The Capital Gains chapter of BNI International meets Thursday mornings at 7 a.m. at the All Seasons II diner on Route 9 north, Freehold Township. Its members share ideas, contacts and business referrals. BNI is the world’s largest networking organization. Capital Gains is the area’s newest BNI chapter and is looking for members in various professions and trades. For more information, call 732-446-7942.
Letip of Manalapan is now forming. Letip is a business networking group in which one person per profession is represented. The purpose is the exchange of qualified business referrals. The first meeting will be held Jan 12 from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Manalapan Diner, Route 9. Many business categories are available. RSVP by Jan. 11 to Peter Joffe at 732-995-8966.
Dolce Calabria Bakery, 128 Schanck Road, Freehold Township, will host a grand-opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 7. Vincenza and Jose Rivera, the owners of Dolce Calabria, invite the public to celebrate with them. Dolce Calabria is a bakery specializing in Italian pastry and custom cakes. They also sell breads and Italian specialty items. For more information, call 732-308-3652.
Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will host its 83rd annual luncheon meeting and installation of officers and directors from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Bella Vista Country Club, 100 School Road East, Marlboro. Anthony Beshara of Bella Vista will be showcasing his facility with a luncheon buffet. The fee to attend is $35 for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers. James W. Hughes, professor and dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, will be the guest speaker. Hughes will give his analysis of the regional and state economy. Installation will be conducted by Claire French, Monmouth County clerk. Register online at www.greatermonmouthchamber.com. Click on the Calendar Tab for January.
OceanFirst Foundation has awarded $267,000 in grants to 23 local organizations through the 2011-12 Arts and Cultural Grant program. Grants range from $1,500 to $30,000 and will provide general operating support at a critical time when many arts and cultural organizations face serious economic challenges and struggles to maintain programs and services. Locally, Strand Ventures, Lakewood, the Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township, and rgw Monmouth Museum and Cultural Center, Lincroft, are among those awarded grants.
Items for the Business Briefs may be faxed to 732-780-4192 or sent via email to [email protected].