Jim Farrell The Karate Dojo, a new martial arts school in the Jackson Crossings shopping plaza at 21 South Hope Chapel Road in Jackson, will host a grand opening celebration Feb. 10. Starting at 11 a.m., residents and their families will be able to meet the staff and current students, view self-defense demonstrations and learn about the school’s programs. Refreshments will be served. Jackson Mayor Mark Seda will conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. along with owner Master Eric Alders, 4th-degree black belt.
A Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru opened on Jan. 16 on Route 9 south in Howell. The location provides access from Route 9 south and Kent Road. The developers of this location have more than 20 years experience with the Dunkin’ Donuts brand. The Garcia/Sequeira family own and operate more than 20 stores throughout Monmouth County under Lufrankton LLC. Erica Soares of Howell is the manager of the new store. She has been involved with Dunkin’ Donuts since 1999 and has been supportive of the Howell Chamber of Commerce, PBA, schools and local charities.
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce invites all members and nonmembers to its general membership/industrial luncheon meeting Feb. 7 at The Ramada Inn & Suites, 2373 Route 9, Toms River. Guest speaker Tom Bracken, chairman of the board of directors of the state Chamber of Commerce and president and chief executive officer of Sun Bancorp, will speak about the Platform for Progresss. The coalition has identified over-arching challenges requiring long-term solutions. The coalition seeks to educate legislators, business owners, employees and the general public about major issues of statewide concern. The cost to attend is $30 for chamber members and $35 for nonmembers. A $5 charge will be added for walk-ins. Details: (732) 363-0012; [email protected].
Jim Farrell, East Brunswick, the CFO of Single Throw, an Internet marketing company with offices in Wall Township, was recently installed as president of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce for a two-year term. Farrell will preside over all chamber functions, including the board of trustees and the executive board.
Farrell and Single Throw have helped put the Lakewood chamber in the forefront of the latest technology by making the Lakewood chamber one of the first to have its own blog and podcasts of business issues. Farrell, who also chaired the Lakewood chamber’s Technology Committee, was instrumental in developing Web sites for the Lakewood and Brick chambers of commerce. He recently revised the Lakewood chamber Web site.
Farrell, who joined the Lakewood Chamber in 2001, was treasurer and a member of the executive board from 2002 to 2005. He then held the office of vice president until his installation as president.