Business Beat

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Johnson Joins Colonial American Bank
SHREWSBURY – Colonial American Bank has announced that William C. “Bill” Johnson III, of Atlantic Highlands, has joined the bank’s loan department.
Johnson, vice president, commercial lending, is responsible for the growth of the commercial loan portfolio of the bank. A veteran banking executive, Johnson has spent 30-plus years in the industry helping a diverse group of clients to achieve their financial goals.
“We are pleased to welcome this seasoned professional to the bank’s lending team,” said Anthony Giordano III, president and CEO of Colonial American Bank. “Bill joins a highly successful team of experienced, local bankers who understand the business banking needs in Monmouth County and beyond.”
For more information, visit www.colonialamericanbank.com.
 
Hamilton Jewelers Named Family Business of the Year
RED BANK – Hamilton Jewelers has been awarded the 2013 Family Business of the Year by the Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
The award was presented to Hamilton Jewelers during a luncheon at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston in October.
For 21 years, the Rothman Institute has been recognizing family businesses that demonstrate strong business acumen, active family engagement, innovation and community involvement.
This awards program, which is sponsored by New Jersey Monthly, PNC Bank, and the Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurship, recognizes companies for outstanding civic and corporate leadership in their communities.
Both generations of the Siegel family were in attendance at the luncheon to accept the award. Hank Siegel, president, accompanied by his wife Lisette, and Martin Siegel, chairman, accompanied by his wife Denise, spoke briefly at the luncheon.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by this prestigious award, and our family is proud to accept on behalf of our entire family and our company’s team of dedicated associates,” Hank Siegel said.
Hamilton celebrated its centennial year in 2012, a milestone accompanied by a tremendous amount of civic and charitable outreach, including “100 Days of Giving,” a program designed so that Hamilton employees could volunteer in their communities while Hamilton compensated them for their time.
Founded in 1912 by Irving Siegel, who was later followed by his son Martin in 1955 and Hank in 1992, Hamilton Jewelers serves clients in both the New Jersey and Palm Beach, Fla. The company, which has an international clientele, specializes in fine jewelry of its own design and manufacture, and also sells premium designer jewelry and luxury timepieces.
 
Monmouth U Prof Receives Academic Excellence Award
WEST LONG BRANCH – Saliba Sarsar, professor of political science and associate vice president for global initiatives, received the Award for Academic Excellence at the 10th anniversary gala of the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) last month in Washington, D.C.

Saliba Sarsar, Ph.D.
Saliba Sarsar, Ph.D.

 
“We, your family, friends, and our community are proud of your personal accomplishments, your spirit of public service, your pride in your heritage, and your commitment to our great country,” said Ziad Asali, ATFP president, while congratulating Sarsar. “You are a role model of success and accomplishment that our youth can learn from and emulate.”
Provost Thomas S. Pearson added, “We are proud of Dr. Sarsar’s academic excellence, stewardship, and global outreach in support of diplomacy and peace in the Middle East.”
Some 650 people were in attendance at the ATFP gala, including representatives of the White House, U.S. Department of State, Congressional leaders and members from academic, the diplomatic corps and religious institutions.
 
Ophthalmologist Joins Riverview Medical Staff
RED BANK – Riverview Medical Center welcomes Eleanor Lillian Cheng, M.D., board certified in ophthalmology, to the medical staff.
Cheng is fellowship-train­ed in corneal, external disease and refractive surgery from Corneal Associates of New Jersey.
Eleanor Lillian Cheng, M.D.
Eleanor Lillian Cheng, M.D.

 
Prior to fellowship training, Cheng completed an ophthalmology residency at John Stroger Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, where she held title of chief resident. Cheng received her medical degree from Chicago Medical School, Roaslind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Specializing in corneal transplantation, as well as cataract and refractive surgery, Cheng is a member in both the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Cheng sees patients at her Tinton Falls office, located at 21 Gilbert St. North.  She can be reached at 732-741-1902.
 
EMACC to Hold Gift Drive for CASA of Monmouth
MIDDLETOWN – The Business After Hours Committee of the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce (EMACC) will be holding its annual holiday networking night and gift drive. The event will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Jacques Catering Reception Center, 500 Palmer Ave., Middle­town. The night will feature food, refreshments, holiday entertainment, and the best networking in Monmouth County.
The gift drive will benefit CASA of Monmouth (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.) Attendees are asked to help bring the joy of the holidays to children who are in temporary foster care because of parental abuse, neglect or abandonment by donating gifts. The suggested gift list can be viewed at www.emacc.org. Those looking learn more about CASA can do so at www.casaofmonmouth.org.
Registration for the event, which is recommended, is available online at www.emacc.org or by calling 732-741-0055. The cost is $40 for EMACC members and member guests and $50 for others.
EMACC has been service the area since 1928 and includes businesses in Fair Haven, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury, Tinton Falls and Eatontown.