business briefs 

The Goddard School, Morganville, will host “Lessons in Lunch Boxing,” a free nutrition seminar, from 10-11 a.m. Sept. 29. All are welcome. R.S.V.P. by calling Carol Vargo at 732-617-8181.

The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will introduce the GMCC Xchange, a free monthly after-businesshours educational forum, on Sept. 24 from 5:30-7 p.m. at 57 Schanck Road, Freehold Township. Kathy LoBue of Dumont & Blake Investment Advisors will present “Is Your Financial House in Order?” and Edith Legg of Investors Bank will discuss “How to Prepare A Loan Package and How the Bank Makes Its Loan Decisions.” The Xchange’s objective is to provide attendees with timely and relevant information related to building and growing their business, an opportunity to share marketing and sales ideas with their peers, and a venue to network with other members of the business community. For more information or to register, call 732-462-3030.

James F. King Jr. of LPL Financial, Manalapan, recently attended focus12, a leading financial services industry conference held in San Diego, Calif., hosted by LPL Financial, an independent brokerdealer. Approximately 5,000 attendees from around the country assembled for the opportunity to learn new strategies and skills, expand knowledge in numerous product areas, and network with peers and industry experts. They also heard from influential speakers who addressed current events and financial industry trends.

The Howell Chamber of Commerce will host the Fabulous Fall Medical Mixer, a complimentary after-hours networking event, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Brandywine Assisted Living, Howell. The event seeks to draw all chamber members and nonmembers in the medical community who are interested in networking with other local medical professionals. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, call 732- 363-4114.

Jersey Central Power & Light is offering education grants of up to $500 for creative classroom projects planned for the 2012-13 school year. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Classroom Grants are awarded for creative individual classroom projects for grades pre-kindergarten through 12. The grants are available to educators and youth group leaders in communities served by FirstEnergy electric operating companies, or in communities where the company has generating plants or does business. STEM grant applications must be submitted by Sept. 17. The application and more information about grant criteria is available on FirstEnergy’s website: www.firstenergycorp.com/community/ education/educational_ grants.html. Grants will be awarded based on the recommendations of the FirstEnergy Education Advisory Council.