2019 Citizens of the Year Feted by Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce held an awards ceremony and a dinner this November at Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Lakewood, to honor its 2019 Citizens of the Year, Lakewood’s most outstanding citizens and business,
More than 220 guests attended to salute the honorees who were selected because they have made significant contributions to the growth and well-being of Lakewood and its surrounding region. Menashe Miller, executive director of the Lakewood Chamber, introduced the presenters.
Each honoree received a Lakewood Township Proclamation from Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles and a Proclamation from the 30th Legislative District presented by Senator Robert Singer.
The presenters and the 2019 honorees included Senator Singer, a board member of the Ocean County Board of Health (OCBH), who presented awards to Jack Mallon, Chairman, and Daniel Regenye, Public Health Coordinator, of OCBH. Senator Singer also presented awards to Ira Hoberman, Chairman, and Donald Mindiak, CEO, of First Commerce Bank. Justin Flancbaum, Lakewood Chamber President, presented awards to Harrison Pfeffer and Jay Sokol, Proprietors of Bagel King; Lakewood Committeeman and Liaison to the Inspection Department Albert Ackerman presented an award to Mike Saccomanno, Director of the Lakewood Building Department; and Dr. David Friedman, CEO of CHEMED, presented an award to Mike McNeil, Executive Director of “STEPS” (Solutions to End Poverty Soon).
Other dignitaries included Freeholder Director Ginny Haines, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, and Lakewood Committeemen Meir Lichtenstein and Mike Delia.
For more information, contact the Chamber Office at 732-363-0012 or staff@mylakewoodchamber.com. Also visit www.mylakewoodchamber.com.
The Mission of the Lakewood Chamber: The mission of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is to serve the needs of the business community by advocacy; i.e., representing the voice of the business community; advancing interaction and relationships among businesses for their collective best interest and that of the community; and enhancing business growth and success through education, services, and the development of programs for members.
Historic House Has New Business Owner and a New Name
It’s not Downton Abbey, but it’s close! – A Victorian mansion with a beautiful parlor, dining room, tea rooms, library, fireplace, and more! Vicki Weiss, a long-time Toms River resident, recently became the business owner for the newly named Mathis House, a Victorian Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room, known formerly as 600 Main, Toms River, N.J.
Weiss, who attended Rutgers University for business administration, served as an executive director of a local nonprofit for seven years before buying the business and becoming Innkeeper at the Mathis House. Weiss is a member of the Greater Toms River Chamber. She also served as executive director until this November at the Church of Grace and Peace for the Community Compass program that includes a food pantry, clothing center, community education, and homelessness prevention. Weiss received the Angels in Adoption Congressional Award at the White House for her achievements in the foster care system.
Guests at the Mathis House can stay overnight in one of six suites with four-poster beds and enjoy a gourmet breakfast. Tea in the Victorian Tea Room, special occasions, parties, business meetings, corporate events, even weddings are always welcome at the Mathis House. Desserts, soups, scones with clotted cream and lemon curd are made on premises. Throughout December, the new gift shop is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weiss said that they make contributions to as many as six charities a year; for instance, to the Toms River Historical Society from their annual holiday teas at the Mathis House, and recently a food donation in honor of Big Brothers Big Sisters for the Taste of Toms River.
The Mathis House, open year-round, was voted The Best of New Jersey, 2019. Teas include soup, salad, scones, a variety of tea sandwiches, and a plate of desserts. Now through January 31, guests can enjoy a five-course afternoon tea, holiday music, and tours of the Historic Mathis mansion. Reservations must be made in advance.
For tea reservations and overnight stays, call 732-818-7580 for reservations. Visit www.mathishouse600Main.com for more information.
About the Mathis House: Built in 1898, the Mathis House is named for Thomas A. Mathis, also called Captain Tom for his seafaring adventures. Although he was involved in the automobile business and real estate, his main focus was politics. Having served the state civically for a decade, Mathis was appointed to the New Jersey State Senate in 1909. He was re-elected for six more terms and became the Republican majority leader, and later president of the Senate in 1929. From 1931 to 1941, Mathis was Secretary of the State. He died in 1958. Not only does the Victorian house in Toms River bear his name but also the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge that spans Barnegat Bay and connects Toms River with Pelican Island and Seaside Heights.
Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services Named 2019 Great Place to Work® Fourth Year in a Row!
How do your employees feel about your company? For the fourth year in a row, Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services has been named a Great Place to Work®* (GPTW) in the health care industry.
Jonathan Herman, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Preferred, said, “I am so happy and proud that our organization was certified a Great Place to Work® for the fourth year in a row. It’s a testament to our employees and the wonderful culture we’ve worked hard to build, maintain, and foster.”
Determining a Great Place to Work® is based on employees’ assessments of the pride they take in their jobs, the camaraderie they experience with coworkers, and the trust they feel toward Preferred’s leaders. According to Herman, a near-record amount of people responded to the questionnaire.
The results showed 99 percent of employees feel Preferred is a safe place to work; 98 percent said Preferred celebrates special events; 97 percent of employees felt very welcomed when they joined Preferred; and 97 percent feel a sense of pride when reflecting on what they and the company have accomplished. In total, Preferred’s overall score increased by two percentage points to 89 percent which, according to the GPTW representative, was one of the highest scores he had seen with comparable-size companies.
Among other comments, this one sums up the feelings of most of Preferred’s employees: “This company does an excellent job of making people feel like they are appreciated and belong. All of the offices have different personalities, strengths and weaknesses but in the end we are all here for one common goal and that is to provide the best care possible to our clients.”
Preferred is always looking for candidates who have contributed to society in meaningful ways, including putting more back into their communities than they take out. For example, Preferred looks for employees who have volunteered at local charities, nonprofits, or other community-based organizations.
For more information about Preferred, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at lisa@preferredcares.com or call 732-547-9886. Visit PreferredCares.com for more information.
About Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Inc.: Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), Inc., Eatontown, N.J., is accredited by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partner), an accrediting organization for the home health care industry. Preferred works collaboratively with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and facilities to ensure a smooth transition to one’s home.
PHHC has 15 locations. New Jersey locations include corporate headquarters in Eatontown; and branches in Elmwood Park; Galloway; Jersey City; Mt. Laurel; Neptune; North Brunswick; Robbinsville; South Orange; and Toms River. Pennsylvania locations include Allentown, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Pittsburgh. Delaware location: Claymont. Visit Preferred at PreferredCares.com for more information.
About Great Place to Work®: Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work® produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and a series of Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces lists, including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small and Medium Companies, and over a half dozen different industries.
Follow Great Place to Work® online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US.
N.J. Health Care Networking Group to Meet December 11
The monthly meeting of N.J. Health Care Networking Group, a free organization for anyone in the health care industry, including those who provide ancillary products and services, is Wednesday, December 11, 2019, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. hosted by LADACIN Network, 1703 Kneely Blvd., Wanamassa, NJ 07712.
The N.J. Health Care Networking Group provides an opportunity to build relationships among health care professionals, market events, and promote business. Membership is free; however, register to take advantage of member benefits, such as posting to N.J. Health Care Networking Group’s website all health care and marketing events, training information, employment listings, and access to a member directory.
Host sites are being planned now for 2020. If you or your company are interested in hosting a meeting, visit http://njhcnet.com/vip-package/.
For more information about N.J. Health Care Networking Group, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations for Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Eatontown, at lisa@preferredcares.com, call 732-547-9886, or visit www.njhcnet.com for the monthly location and member events. Meetings take place in a different New Jersey county each month.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Lakewood Saturday, December 14
After parading up Clifton Avenue from the Clifton Avenue Grade School on Seventh Street to Town Square, Lakewood, Santa Claus will be giving gifts to the first 2,000 children under the age of 12 as part of Lakewood’s annual holiday festivities, Saturday, December 14 (rain or shine) between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
The gifts from Santa are being donated by Lakewood Township and the Lakewood Recreation Department. Parents will be able to take pictures of their children with Santa.
Children and their parents can also take free horse-drawn wagons rides, and enjoy holiday music by D.J. Jimmy Givens.
For further information, call Jeff Shapiro, Supervisor of Recreation and Special Events for the Township of Lakewood, 732-905-3405.
President and CEO of NJ Chamber to Speak at December 18 Ocean ELC Meeting
Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, is the featured speaker at the Ocean County ELC (Employer Legislative Committee) meeting and breakfast, Wednesday, December 18, 2019, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River, N.J.
