Hurricane Sandy

Business Owners Can Scan This List For Helpful Resources

Several federal, state and county agencies that offer help to Hurricane-Sandy affected businesses came to Middletown to introduce themselves.

When water crept five blocks into Port Monmouth and filled Alise Pipitone's house, basement and garage, it not only wrecked her home but also threatened to snuff the life out of the C&G Electrical contracting business. Ten inches of water ruined the home-based business's equipment and killed the phone, fax line and the Internet service. Painting contractor Bob Crane of Voorhees & Crane Painting, also in Port Monmouth, has a similar story. He said he lost $10,000 worth of equipment in the flooded basement of his home-based business, and insurance won't pay.  Both joined about 40 others Wednesday at the "Business After Sandy" Resources Forum at the Middletown Township Library, sponsored by the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce. The forum…

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Hurricane Sandy

Tips for Disaster Recovery for Small Business Owners

Hurricane Sandy has caused severe damage to many local businesses. if you're a small business owner, here's some helpful advice for how to recover.

1) File insurance claims as soon as possible, if you haven't already done so. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers important advice and tips for filing your claim. The National Flood Insurance Program also provides information on filing a flood insurance claim. 2) The SBA offers several low-interest, long-term disaster loans to small businesses in declared disaster areas, including business physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans. You can apply for loans up to $2 million for both uninsured and underinsured damages. You can apply directly online. Once submitted, the SBA will send an inspector to estimate the cost of damage. 3) Apply for tax relief if needed, which will allow for expedited returns or …

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Holiday Arts and Crafts Extravaganza Saturday at Monmouth Park

Event to feature handcrafted items from throughout the tri-state area and a visit from Santa.

Small business doesn't get much tinier than a single artisan selling their handcrafted work. And on Small Business Saturday this Nov. 26, the Holiday Arts and Crafts Extravaganza, held in the Grand Hall of Monmouth Park Racetrack, will feature a wide variety of individuals from throughout the tri-state area offering a wealth of unique presents-to-be. Items such as painted glassware, photography, ceramics, jewelry, childrens and ladies apparel, doll clothes, yard art, wood crafts, sports memorabilia, mushroom bird ornaments and more will be on display and up for sale. Food and a number of events for children will be available, and Santa will be strolling around, ready for pictures. A Health & Wellness section to benefit Mary’s Place by the …

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Turkey Drive Raises Over $10,000 for Foodbank in Just Days

Bella Vista and the ABC Networking Group began their fund and food raising efforts Friday night, and exceeded everyone's expectations. The group donated more than 8,000 pounds of food to the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

What can one organization raise and collect in less than one week? More than $10,000, more than 8,000 pounds of food and several pallets worth of canned and dried goods. Bella Vista County Club and the ABC Networking Group put the word out Friday night, when John and Wendy Bruzzese heard the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties need 1,500 more turkeys. That night, at their networking event, they raised $390. Over the weekend, the raised $7,000 more. And when they dropped off their donation and food Tuesday evening, the group had raised more than $10,600, and they are still counting. "As a group, we stepped up," said Bill Algokce of Bridge Financial, who was just one of the leaders for the drive. Through social networking and reaching …

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Business Networking Group Holding Turkey Drive

Members banded together to form a last minute turkey collection when they heard the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties was running low.

A group of Monmouth County business leaders decided to turn a networking event into a charitable opportunity. Members of the ABC Networking group are collecting turkeys and raising funds for the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in Neptune as part of a last minute push for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to Mike Grieco of Cat Limousine in Freehold. Turkeys or a check for the ABC Networking Turkey Drive may be dropped off to the Bella Vista Country Club in Marlboro through 3 p.m on Tuesday. For anybody unable to drop off a turkey, Grieco said Cat Limousine will be able to pick up the donation. The ABC Networking Turkey Drive developed on Friday during the organization’s weekly social event at Bella Vista Country Club, Grieco said…

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Celebrate Thanksgiving with Local Fare and Flair

Shop local markets for fresh ingredients, delicious pies, pre-made dishes, and Thanksgiving adornments.

From the turkey to the table, Patch has you covered for Thanksgiving! With one of the few holidays almost completely centered around a delicious, traditional meal right around the corner, we wanted to make sure readers had a great database of local stores and markets to peruse. Shop for fresh ingredients and cook up your own spectacular dinner, or buy scrumptious pre-made Thanksgiving food for the family. Creating a homey atmosphere is also a great way to bring warmth to the holiday. Local stores are chock-full of Turkey day decorations, centerpieces, fall foliage, and seasonal flowers to adorn your home and table. Click through the above media gallery and see what speaks to you - or what makes your mouth water!

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