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Jersey Shore Business Expo June 6 To Feature Awardees And Business Experts

TOMS RIVER – Jersey Shore Business

Expo, open to all local and regional business professionals in every local community, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 815 Route 37, Toms River, will feature Awardees and Business Experts.

This event is an opportunity for businesses in the Jersey Shore area to network, start new business relationships, connect, network, build new relationships, and showcase their company and brand. This Expo will also include an award ceremony for the Orthodox Jewish Chamber to express appreciation to three community leaders who have been pillars of New Jersey’s Jewish community’s success throughout the years and who have been instrumental in the economic success of local communities.

The awardees are Senator Robert Singer will receive the Community Service and Business Development Award. In his more than four decades serving the Lakewood community and New Jersey’s 30th Legislative District, Senator Singer has worked tirelessly to create an environment in which business can flourish. In 2019, he was instrumental in bringing the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce’s proposal for a New Jersey Economic Development Day to fruition.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy will receive the Community Service Award – Helping Keep Our Businesses Safe. The sheriff is dedicated to combating anti-Semitism and works closely with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce to keep Jewish businesses safe in times of hate.

Ocean County Commissioner Director Joseph H. Vicari will receive the Ocean County Business Development Award. Heading into retirement after five decades in public office, Commissioner Vicari has been an active participant in the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce’s activities over the years, serving on expo and chamber committees, and working closely with them to help with business development throughout Ocean County.

“It is a true honor for the Jewish community to have such close and productive relationships with political leaders at the highest levels,” says Duvi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a privilege to give back and recognize these leaders on behalf of the community and business world.

The following is the lineup of presenters who are renowned experts in their fields and will be available to interact one-onone with attendees to answer questions and provide guidance. Christina Fuentes is Vice President of Community and Business Development within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA’s) Community Development division. The Community Development division is a vital resource for small business development. In her role at the NJEDA, Fuentes provides strategic direction and leads the implementation of all small business services and targeted community development activities. This includes

(Expo - See Page 25) 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, the Manager of Small Business Advocacy within the New Jersey Department of State, Business Action Center, provides services to businesses of all sizes and at all stages of development, from startups through maturity. In addition, Newman manages the NJ Business Helpline, 1-800 JERSEY-7, and a new live chat. This year, through both platforms, his team responded to over 75,000 business questions. With the myriad programs the Business Action Center has to offer, every business should be acquainted with the agency and its relevance for them. Newman’s 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 has 14+ years as a Senior International Trade Specialist for the export promotion arm of the U.S. federal government, the U.S. Commercial Service. This is a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. The services she helps manage include export counseling, business matchmaking, due diligence, market research, and trade event support. Business owners may be surprised to discover some of the resources that are available to them from this arm of the federal government. McLain’s presentation on Import Export/ International Trade will be an informative guide to taking advantage of federal assistance on trade.

David Koegel is a middle-market lender with 33 years of direct involvement with business owners. He has worked for Republic Bank, Signature Bank, and Sterling Bank. He is credit-trained and has 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 cash flow. With a deeper understanding of a 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, RDN, LDN is a Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Coach specializing 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. There will also be a panel on the subject with other women who have made their mark in the business world.

Heshy Friedman, the president of Azurite Marketing Group, a branding, website, and marketing agency, founded his first web design company in 2002 and 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. LinkedIn is such an important networking tool for professionals. Friedman’s presentation, Best Practices for Business Growth Using LinkedIn, will provide his vital insights and experience on this subject.

Duvi Honig, CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (OJChamber) who is hosting the event, said, “Face-to-face communication is still the most effective way to build a solid relationship for all businesses and a way to build bridges between communities with commerce. We hope local businesses and companies will use this event to foster and grow their businesses.”

To register or for more information, visit ojchamber.com or contact yitzie@ojchamber.com 732-987-7704 ext. 103.