The Goddard School, 50 Route 520, Marlboro, received special recognition at the company’s annual convention held at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort and Spa in Marco Island, Fla., in April. School owner Carol Vargo received several business awards, including the Quality Assurance Award, Health and Safety Award and the Circle of Excellence President’s Club Award.
Samuel A. Landy, president, CEO of UMH Properties, Freehold Township, has announced that Robert Hanlon has been promoted to the position of vice president of consumer finance. Hanlon is a Manalapan High School graduate and received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Syracuse University in 2006. He has been with UMH Properties since 2006 and for the past four years has been involved with business development, finance and insurance.
The Little Gym, with a location in Morganville, has been named the No. 1 birthday party destination for children by “Parents” magazine. While researching national birthday chains, “Parents” magazine looked at what each chain provided with regard to fun, games and food, as well as extra incentives such as invitations, partyware and goody bag favor offerings. In addition, the availability of instructors, personalization level and party room size were also taken into consideration. In addition to parties, The Little Gym offers classes for children from 4 months of age to 12 years that range from parent/child classes in early motor skill development to grade school gymnastics, sports skills development, karate, cheerleading and dance. Details: 732-772- 0060.
A business after hours event hosted by the Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will be held at Laurita Winery, New Egypt, on May 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Refreshments will be provided. Details: 732-462-3030.
The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group will conduct a business card exchange at Moore’s Tavern, 402 W. Main St., Freehold Township, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 12. All are welcome. Admission: $5 per person. Details: 732-462-3030.
Howell Chamber of Commerce will host a Breakfast Bonanza Networking Event at 8:30 a.m. May 28 at Big City Bagels, 4007 Route 9 north, Howell. Jim Stanberry of Stanberry Insurance Agency will present information about insurance and the industry. Breakfast bonanza networking events are held every other Friday at different locations in town. Free for Howell Chamber of Commerce members; nonmembers pay $5. Food and drinks may be purchased at the event. Details: 732-363- 4114.
CentraState Healthcare System has been awarded 12th place in NJBIZ newspaper’s “Best Places to Work in New Jersey” annual statewide ranking, up from 17th place last year. The business publication’s survey and award program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New Jersey, benefiting the state’s economy, its work force and businesses.
The Best Places to Work in New Jersey award program is made up of 55 companies split into two groups: 30 medium-sized companies (25 to 249 employees) and 25 large-sized companies (more than 250 employees). CentraState has been named one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey in the large category for the second straight year. CentraState earned similar recognition from health care trade journal Modern Healthcare magazine in 2008.