Business Briefs

New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO) will hold its annual state conference May 24 and 25 at Caesar’s in Atlantic City. This year’s theme is “The Essence of Success: Realizing Your Vision, Attaining Your Dream.” The organization will host several hundred women business owners from across the state. Lillian Vernon, a pioneer in direct marketing and the first woman to have a company listed on the American Stock Exchange, will be the keynote speaker. She will address the audience’s questions and provide her insights on running a successful business.

To register, call (609) 581-2121 or visit www.njawbo.org.

CentraState Medical Center, Freehold 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 Marlboro, located in the Maple Tree Plaza on Route 79, will host a “Circuit-thon” May 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Donors of $10-$20 will receive one free week; $25-$35 will receive two free weeks; $40-$50 will receive three free weeks, and $50 and over will receive one free month. There will also be refreshments and a drawing for a three-month membership. For more information, call (732) 845-2900.

Shau-wai Lam, president and CEO of the DCH Auto Group, will be one of the recipients of the 2006 Ellis Island Medals of Honor to be presented May 13 at a gala in the historic Great Hall on Ellis Island. The award recognizes distinguished American citizens of diverse origins who have made important contributions to the U.S.

Under Lam’s leadership, the DCH Auto Group has won numerous awards from its franchisors, as well as being honored in 2006 with 30 J.D. Power and Associates Dealer of Excellence awards for outstanding sales experience.

DCH has 16 factory-franchised dealerships across the state, including DCH Freehold Toyota, DCH Freehold Nissan, and Saturn of Freehold, all of Freehold Township; DCH Academy Honda, Old Bridge; DCH Kay Honda, Eatontown, and Saturn of Eatontown; and DCH Brunswick Toyota and Saturn of Brunswick, both of North Brunswick.

Professional and Business Singles Network will sponsor the following events: An after-work social will be held 5:30-9 p.m. May 18 at The Cranbury Inn restaurant, 21 South Main St., with roundtable introductions and pinwheel forum at 7:15 p.m. The topic is “What Is Essential Is Invisible to the Eye.” Admission is $12. Membership is not required; walk-ins welcome. Details: (888) 348-5544 or www.PBSNinfo.com.

Women Business Committee of the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will present “Girlfriends Obtaining 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 e-mail info@wmchamber.com.

The Young Professionals Group (YPG) of the Western Monmouth Chamber 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 e-mail 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, or fax (732) 462-2123 or e-mail info@wmchamber.com.

Marble Slab Creamery has opened a new store in the local 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 & 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 Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. The seminar, sponsored by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Chapter 36, will cover the legal and financial aspects of buying an existing business. To register, call Peslak at (732) 761-1610.

Babies “R” Us, Manalapan, will celebrate Mother’s Day with a “Baby Fest” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13. The event will offer seminars, product displays and demonstrations, games and activities, including Avanti Spa with tips on relaxation, Stroller Strides demonstrating walking exercise techniques, a Mary Kay product demonstration, New York Sports Club, Health Her Way speaker Marion Marchese on yoga, and Logic Nutrition.

The store is located at 17 Route 9 south. For details, log on to www.babiesrus.com.