraiser
Amateur male chefs who LOVE to cook are needed for the annual Look Who’s Cooking fundraiser sponsored by the Family Planning Center of Ocean County, Lakewood, N.J. Here’s a chance to show off your culinary skills at The 19th Annual Look Who’s Cooking food-tasting festival, Friday evening, June 10, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church, Washington Street, Toms River, N.J.
Each year, more than 50 men offer samples of their favorite recipe to more than 200 hungry guests and raise money for women’s health issues, including cancer screenings and educational counseling.
If you are a “wanna be” chef who is looking for an opportunity to prepare and serve your most celebrated dish to the public, call Penny Rone (609) 242-6927 to register as an amateur chef and reserve your table.
The Family Planning Center of Ocean County is a nonprofit organization that has provided education and medical services to women since 1971. To purchase tickets ahead of time, to advertise in the ad journal, or to participate as a chef, please contact The Family Planning Center at (732) 364-9696.
Tickets cost $45.00 and can be purchased at the door.
Don’t Cut Reimbursement Rate to FQHCs
Dear Editor,
We all realize that reducing costs in New Jersey is necessary, and that everyone must “share the pain.” There are those, however, who are already sharing the pain and have been for some time.
Federally qualified health care centers, known as FQHCs, have become the medical safety net that helps our uninsured and underinsured endure the “pain.” FQHCs in New Jersey served 450,000 patients in 2010; and with the state of our economy, that number is rapidly growing in 2011. Lakewood, the largest township in Ocean County, has had a population growth of more than 54 percent, and more than 50 percent of that population is at greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Many health centers, already dependent on government funding for their survival, operate on a limited margin or below the break even mark. The Center for Health Education, Medicine and Dentistry (CHEMED), a FQHC in Lakewood, has a two-year history of serving New Jersey’s uninsured and underinsured. CHEMED helps approximately 20,000 unique patients. Increasing numbers of these patients are uninsured, reflecting the continuing downturn in our economy. On the other hand, CHEMED creates more than 100 jobs.
The state budget is proposing to reduce the overall uncompensated reimbursement rate by 10 percent. This would cripple health centers like CHEMED who are seeing tremendous growth rates of uninsured patients. CHEMED strongly believes that FQHCs are best situated to become medical homes for these patients.
We offer the personalized, preventative care and coordinated medicine necessary to lower the cost to the patient and provide greater health care community. FQHCs also create an alternative to the local hospital emergency rooms. If FQHCs cannot support the growing numbers of patients in need, then more of these patients will show up in the emergency rooms; and hospitals will once again face the burden of their care. In New Jersey, where hospitals have already had to close and are facing dire financial straits this could precipitate an even greater health care crisis.
Please support protecting Federally Qualified Health Centers – safety net providers and medical homes for so many of New Jersey’s uninsured and underinsured. We ask that the State Budget Committee eliminate the proposed 10 percent reimbursement cut and allow for the same rate per visit as last year. Please let your government officials know how important FQHCs are to the community and ask them to eliminate the proposed cuts.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dovid Friedman, CEO, Center for Health Education, Medicine and Dentistry (CHEMED)
Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC)
1771 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701
732-364-2144 Ext. 214; dfriedman@chemedhealth.org
Dr. Mauriello Offers Latest Technology for Ankle Replacement
Dr. Gerald Mauriello, Jr., a podiatric surgeon at AOSMI (Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute), Freehold, and a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) of Advanced Foot Ankle Institute, a division of AOSMI, PC, has begun offering treatment for ankle arthritis using the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement system (STAR™ Ankle), a technology that the F.D.A. approved last year.
The STAR ankle replacement uses similar materials and technology to those used in knee and hip replacement implants and has rapidly become the leading choice of U.S. surgeons after its long term success in Europe.
Following clinical trials, the STAR ankle received FDA pre-market approval as an alternative to such invasive procedures as mechanically fusing bones in ankle joints affected by various forms of severe arthritis. Fusion has been a common procedure that reduces ankle pain but significantly restricts the joint’s mobility; and, therefore, limits physical activity.
