Business Briefs

The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants has launched a number of educational programs to help state residents gain a better understanding of financial issues.

In January, NJSCPA members will host a series of “town hall” meetings throughout the state, focusing on the importance of financial planning. The meetings, which are free and open to the public, will also provide participants with an opportunity to ask questions and learn from such financial experts as certified public accountants (CPAs) and certified financial planners. Town hall meeting locations and dates can be found on the Money Matters Web site at www.njscpa.org/moneymatters. The site also contains financial tips and resources.

A special workshop for women will take place Jan. 4 covering financial issues that affect women of all ages. The “Women’s Financial Literacy Workshop” will be held at the NJSCPA offices, 425 Eagle Road Ave., Roseland, from 6-8 p.m. V. Peter Traphagen Sr., CPA, will lead the session, which will consist of a panel discussion. A question-and-answer session will follow.

The New Jersey CPA Help Center, initially formed to assist individuals affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, is now an ongoing program, designed to help those in crisis and financial need. The center provides free financial and tax advice to individuals and families in New Jersey who have been affected by a sudden event, tragic circumstance or other crisis.

“Show Me the Money … Don’t Blow It!” is a financial literacy presentation for New Jersey high school students. The presentation focuses on nine principles that young people should know about money, from mapping their financial failure to establishing and protecting their credit. Residents interested in bringing the presentation to their school should call Janice Amatucci, (973) 226-4494, ext. 208, or e-mail [email protected].

Prudential New Jersey Properties, Matawan, announced that Marie Ferraro, Sayreville, was recently honored with the President’s Award at the stockholders meeting of the Middlesex County Multiple Listing System (MLS) held in late October. Ferraro was recognized for having the second greatest number of listings closed between July 1, 2003, and June 30. She has been a member of the MLS since 1987 and provides real estate services in the Sayreville area.

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Central Jersey Chapter will hold a multi-chapter network meeting Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township. The three chapters — South, Central and North Central — will hold their first tri-chapter networking event to ring in the holiday season.

The Central Jersey Chapter will be collecting donations of canned and nonperishable food items or gift cards to benefit the Monmouth Food Bank. Gift cards to Monmouth County-area supermarkets are preferred. The networking event will also feature door prizes, a buffet dinner and some surprises.

The Central Jersey Chapter serves members in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties and part of Mercer County. NAWBO is a national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses. Cost to attend the dinner-meeting is $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers; there will be a late fee of $5 for reservations made after Nov. 26. Reservations: Jackie Rutberg, (732) 291-4613.

Millennium Eye Care and Genesis Eyewear Inc. will present a preview of the entire collection of Coach Eyewear and Sunwear, Nov. 30 from 3-9 p.m. at the Freehold Township location, 500 W. Main St.

Brian Josephson has joined the certified public accounting firm of Steven Seward & Co., Morganville section of Marlboro. Josephson received a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Kean University, Union, and is currently sitting for his certified public accounting license. He has worked for various public and private accounting firms, and has experience in the preparation of various tax returns, audits, reviews, compilations and financial statement preparation. He is a resident of Parlin.