business briefs •••

Manalapan Township Economic Development Committee invites local business owners to attend a program on June 30 at 8 p.m. to expand and enhance their businesses. The guest speakers will be Jim Lau (business enhancement) of SCORE, William R. Kugelman (law firm) of Powell & Roman, Steven Bernknopf (accountant) of The Bernknopf Group, Bret Moleta (web design) of Mindsaw, George Destafney (SBA funding) of TD Bank. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP to [email protected] or call 732-446-3200, ext. 4002.

Marlboro resident Michael J. Baker was honored recently with the Partnership in Philanthropy Award for Consulting Excellence at the annual Excellence in Philanthropy Awards Dinner, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals- New Jersey Chapter (AFP-NJ). The Partnership in Philanthropy (PIP) Award recognizes Baker’s outstanding long-term contributions to New Jersey’s philanthropic community.

In presenting the award, PIP Executive Director Becky Dembo said, “As a professional fundraising consultant, Michael consistently displays integrity and intuition, characteristics that enable him to take his clients to new levels of success. Since 2002, his work as a consultant to PIP clients has demonstrated these same qualities, and his personal skills make him a strong, involved advocate for his PIP clients. He personifies what PIP offers to nonprofit organizations and is highly deserving of this honor.”

A founder and partner with m3 Development, a full-service national consulting company based in New Jersey and New York, Baker and his partner Marc Saffren work with nonprofit agencies and organizations, providing guidance and expertise in many areas, including fundraising campaigns, development audits, fund development planning, strategic planning, major gift planning, capacity assessments, management consulting, planned giving program development and board development. He has taken on interim executive leadership positions for clients, and serves as a philanthropic adviser when needed.

The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group will host nine innings of networking with the Lakewood BlueClaws at 6 p.m. Aug. 30 at FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood. Ticket price of $24.95 per person includes buffet, business card raffles, guest speakers and baseball game (Lakewood vs. Augusta GreenJackets). Display tables may be obtained for an additional $10. Details: 732- 462-3030.

The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group will host its “Summer Fun and Hidden Talents” event on July 14 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Appplewood Estates Performing Arts Center, 1 Applewood Drive, Freehold Township. Performers and artisans who want to show off their talents are being sought. Cost to attend is $25 for chamber members and guests. Details and tickets: 732-462-3030.

Dr. Stehpen M. Levine of Howell has been certified by the International Academy of Behavioral Medicine, Counseling and Psychotherapy (IABMCP) as a diplomate in behavioral medicine and in professional psychotherapy.

Levine received his doctoral degree in clinical and school psychology from Hofstra University. Formerly a professor at Salisbury State University, the University of Maryland and Kean University, as well as a consultant to the United States and New Jersey departments of education, Levine is currently a professor of psychology at Georgian Court University, Lakewood.

In addition to being an IABMCP diplomate, Levine has served as honorary research associate at Massey University in New Zealand. He has presented more than 20 times at psychology and mental health conventions. Levine specializes in school psychology.