Sharon Umbs, an agent with the Rumson offices of Gloria Nilson Realtors, Real Living, ranked as one of the top agents nationally in the Real Living franchise. This is one of many national awards bestowed upon Sharon during her 32-year career.
Mario Venancio of Gloria Nilson Realtors Rumson Office ended 2011 as the #1 producing real estate agent in Monmouth County with over $52 million in closed volume, earning him the Circle of Excellence Platinum Award by the New Jersey Association of Realtors. He ranked among the top 1 percent of realtors nationally and was once again recognized by the Real Living Franchise as one of their top agents in the country. This is one of many national awards Mario has earned over his career.
The Middletown Business Association (MBA) will host a wine tasting and networking event on Wednesday evening, March 28 at Vintner’s Circle, 1670 Highway 35 South in Fountain Ridge, Middletown, beginning at 6 p.m.
MBA’s goal is to advocate and serve as a unified voice for Middletown-based businesses; to promote and market the Buy Middletown initiative; to clearly communicate with township government; to host fun, free and lively business networking events; and to create a positive environment that helps businesses to grow and prosper. Anyone who owns, operates or is employed by a Middletown-based enterprise or resides in the township is encouraged to attend. Reservations for the event are necessary and should be made by contacting Ken Scaggs of the Kerr Agency, (732) 670-4587.
The Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2012 officers. Chuck Lero of Two River Community Bank will serve as president with Mickey Rast of Weichert Realtors, vice president; Jane Olcott of Better Homes Realty, treasurer and Sharon Rounds of Gloria Nilson Realty, secretary. Board members also include Bob Sherman, Sherman Jewelers; Bill Iler, attorney; Leia Sims, Bright Alternatives; Chris Fotache, Jersey Media Network, Marc Fragale, eMediaNation; Joe Stine, J. Stine Agency, Inc., and Chris Kousouris, Town & Surf Diner. The Chamber office will continue to be managed by Sherilyn Przelomski, executive director. For details on the Chamber and upcoming activities visit www.atlantichighlands.org or call (732) 872-8711. The Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce welcomes members and non-members to attend and network at all events.
Red Bank-based Natcore Technology Inc. will work with the National Renewal Energy Laboratory on a black silicon research project aim at increasing solar energy output while reducing the cost of solar cells.
Natcore entered a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with NREL, the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. Under the terms of the agreement, Natcore and NREL would work together to reach two goals: to reduce solar cell costs by 2 –3 percent, and increase solar panel energy output from 3 percent to 10 percent over the course of a day without the aid of a solar tracking mechanism.
“Our technology will create a new American industry,” says Natcore President and CEO Chuck Provini. “We’ve been trying for two years to get financial support from the Department of Energy. This is a meaningful first step.”
Donato “Don” DiZusio, PMP joined T & M Associates and will lead the Middletown-based firm’s 40-person transportation group. As senior vice president and transportation business unit leader, DiZusio will be responsible for the group’s technical performance, staffing, financial management, client services, project management and marketing. He has a B.S. in civil engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and most recently led the NJ Transportation practice of URS Corporation. He has extensive experience designing and overseeing the construction of highway, bridge and railroad facilities throughout New Jersey and New York.
