Business Beat

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Middletown Agent Helps with Rebuilding After Sandy
 
MIDDLETOWN – Allstate New Jersey Insurance Co. exclusive agent John Leonard’s continued commitment to Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has helped the local nonprofit organization secure a $5,000 rebuilding grant in the wake of Super Storm Sandy.
The grant, supported through a $1 million allocation from The Allstate Foundation, provides necessary resources to help local nonprofits in affected areas rebuild. Local community organizations where Allstate New Jersey agency owners are affiliated were selected or nominated to apply for grants up to $5,000.
“At Allstate New Jersey, we have compassion to help those in need and ensure the safety and vitality of communities,” Leonard said. “Thousands of our employees and agency owners are working around the clock to help our customers and communities rebuild from the devastation caused by Sandy. The grant to Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will help our community recover and ensure people can get the essential services they need.”
Allstate New Jersey and The Allstate Foundation’s response to Sandy is part of a wide-ranging commitment to prepare families for life’s uncertainties. In 2012, The Allstate Foundation partnered with Feeding America to provide more than 1,000,000 meals to the needy and recently launched a partnership with Points of Light to provide emergency planning education for families around the country.
The Allstate Foundation, and the corporation provided more than $320,000 in 2011 to local nonprofit organizations across New Jersey.
 
Applications for Special Scholarships for Women are Available
 
Applications are now available for those who wish to apply for the Mildred A. Butler Career Development Award, a scholarship offered by the Business and Professional Women of New Jersey (BPW/NJ) Foundation.
Awards of up to $1,000 per person will be made at a scholarship luncheon that will be held in May. The awards are available for women who live in New Jersey and are age 25 and older.
Women eligible for the scholarships are those who are seeking to advance their careers, re-enter the workforce or make a career change. An award may be used for education or it may be used to purchase a piece of equipment if the applicant has at least a 50-percent ownership in a small business.
Applications are available for downloading on the BPW/NJ website by visiting www.businessandprofessionalwomennj.org.
Completed applications are due by May 1.
The BPW/NJ Foundation reserves the right to award one or multiple scholarships. The determination of awards by the organization’s board is final.
Chartered in 1919, BPW/NJ is a statewide organization presiding over multiregional local organizations. The ultimate goal for BPW/NJ is equality for all women in areas of pay, opportunity, growth, health and well-being. The mission of the organization is to provide a supportive environment for women working toward personal and professional fulfillment, by advocating women’s economic, educational and health issues.
Membership is open to all individuals who support the vision and mission of BPW/NJ. Additional information is available on the organization’s website.
 
Heritage House’s Chen Ranked No. 1 Realtor in Marlboro
 
HOLMDEL – Mary Burke, president and Broker of Record, Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty and Karen Saltzbart, branch manager, have announced that Lydia Chen, of the Holmdel office achieved the highest sold volume for Marlboro properties that closed in 2012, according to data from the Monmouth/Ocean County MLS.
A well-known name and respected veteran agent in Marlboro and the surrounding area, Chen continues to successfully market homes and represent buyers with impressive results in this first quarter of 2013.

Lydia Chen
Lydia Chen

Chen once again found herself among the top 1 percent of real estate agents selling in Monmouth County at the close of 2012 and even broke her personal record for sales volume, earning a place in the NJAR® Circle of Excellence, Platinum Level in 2012 for closing just under $24 million and 51 units.
“Lydia’s success can be attributed to the unwavering dedication she gives to her clients and to this industry.” Burke said. “A true professional from start to finish.”
Chen has been a consistent member of the NJAR® Circle of Excellence from 2000-2012; Gold Level 2011, 2010, 2005 and 2004; Silver Level 2009, 2008, 2003-2000; Bronze Level 2007-08. She is also a member of the NJAR® Distinguished Sales Club® for earning the NJAR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® 10 or more years.
Chen can be contacted at the Holmdel Office, located at 4 S. Holmdel Road; at 732-946-9200; or at lydia.chen@sothebysrealty.com. Additional information is available at www.lydiachen.com.
Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty is an independently owned and operated full-service brokerage with four sales offices in Holmdel, Middletown, Rumson and Shrewsbury. The firm’s corporate headquarters is located at 834 Broad St., Shrewsbury. Additional information is available at the website at www.heritagehousesothebysrealty.com.
 
Resources Real Estate Announces January Award Winners
Helen George
Helen George

Helen George, sales professional with Resources Real Estate in Monmouth Beach, was named Agent of the Month for the month of January.
George has consistently been a top producer for the company since joining it in February 2012. She led the company’s overall sales production for the month of January.
 
Linda Gillespie
Linda Gillespie

Linda Gillespie, sales professional in the Rumson office, was presented with the Team Spirit Award for the month of January. The company places a high value on team cooperation and support.
Resources Real Estate is a full service independent residential brokerage opened by Carolynn Diakon in 2000. Thomas McCormack, with the company since 2002, joined her as a partner in 2010.  Resources Real Estate is located at 112 East River Road in Rumson, 36 Beach Road in Monmouth Beach, and 4A West Front St. in Red Bank.
Additional information is available by calling 732-212-0440 or visiting resourcesrealestate.com.
 
Two River Bank Makes Donation to Red Cross
 
TINTON FALLS – Two River Community Bank renewed its Shop Local Campaign for 2012. The campaign was aimed at encouraging the community to support our businesses and economy by shopping and dining locally during the holiday season.
In turn, the bank made a donation to The American Red-Cross – Jersey Coast Chapter in support of their Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. The donation was based on sales made using the Two River Community Bank debit card.
Debi Heptig, major gift officer for the American Red Cross – Jersey Coast Chapter, accepted the check from William D. Moss, president and CEO.
“We encourage support of our local communities in any way we can, especially after the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy,” Moss said. “The need for assistance was immediate, and as a business owner and resident of the area, it’s our responsibility to help not only the first responders, but also individuals who have lost their homes, their businesses … their livelihood.”
Two River Community Bank is headquartered in Tinton Falls and operates 16 branch locations in Monmouth and Union counties and regional lending offices in New Brunswick and Summit. It is a full-service bank that provides commercial and retail banking services to small and medium-size businesses, professionals, and individual consumers.
For more information, visit the website at www.tworiver bank.com.