On Friday, 10 members met for the first "Perkolator" at Cliff Moore's Keyport IHOP, a chamber member and long-time supporter of the chamber.  Cliff shared with all that his

Restaurant is one of four training sites throughout the country for IHOP.  Needless to say, the presentation of the food was great, as well as the service and the food was delicious.  We had several new members at the meeting, Jennifer of The Asbury Park Press and Allison Fitzpatrick of Brookdale Community College, Bayshore Division.

Jennifer shared with us the new APP.com site and the ease with which the Chamber will now be able to input our meeting schedules.  The site is also available for businesses to put their own editorials and press releases on the site.

Allison shared the challenges facing her to getting the news out that Brookdale CC now has a new and beautiful off site facility off Union Ave., Hazlet.  After the meeting I stopped in at the facility and it was all she said and more, with plenty of parking.

Jessica of Intelligent Office was telling us about the services that Intelligent Office offers the small business person.  With mail delivery, receptionists, offices and meeting rooms, it provides the business with a “business identity” they wouldn’t have in a home office.

Al Alosi of Alosi Financial Services is a very interesting member; he is an accomplished Pianist as well as a tennis instructor.  Al, has also taken bartering to a new level, he spends a portion of his summer in the Caribbean teaching tennis.  Anyone with a bit of Jimmy Buffit in them will want to hear how he does this. With his wide-ranging knowledge I’m sure he’s a help when planning your financial future.

Bob Strauss of Mr. Fix It Home Repair Specialist, is a newer member that has graciously offered some of his time to help me pack up the Chamber office for our big move to Airport Plaza.  Bob takes his job and your home seriously and makes sure that the job is totally cleaned up when he’s finished.  Now we know why he’s getting so many testimonials on his services.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Ben Albala with his wife and business partner Dottie Albala on Friday.  Ben just had major surgery a few weeks ago; at the rate he’s healing he’ll be up dancing any day now.  Dottie mentioned about the challenges facing the self-employed when it comes to insurances and how they can help.  Dottie is always researching the very best of insurance prices and policies for her clients.

Ted Friedl of Excel Travel explained how he gets walk-in business with his sandwich board signs that he places outside with cute little quips, and how it helps to bring customers inside to check out the outstanding service that he provides his clients.  Ted gave everyone at the meeting a $100.00 challenge.  Sorry, you had to be there…

Cliff, took all the members cards so that he can place the cards in his new business bulletin board case in his foyer.  We’ll be meeting here every Friday at 8:00 AM  $10.00 Members, $15.00 Non-Members and it includes a complete breakfast with tax and tips.

I hope to see you next time. Regina