The Jersey Shore Business Expo, set to take place Tuesday in Toms River, will include a lineup of top economic development leaders.
The expo, sponsored by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, is designed to bring together businesses from Ocean County and local townships to empower each other and give them an opportunity to exhibit, network and build bridges that will lead to fruitful partnerships and collaboration.
It will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center at 815 Route 37. For more information, or to register, click here.
Expo officials say the event aims to be a unique opportunity for local businesses to meet other businesses from across the region.
Awards
The Jersey Shore Business Expo awards ceremony allows the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to express their appreciation to three community leaders who have been instrumental in the communities’ economic success.
The following will be honored:
- Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy: He will receive the Community Service Award – Helping Keep our Businesses Safe.
- State Sen. Robert Singer (R-Lakewood): He will receive the Community Service and Business Development Award.
- Ocean County Commissioner Director Joseph Vicari: He will receive the Ocean County Business Development Award.
“It is a true honor for the Jewish community to have such close and productive relationships with political leaders at the highest levels,” Duvi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, said. “It is a privilege to give back and recognize them on behalf of the community and business world.”
As part of its goal of providing aspiring businessmen and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, the event will feature high-level presentations and workshops where attendees can learn to navigate the intricacies of today’s economy and unlock the full power of government programs to boost their business straight from the experts who know the ins and outs of the field firsthand.
The following leaders will present and be available to interact one-on-one with attendees to answer pressing questions and provide guidance:
- Christina Fuentes, New Jersey Economic Development Authority: Fuentes is vice president of the community development division, which aims to be a vital resource for small business development. At the EDA, Fuentes provides strategic direction and leads the implementation of all small business services and targeted community development activities. This includes overseeing a team with expertise in community development, business banking and small business services that work to build thriving, equitable and inclusive communities. In her presentation, Helping Business on all Levels, she will share her expertise on overcoming challenges in the business world and utilizing government programs and services aimed at community development.
- Don Newman, New Jersey Business Action Center: Newman, a manager at the BAC, provides services to businesses of all sizes and at all stages of development, from startups through maturity. In addition, he manages the N.J. Business Helpline (800-JERSEY-7) and a new live chat. This year, through both platforms, his team responded to over 75,000 business questions. His presentation on Business Empowerment Services and Programs is an opportunity to engage directly with the head of small business advocacy to learn how to obtain what your business needs to grow.
- Tricia McLain, U.S. Commercial Service: McLain serves as a senior international trade specialist for the export promotion arm of the U.S. federal government. She helps manage programs including export counseling, business matchmaking, due diligence, market research and trade event support. Her presentation on Import Export/International Trade promises to be an informative guide to taking advantage of federal assistance on trade.
- David Koegel, CRS Capital Funding: A middle-market lender with 33 years of direct involvement with business owners, Koegel has worked for Republic Bank, Signature Bank and Sterling Bank. He is credit trained and worked as a credit analyst for middle-market business. He recently joined CRS Capital Funding as its managing director. His presentation, Understand Your Business Financial Components to Help Expand Cash Flow and Grow Your Business Effectively, provides the tools for effectively managing your cash flow. With a deeper understanding of your company’s liquid assets, you will know how to find that extra money when you need it and how to increase or tighten your cash flow according to your business’s needs.
- Kelly McCullough, clinical dietitian nutritionist and certified coach: McCullough specializes in health concerns related to weight control and medical issues. As a sought-after instructional and motivational speaker in nutrition and business topics, she has conducted presentations for business teams, health professionals and community and school programs, empowering them in healthy living and team-building strategies. Her presentation on Women’s Entrepreneurship will focus on women’s empowerment in the business world.
- Heshy Friedman, Azurite Marketing Group: Friedman, president of a branding, website and marketing agency, founded his first web design company in 2002. He has been helping companies grow their business with a captivating identity and a strong online presence since then. He is also the founder of the RBBN, the Rockland Business to Business Networking group, and facilitates monthly networking events for professionals in the Rockland area. His presentation, Best Practices for Business Growth Using LinkedIn, will provide vital insights and experience on this subject.
For more information, or to register, click here. Or email Yitzie@Ojchamber.com.
