BUSINESS BRIEFS

John Cantwell of Howell was recently promoted to assistant branch manager at First Financial Federal Credit Union’s Howell and Freehold branches.

Cantwell will be responsible for ensuring that established policies and procedures are adhered to and that the members are served promptly and professionally.

He will also be responsible for building branch business through motivation and coaching of staff and supporting all marketing campaigns. He joined First Financial in 2010.

The Provident Bank, New Jersey’s first and oldest community bank, will mark 175 years in business on Feb. 27. To celebrate its anniversary, the bank will offer refreshments to visitors at all branches during the day and will host a gala event that evening at the Liberty House in Jersey City, where the bank remains headquartered since its inception.

In addition, to commemorate its 175th anniversary, Provident recently introduced a new logo whose beehive theme embraces the bank’s heritage while reflecting a modern look more representative of the 21st century.

Harmony Bank, Jackson, has announced its approval as a U.S. Small Business

Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender, which awards Harmony a Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status.

In 2013, Harmony Bank launched its SBA loan department and this new status allows the bank to determine SBA loan eligibility — streamlining the procedures for providing financial assistance to small businesses. The SBA carefully considers and selects lenders seeking PLP status based on their record with the SBA and a demonstrated proficiency in processing and servicing SBA-guaranteed loans.

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar recently announced it donated $270,394 to the U.S. Marine Corps in support of the annual Toys for Tots program. The money was raised during Applebee’s annual Breakfast with Santa event. All proceeds went toward the initiative.

Locally, Applebee’s has locations in Edison, Howell, Manalapan, Middletown, Milltown, Tinton Falls and Woodbridge. Over the past 14 years, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises on Long Island and in New Jersey have raised more than $3.3 million for Toys for Tots.

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