Bracken will discuss New Jersey’s business environment and Opportunity NJ, a coalition of major N.J. business organizations supporting government policies that pave the way for job growth, affordability, and prosperity in the Garden State.
The registration fee, including a buffet breakfast, is $20.00. R.S.V.P. to mpangelini@ preferredbehavioral.org or call 908-309-5395. Pay at the door or mail checks, payable to Ocean ELC, P.O. Box 517, Oakhurst, N.J. 07755.
The Ocean County ELC is sponsored by Holman Frenia Allison, PC; New Jersey Natural Gas, and NorthStar Strategies in partnership with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
About Thomas A. Bracken: Thomas A. Bracken became the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO in February of 2011, taking the reins of the state’s business advocacy organization as it celebrated its 100th year. The Skillman resident and former bank executive served as chairman of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors from 2005 to 2007 and has been involved in the Chamber for four decades.
In 2017, Bracken helped established and became co-chair of Opportunity NJ, a coalition of major state business organizations supporting government policies that pave the way for job growth, affordability, and prosperity in the state. In 2014, Bracken was named chairman of ForwardNJ, a coalition promoting investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure. Bracken was inducted into the New Jersey Business Hall of Fame in 2014.
Prior to taking the reins of the NJ Chamber, Bracken spent 40 years in the banking and financial services industry, serving as president of TriState Capital Bank’s New Jersey operation from 2008 to 2011. He was president and CEO of Sun Bancorp, Inc. from 2001 to 2007. He also held executive positions with First Union Bank and Corestates Financial Corporation. He is a former chairman of the Economic Development Corporation of Trenton and of the New Jersey Bankers Association.
Bracken, a Bucknell graduate, is the chairman of the New Jersey Alliance for Action Foundation; and a board member for Junior Achievement of New Jersey, the New Jersey Hall of Fame, Public Media NJ, Solix Inc. and South Jersey Industries; and Director Emeritus, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
About ELC: Employer Legislative Committees: The ELCs, established by NJBIA in 1959, are independent, local organizations representing all 21 counties. At each meeting, legislators, cabinet members or local officials will discuss important issues pertinent to business. Attendees also receive a briefing from one of NJBIA’s government affairs experts on legislative and regulatory issues affecting employers. About NJBIA: The New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Trenton, N.J., provides information, services and advocacy to its member companies in order to build a more prosperous New Jersey. NJBIA is the nation’s largest statewide employer association. Its members, as a group, employ more than one million people and represents every industry in the state, including contractors, manufacturers, retail and wholesale businesses, and service providers of every kind. Visit www.njbia.org for more information.
Holiday Entertainment That Includes It All! – Cabinet of Wonders at the Strand
Enjoy world-famous musicians, leading novelists, and comedians in the renowned Cabinet of Wonders – Holiday Edition, a one-of-a-kind variety show and all-star cast created by Wesley Stace, at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m.
Wesley Stace, a folk/pop singer-songwriter and author, originally conceived Cabinet of Wonders as a way to bring together his creative friends. An acclaimed artist in his own right, Wesley has released 16 albums under the name John Wesley Harding, one under his birth name, and published four novels. Since its inception in 2009, Cabinet of Wonders has toured the U.S. and Europe as a stage for both prominent and emerging voices in music, literature, and comedy.
Confirmed guests include musicians Kristen Hersh and Fred Abong, Dean Friedman, and Josh Rouse; comedians Eugene Mirman and Dave Hil; authors former Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky and author Daniel Wolff (“How Lincoln Learned to Read” and “4th of July/Asbury Park”. More surprise guests will be announced soon.
Tickets are $34.00 each. Buy tickets at www.Strand.org. For more information, call Lori Gilmore at 732-367-7789.
About Some of the Artists:
Kristin Hersh, who has released 11 solo albums, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and author, known for her solo work and with her rock bands Throwing Muses and 50FootWave.
Josh Rouse, born in the rural town of Oshkosh, Nebraska, began writing songs age 18, and eventually moved to Nashville where he met some local musicians and began recording. His debut release, “Dressed up Like Nebraska received critical acclaim. He went on to collaborate with Kurt Wagner and toured in support of artists such as Mark Eitzel, Aimee Mann, and
Vic Chestnutt. His song “Directions” was used on the soundtrack to the film Vanilla Sky. He just released a new album “The Holiday Sounds of Josh Rouse.”