The STAR Ankle is offered as an alternative to fusion for those suffering with post traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the ankle joint. This system helps to optimize ankle movement and function by creating a new surface that replaces the arthritic ankle joint. As a result of the surgery, the typical patient can usually walk normally and engage in activities, such as golf and hiking.
Dr. Mauriello, who was among only a handful of New Jersey surgeons invited to train in this procedure, said, “The STAR Ankle, which closely replicates the natural movement of the human ankle, allows the patient to retain and regain some of a person’s normal ankle mobility and function. While total ankle replacement is relatively new in the United States, it has proven to be a superior alternative to joint fusion procedures.
Roger A. Mann, MD, Oakland Bone & Joint Specialists, Oakland, California, past president of AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) and consulting surgeon at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic, Vail, Colorado, said, “For those of us who participated in the clinical trial and have observed the successful clinical outcomes in our patients, this may well be a meaningful moment in orthopedics, similar to those we’ve seen in hips, knees and spine.”
Dr. Mauriello is also a member of the orthopedics department at CentraState Medical Center and also has a private practice in Freehold, N.J. For further information contact Dr. Mauriello at AOSMI (732) 720-2555.
About Dr. Mauriello: Dr. Mauriello is an associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), a fellow of the American College of Lower Extremity Surgeons, and an associate fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. In 2008, Dr. Mauriello completed a fellowship in Lower Extremity Traumatology at the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics in Kurgan, Siberia.
Dr. Mauriello earned his D.P.M. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, in 2004. He received his master’s degree in health and behavior studies with a concentration in health education in 2002 from Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, where he was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi National Honors Society; and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University, Newark, N.J., in 1996.
Dr. Mauriello was honored with the Service Award from Saint Barnabas Medical Center. He has had several of his research articles published, including diabetic limb salvage and the management of a lower extremity deformity associated with Russell-Silver syndrome, among others.
The Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) is an orthopedic practice located at Pond View Professional Park, 301 Professional View Drive, Freehold, and 312 Applegarth Road, Monroe Township. The board-certified surgeons at AOSMI, who have a combined 100 years of experience, provide advanced medical care. For more information, call 732-720-2555 or visit www.AdvancedOrthoSports.com.
Challenges of Conflict Coaching and Management – April Meeting of JSAHR
It’s unavoidable. People who work together will have conflicts; however, the unmanaged conflict is said to be the largest reducible cost in organizations and yet it is the least recognized. Don Swanson, a communications professor at Monmouth University, will examine ways to handle conflict between parties or within organizations at the April 14, 2011, meeting of Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (JSAHR), 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, N.J. JSAHR is a Superior Merit Award Chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).
Swanson’s presentation is designed to teach attendees ways to handle conflict. He will discuss the global reasons behind conflicts; and the roles emotion, identity, power, and expression play in the process. Swanson will also cover the role of listening and responding; what it takes to change a person’s approach to conflict; and what it takes to change an organizational culture to utilize conflict productively.
The registration fee and a full buffet breakfast is $25.00 for JSAHR members; $35.00 for nonmembers; and an additional $5.00 for walk-ins. To register, call Kathi Evans, JSAHR administrator, at 732-244-8892 or e-mail jsahradmin@atbcelebrations.com.
About Don Swanson: Don Swanson is currently a professor of communications at Monmouth University, Long Branch, N.J., where he was the program chair for 14 years. He is now the chairman of Philosophy, Religion, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Swanson is the former president of the New Jersey Communications Association. In the early 1990s he was a mediator with the American Arbitration Association, Pacific Rim region. Swanson’s consulting clients have included Merrill-Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Royal Caribbean International, the U.S. Postal Service, Fort Monmouth, and Safeway. He was also a senior consultant with CRA, Communication Research Associates.
MMA, Newest Fighting Sport, at First Energy Park this June
MMA or mixed martial arts, one of the newest fighting sports in the world today, will be coming to First Energy Park June 18 presented by Greater Media Radio 95.9 WRAT, Central Jersey Blood Center, Asylum Fight League, and hosted by the Lakewood BlueClaws.
“Fights Under the Lights,” 16 separate MMA bouts, begins at 8:15 p.m. General admission tickets is $30.00 ($25.00 for groups of 20 or more). VIP floor seating ($50.00) is also available along with picnic areas, party decks, and Skyboxes. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 28 at FirstEnergy Park, or BlueClaws.com, or by calling 732-901-7000 Option 2. Gates open at 7 p.m. Names of participants will be announced at a later date.
