business briefs •••

The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a session on “Tech Toys” at the Apple store, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, from 8-10 a.m. Nov. 17. Come learn about iPads, iPhones, iPods, Macs, MacBooks and MacBook Pros. Seating is limited. Refreshments and door prize. Members, $10; non-members, $15. Details: 732-462-3030.

Business After Hours will be hosted by Brunswick Bank & Trust, 14 Main St., Englishtown, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Come celebrate the opening of the Brunswick Bank & Trust branch in Englishtown. Event is sponsored by the Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce. Event includes wine and cheese, door prizes, giveaways and networking. Guets should bring business cards. Members, $10; non-members, $15. Details: 732-462-3030.

Linda Pressler C.P.A. LLC, an accounting firm in Matawan, has announced the promotion of Sandi Oran to accounting manager. Oran, who resides in Marlboro with her husband and children, joined Linda Pressler C.P.A. LLC in 2004. She has more than 25 years of public accounting experience.

The Marcus Group, a boutique agency specializing in advertising, crisis communications and public relations, will give the gift of itself, choosing one lucky nonprofit organization to receive its award-winning communications expertise free for one year.

The agency is inviting New Jersey and New York metropolitan area nonprofits to describe how a successful communications campaign will benefit the organization and community. The Marcus Group will accept entries through Nov. 19 and choose its 40th anniversary not-for-profit client in early December.

For complete project details and an application form, visit the Internet website at http://marcusgroup.com/40.html. Applicants should send a completed form and a two-page proposal to info@marcus group.com. Proposals should not exceed two pages.

Amboy Bank will host its annual food drive during November. All month, all 26 offices of Amboy Bank will be collecting food and household items for food banks in their branch areas. Every Amboy Bank office manager has selected a food bank to collect for in their community. In many cases Amboy Bank has a strong relationship with the organizations, including Elijah’s Promise, the Old Bridge Food Bank and the Samaritan Center. The community is invited to drop off items at one of the local branches. Visit www.amboybank.com to find the local branch in your community.

“Using Search Engines and Social Media” to boost your business, a free forum hosted by Jersey Shore Business Leaders, has been postponed until Nov. 16 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Branches, West Long Branch. The original date was Nov. 10. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, networking, and learn about many cyberspace options available to promote their products and services. Exhibitors are welcome. Exhibit space is $50. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food for a food bank, and a portion of any donations made that evening will be given to the American Cancer Society. To register or reserve an exhibit space, call 732-451-0820, ext.123.

The Freehold BNI, Business Networking International, meets every Wednesday from 7:15-8:30 a.m. in the All Seasons II Diner, Route 9 north, Freehold Township. BNI is an international networking organization specializing in the exchange of qualified business referrals among its members. Only one person per profession is permitted to join.

According to Marcia Presman, president of Freehold BNI, the chapter of 36 local business members has generated more than $500,000 in business among its members. Interested business professionals are invited to attend the next chapter meeting in Freehold. Call 732-431-8066 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.

Awning Design, a Monmouth Countybased awning company with a location in Howell, has added hearth and fireside products to its business model.

The new company, Fireside Pros, shares space inside Awning Design West in Windsor Robbinsville. Owned by Mark Pedersen and Alan “Gordy” Techner, Fireside Pros will feature the Regency, Hampton and HearthStone brand of wood, gas and pellet fireplaces, stoves and inserts. Fireside Pros will provide professional advice, installation and repair services to customers. The showroom is open Tuesday through Sunday, or by appointment, and offers in home previews to ensure products will fit and work properly prior to installation. Details: 609- 223-2020.

The Winning Colts chapter of Business Networking International invites business people to join the group for a complimentary breakfast and networking every Thursday at 7 a.m. at the All Seasons Diner, Route 9 north, Freehold Township.