Business Briefs

Here We Grow Child Care Center, 170 North Oberlin Ave, Lakewood, will host a "Business After Hours" Network-ing Event, May 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Julie Vanore, vice president of Preferred Behavioral Health, will host the event which will include refreshments, networking, door prizes and information about Lakewood Industrial Park's only child care center. Teachers and staff will be on hand to meet and answer questions. Attendees should bring business cards. The cost to attend is $5 and reservations must be made in advance by calling (732) 363-0012.

Ro-Saul Garden Florist and Plant Lady Florist of Lakewood was awarded third place in the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Ocean's (ADACO) an-nual awards dinner at the Crystal Point Yacht Club, Point Pleasant. Their display of flowers in a tall bright yellow pail with a display of masks and flowers encompassed the spirit of Mardi Gras, the theme of the contest.

First place went to Plants Plus Andi's Florist, Bay Head, and second place was awarded to Flowers by Addalia of Toms River. Other entrees were donated by Alan and Minishohn's Fabulous Florals, Lakewood; Colonial Bouquet, Lake-hurst; Flowers with Class, Toms River; Princeton Avenue Florists, Brick; and Dayton Floral and Gift, Toms River.

The Jackson Chamber of Com-merce's next general membership meeting will be held May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River. The scheduled speakers are Barry Lefkowitz, Jackson economic develop-ment consultant, and John Ciufo, New Jersey Commerce Economic and Tour-ism Division. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Call (732) 833-0005 for reservations.

The National Human Resources Association-New Jersey (NHRA) affiliate will honor the New Jersey employer whose human resource practices best exemplify the NHRA principles of connect, excel and lead.

Nominations will be accepted through May 15. Send nominations to Judy Ebery at jebery@belray.com. The award will be presented to the honoree at the NHRA-NJ year-end meeting on June 20 at the Old Orchard Manor, Eatontown.

The Human Resources Excellence Award will be awarded to the employer who embodies three principles: connect, excel, and lead. Employers will be considered who recognize the need to connect with the work force, and understand the vital role played by human resources in creating, developing, and fostering this connection.

Employers will be considered who excel in placing importance on human resources - not as a cost center - but as a vital part of the organization itself; and those who can lead an organization with innovations and commitment to human resources that exemplify a forward-thinking approach in relationship to the work force.

Details: (732) 938-2421 or www. humanresources.org.