BlueClaws’ General Manager Geoff Brown said, “These events are among the fastest growing in America. The BlueClaws are very excited to bring MMA to FirstEnergy Park and we can’t wait for June 18.”
Asylum Fight League has hosted MMA events all over the country and locally in Atlantic City’s Trump Marina Casino.
For more information call Steve Farago at Lakewood BlueClaws 732-901-7000 or Doug Sjonvall, Marketing Director, Greater Media New Jersey, WRAT/Magic 100.1, 732-681-3800 x 206.
WRAT-FM and Magic 100.1 are radio stations of Greater Media, Inc. Greater Media, Inc. is the parent company of twenty-three AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Detroit, Charlotte, New Jersey, and Philadelphia markets. Greater Media also owns a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey and several telecommunications towers, located throughout the United States.
Free Business Seminar – “The Five Most Common Mistakes in Business”
Billionaires Warren Buffett, Charles Wiley, and Bill Gates, among others, have determined the five most common mistakes people make in business. Are you making these mistakes? If you are, what can you do to correct them? The Lakewood Development Corporation, the administrative arm of the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), is offering the public a free business seminar, “The Five Most Common Mistakes in Business,” Wednesday, April 13, 2011, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Room C in the Lakewood Municipal Building, 231 Third Street, Lakewood.
The workshop will be led by Dr. Dan Cruoglio, owner of Life Adjustments Coaching, and a certified life and business coach. Dr. Cruoglio has been a consultant to chiropractors throughout the country, advising them in best business practices. Questions and answers are welcome throughout the workshop.
All businesses are welcome to participate and do not have to be in a UEZ program to attend. To register or find out about UEZ programs and seminars, call Trish Komsa at 732-364-2500 x5257 or pkomsa@lakewoodtwpnj.org.
About the UEZ: The Urban Enterprise Zone program was designed to foster economic growth to revitalize and stimulate designated urban communities. The program encourages businesses to create private-sector jobs though public and private investment. More than 8,000 businesses throughout the state and more than 450 businesses in Lakewood benefit from tax and financial incentives. Personnel from the Lakewood UEZ are available to discuss program eligibility and answer questions.
OCBA Speaker Tells All: What Social Media Is and How It Can Benefit Businesses – or Not
Speaker Tells All: The Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) is welcoming nationally known media consultant Deborah Smith, owner of Foxtrot Media LLC, to its annual “Open Meeting,” Thursday, April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River, N.J.
Smith, who was recently featured in the New York Times, is presenting “Social Media 101,” a tell-all presentation explaining what social media is and isn’t, the rules of social media, and how a business owner can productively use social media.
The luncheon is open to the OCBA members, their guests, prospective members, and members of the media. The cost is $20.00 but prospective members and the media may attend free of charge. Reservations are required. To register, contact Joanne Padrone at jpadrone@ocean.edu by April 4, 2011. For further information call 866-606-6222 or visit www.OceanCountyBusinessAssociation.com.
Smith welcomes 17,000 visitors each month to her blog Jersey Bites.com. and is also the owner of NannyIsland.com, considered the most successful networking platform in the nanny industry, with close to 1000 members. Smith is a certified LinkedIn Instructor and Inbound Marketing Specialist. She conducts numerous workshops and Webinars on the topic of Social Media Marketing throughout the year.
Smith’s experience in social media began 12 years ago when she launched her E-commerce business, which operates a network of Websites serving the nanny industry. She began using e-mail groups, chat rooms and online message boards as marketing and networking tools well before the term “Social Media” was ever conceived. When the new tools like Blogs, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn emerged, Smith was an early adopter, mastering these tools for her own business. Her company, Foxtrot Media, manages many Social Media accounts for retail businesses, authors, restaurants and service professionals.
Founded in 1980, the OCBA is a category-exclusive referral, networking, and educational organization that meets twice a month for lunch in Toms River. Made up of about 80 member organizations, OCBA also sponsors a traveling speakers’ bureau and disseminates a bi-annual business-focused magazine to 5,000 people in the community.
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