business briefs 

Music University, a learning facility for budding musicians, recently announced the formation of several new group classes. The classes include “Piano Accompaniment for Singers,” “Songwriter’s Secrets” and “Acoustic Guitar Rhythm.” Music University will continue to offer its popular “Music University Glee” vocal ensemble, as well as its “Rock Bands” program. Rock recording sessions will also be offered to students wishing to record their performances using the latest high-tech equipment. Music University is at 3583 Route 9 north, Freehold Township, in the ShopRite shopping center. Details: 732-303-1100.

Meredith’s New Orleans Cuisine opened for business in Manalapan on Aug. 19. Meredith’s takes an upscale approach to delivering Cajun and Creole comfort foods at affordable prices.

Owner Meredith Price was born and raised in Marlboro and has lived in or around the area her entire life. Her interest in the cuisine of the Louisiana Gulf Coast region started about six years ago during her first trip to New Orleans.

After recently parting ways with the corporate world, Price decided to pursue her passion for cooking as her next career.

Teaming up with chef Lois Gullace, they perfected many of the best and most leaned upon dishes the Big Easy has to offer, several of which were passed along to Price by friends and family members who have spent generations in the New Orleans area.

Located at 339 Route 9 south, Manalapan, in the Summerton Plaza shopping center, Meredith’s New Orleans Cuisine offers a variety of Cajun and Creole dishes. Lunch and dinner menus are available for dining in or take-out, and are viewable online at www.meredithsrestaurant.com. Meredith’s is a BYOB establishment.

“Get More Done, Spend Less Time, Make More Money,” moderated by Chris Ruisi and hosted by the Business Growth and Development Committee of the Monmouth Ocean Development Council, will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Student Life Center, Lincroft. Ruisi is the CEO and founder of The Coach’s Zone, a business and leadership coaching company.

Panelists include Joseph Worth, B2B CFO; Cristina Amyot, EnformHR; John Kalli, Trinity Worldwide Technologies; Tony Popowski, Grass Roots Marketing; and Frank Wyckoff, the Wyckoff Group. A question and answer session will follow.

The seminar fee, including breakfast, is $29 for MODC members and $39 for nonmembers. To register, call 732-751-8696.

The Howell Chamber of Commerce will host a Breakfast Bonanza networking event from 8-9:30 a.m. Sept. 16 at Chickfil A, 4881 Route 9 north, Howell. All are invited to attend for networking and a presentation by Ryan Salonia of State Farm titled “Life InsuranceAwarenessMonth: Are You Protected?” The event is free to chamber members and $5 for prospective chamber members. Details: 732-363-4114.

The New Jersey Chapters of the American Payroll Association will host the 19th annual New Jersey Statewide Payroll Conference on Sept. 16 at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin. The payroll conference theme this year is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity,” and it will provide a day of payroll education covering leadership, legislative and technological changes. For more information, or to register online, visit www.njstatewidepayrollconf.org.