Dean Friedman scored one of the great one-hit AM wonders of the 1970s with “Ariel,” a soft rock satire of the suburbs that climbed to 26 in 1977.
Robert Pinsky is an American poet, essayist, literary critic, and translator. From 1997 to 2000, he served as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Pinsky is the author of nineteen books, most of which are collections of his poetry.
Daniel Wolff is the author of The Fight for Home; How Lincoln Learned to Read; 4th of July/Asbury Park; and You Send Me: The Life and Times of Sam Cooke, which won the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award.
Dave Hill is an American comedian, radio host, writer, musician, and actor originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He has appeared on “The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt,” “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” and his song “Go” is the theme song for HBO’s “Last Week with John Oliver.”
Eugene Mirman is a Russian-American comedian and writer known for playing Yvgeny Mirminsky on Delocated and Gene Belcher on the animated comedy Bob’s Burgers. He has also appeared on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien, HBO’s “Flight of the Concords,” and Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend.”
The Power of Transformation – December HR Meeting
HR professionals often have to plan and then initiate change. Unfortunately, reports indicate that 50 to 70 percent of organizational change projects fail.
Learn the steps to managing successful change at the monthly JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources) breakfast meeting, open to the public, Thursday, December 12, 2019, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, N.J.
Donna Cardillo, whose career highlights more than 25 years of clinical, managerial, and business experience, will present the Power of Transformation. Attendees will explore the reasons why people resist change, ways change will benefit the workplace, and steps to take to master the management of change.
The registration fee, including a full buffet breakfast, is $30.00 for JSAHR members; $40.00 for nonmembers; $25.00 for guests and those in-transition, and $10.00 for full-time students. Sponsorship for this meeting is still available. The business meeting, including a legal update and sponsor presentations, will begin promptly at 8:15; the presentation begins at 9:00 a.m.
Register online at jsahr.shrm.org/events or email admin@jsahr.org or call Christine Higgins, JSAHR chapter administrator, at 732-701-7155.
JSAHR, a SHRM affiliated chapter, is a Platinum Excel award winner of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management.) This program is pending one (1) SHRM and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit. www.hrci.org
About the Speaker: Donna Cardillo, RN, CSP, FAAN, known as The Inspiration Nurse, has been referred to as a positive force of nature lighting a path for others to follow. She is co-host of the Talent Brand Show podcast, a wellness blogger at DoctorOz.com, the former Healthcare Careers Expert at Monster.com, and the original “Dear Donna” columnist at Nurse.com. Her career combines more than 25 years of clinical, managerial, and business experience, including a stint as a professional singer. Cardillo is author of four books, including the award-winning Falling Together: How to Find Balance, Joy, and Meaningful Change When Your Life Seems to Be Falling Apart. She is one of only 10 percent of all speakers in the world with the designation certified speaking professional (CSP). Cardillo is a founding member and past president of the N.J. chapters of both the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).
CEO of Shore Creative Named President of HR Organization
Michael Ciavolino, Oceanport, the CEO of Shore Creative Group, Long Branch, has been named the president of Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (JSAHR), for a two-year term.
Ciavolino, who has more than 30 years of experience in recruitment branding and marketing on a national level*, has conducted symposiums and workshops for HR leaders on such topics as employer branding and recruitment marketing, and has spoken at the Garden State SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and at annual conferences for National Association for Health Care Recruitment.
He is the author of a weekly blog dedicated to health care recruitment. He also co-hosts The Talent Brand Show, a weekly podcast dedicated to health care recruitment and talent acquisition for hospitals and health systems. (https://talentbrandshow.com)
Ciavolino said, “I’m excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead the Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources. Each month, our goal is to provide the best educational programming and the most up-to-date information to help our members learn, grow, and thrive in their role as HR professionals.”
Ciavolino earned his B.A. in communications from William Patterson University. He serves on the board of NJ Association for Health Care Recruitment; and is a member of the National Association for Health Care Recruitment, SHRM, MODC (Monmouth Ocean Development Council), EMACC (Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, and CRA (Corporate Resource Alliance).
He and his wife Laura are parents of 14-year-old triplets.
