DCH Auto Group announced that 27 of its dealership franchises have been recognized for excellence in customer service by earning the J.D. Power and Associates Dealer of Excellence Award for 2006. The awards were presented to Shaw-wai Lam, president of DCH Auto Group, by Dave Power, founder of J.D. Power and Associates, during DCH’s annual party for its business partners. DCH Auto Group includes local franchises Freehold Toyota, Freehold Nissan, and Saturn of Freehold.
Central Jersey Business Profes-sionals is an independent, formal networking group that meets in Freehold every Tuesday at 8 a.m. The organization accepts one person per occupation and is currently looking to grow its membership. Details: Aaron Niederman, (732) 922-6300, ext. 35.
CentraState Medical Center, Free-hold Township, announced that it now offers computer-assisted minimally invasive total hip replacement, the latest technological advance in orthopedic surgery. CentraState is the first hospital in New Jersey to perform the procedure using the specialized Ci System by iOrthopaedics, according to a press release from CentraState.
Approximately 345,000 total hip replacement procedures are performed each year in the U.S., according to the press release, and only 20 percent of hospitals use computer navigation in total joint procedures.
Ladies Workout Express in Marl-boro, in the Maple Tree Plaza, Route 79, will host a “Circuit-thon” May 6 from 1-5 p.m. to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Donors of $10 to $20 will receive one free week; $25 to $35 will receive two free weeks; $40 to $50 will receive three free weeks, and $50 and over will receive one free month. There will be refreshments and a drawing for a three-month membership. For more information, call (732) 845-2900.
Dr. Richard Champagne, whose dental practice is at 25 Kilmer Drive, Marlboro, announced his inclusion in the www.pankeydentist.org registry of Pankey Institute-trained dentists. The new Internet Web site is a way for patients to seek a dentist who has pursued postgraduate education at The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and who subscribes to a complete and thorough approach to comprehensive oral health care. According to a press release, the Pankey Institute is the world’s oldest nonprofit dental continuing education center.
Women Business Committee of the Western Monmouth Chamber of Com-merce will present “Girlfriends Obtain-ing Lotsa Facts (GOLF),” a program on how to use the age-old networking method of golf to its best advantage, May 15 at the Colts Neck Golf Club, 50 Flock Road, Colts Neck. The fee for the luncheon and program is $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Check-in and networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by buffet luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Karen Loupassakis, a teaching professional, will speak at 12:30 p.m. and conduct a one-hour golf instruction clinic at 1 p.m. Tee times will begin at 2 p.m. for those who wish to play, but reservations are a must; call the pro shop at (732) 303-9330.
To attend the luncheon and program, call the chamber at (732) 462-3030, fax (732) 462-2123, or send an e-mail to info@wmchamber.com.
The Young Professionals Group (YPG) of the Western Monmouth Cham-ber of Commerce will host a “mix and mingle” with cocktails and karaoke, 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 16 at Clifton’s, 618 Park Ave., Freehold. The fee is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. To register, call the chamber at (732) 462-3030, fax (732) 462-2123, or send e-mail to info@wmchamber.com.
Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly general meeting 4-7 p.m. May 18 at Clifton’s, 618 Park Ave., Freehold. Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in the “30-Second Commercial Challenge” or compete for the best table exhibit or best business card. Contest judging will begin at 6 p.m. To prepare for the “30-Second Commercial Challenge,” Jeff Callahan of the Callahan Development Group is offering a free pre-event seminar 5:30-7 p.m. May 11 at the chamber office, 17 Broad St., Freehold. Reservations are required; call the chamber at (732) 462-3030. The fee to attend the meeting is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. To register, call the chamber, (732) 462-3030.
Business After Hours will be hosted by Norkus Foodtown, Route 9 and Tennent Road, Manalapan, 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 31. Attendees will have an opportunity to sample foods prepared by executive chef Larry Zerilli, who joined the Foodtown team from The Warren Hotel in Spring Lake. The fee is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers and includes food, drinks and networking. To register, call the chamber at (732) 462-3030.
Elizabeth Ann Milio of Innovative Computer Services LLC of Freehold has been named Member of the Year by the Central Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). The honor is awarded by the chapter to recognize the accomplishments of one outstanding NAWBO member who consistently works to support NAWBO’s mission and to strengthen the image of NAWBO in the public and private sectors throughout central New Jersey and the nation. Milio will officially receive her award at the organization’s annual Platinum Star Awards event in September.
As the chapter’s Member of the Year, Milio is also a nominee for NAWBO’s National Member of the Year Award. The national winner will be notified by mid-May and will receive her award at the NAWBO annual conference in San Francisco in June.
Marble Slab Creamery has opened a new store in the area – in Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, on the upper level next to Lord & Taylor. Marble Slab has 517 franchise stores in 32 states, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, either open or under development. The Houston-based company was founded in 1983.
Arthur M. Peslak, a partner in the Freehold law firm of Mandel and Peslak, and Joseph Wasilewski, a certified public accountant, will present a free seminar, “Buying a Business or a Franchise: What Will It Take?” at 6:30 p.m. May 17 at the Monmouth County Library Headquar-ters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. The seminar, sponsored by the Service Corps of Retired Executives Chapter 36, will cover the legal and financial aspects of buying an existing business. To register, call (732) 761-1610.