*As Vice President, Client Services, at several regional advertising agencies, Ciavolino worked developing and managing employer brands, recruitment strategies, and campaigns for local, regional, and national brands, such as Nabisco, Boston Scientific, Cahners Publishing, IBM, and more.
Odyssey International to Honor 2019 Business Excellence Award Winners
Odyssey International Productions, Rahway, a 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of small-business owners, individuals, and organizations throughout New Jersey who have contributed significantly to the development of their communities, has announced the winners of its 20th annual Awards of Excellence. The award ceremony will take place November 22, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., in the Robert Treat Hotel, 50 Park Place, Newark, N.J.
M. Persia Oliver, founder of Odyssey International Productions, now celebrating its 20th year, said, “This event is designed to bring influential business leaders, entrepreneurs, and politicians together to create opportunities for business growth and development. Through this event, Odyssey recognizes companies and individuals who have made substantial, outstanding contributions to their community that would not ordinarily receive recognition.”
The 2019 honorees include Carlos Medina, President and CEO, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award; Alan K. Sparn, Senior VP, Plaza Construction LLC, who will receive the Green Diamond Special Recognition Award; the Outstanding Achievement Award will be presented to Dr. Norma Rae, Medical Director of Women’s Services at Saint Michael’s Medical Center; and Zoma Terrell, 96 years old, will receive the Legendary Award.
Community Service awards will be presented to Nickie Alston, Founder, A Sun Star; Jim Wood, Publisher, Minority Commerce Weekly; Jessica Brown, President, The CollegeGurl Foundation; Jodi Grinwald and Melissa Grinwald, President and CEO, Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation Inc.; and Cristina Tone, Assistant Director, Neighborhood Help Center, New Jersey Community Development Corporation.
Fareeda Harmon Stokes, Harkes Realty & Associates; Chrystal Anderson, Franchise Owner/Travel Designer, Cruise Planners; Valeria Aloe, Founder and President, AlphaQuest Consulting; and D’Ann Ricketts, Principal Owner, Barden Contracting Services; will be recognized as Entrepreneurs of the Year. Brielle Lewis, Associate Manager of Insights and Analytics, Prudential’s International Insurance Operation (PII) will receive the Trail Blazer Award.
Business Excellence awards will be presented to Thomas E Armstrong, President, ATA Consulting LLC; Karina Jimenez Belen, Manager, Blue to You Consumer Markets, Horizon BCBSNJ; Paula Y. London, Certification Analyst, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; Socorro Vallejo, VP and Controller, NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council) Business Consortium Fund, Inc.; and Georgiana P. Williams, Associate Director, Corporate Services, New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council.
In honor of the late Rita L. Owens, an Odyssey guest host and recipient of the Odyssey 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award, the board of Odyssey has established the Rita L. Owens Humanitarian Achievement Award.
M. Persia Oliver said, “As the part of our historic 20th year this November, we will be paying tribute in remembrance of the mark Rita left in the hearts and minds of Odyssey.”
For more information, tickets, sponsorships, or ads, visit www.odysseyip.com or contact M. Persia Oliver, 732-381-3003. Visit http://www.odysseyip.com/events for sponsorships and to view past winners.
About Odyssey International Productions: Odyssey International Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by M. Persia Oliver, has been recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of phenomenal individuals and organizations for their outstanding business and community service contributions for 20 years. Among other ideals, the mission of Odyssey is to provide recipients with a sense of appreciation and provide a platform for small businesses to network with corporations to gain additional exposure. Oliver was named one of the Top 25 Leading Woman Entrepreneurs of New Jersey by the organization Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners and was identified as one of the Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity by Diversity Plus Magazine.
Odyssey International Productions focuses on communities, neighborhoods and economies through informative and empowering events, seminars and fundraisers. Odyssey has also hosted several events to raise community awareness, such as a Season of Giving holiday party for underprivileged families that includes a home-cooked meal, books, toys, bikes, clothing and photos with Santa; a Tie-A-Tie Drive to not only teach young men how to tie a tie, but to teach them about professionalism; and a Back-to-School Backpack drive. For more information, visit www.odysseyip.com. Odyssey International Productions, 103 West Main Street, Rahway, NJ 07065. Phone: (732) 381-3003; Fax: (732) 388-7078; www.OdysseyIP.com