Business Briefs

Kiddie Academy, which provides comprehensive, education-based child-care programs, has just opened its newest location in Jackson. According to Mark Meade, owner of Kiddie Academy of Jackson, the company has been successfully combining learning with child care for more than 25 years. The Jackson location uses a curriculum created to promote each child's intellectual, social, physical and emotional growth. According to Meade, the programs emphasize continuous, open communication between teachers and parents concerning each child's development.

Arnold B. Siegel of Jackson was awarded the William J. Rushton III Quality Award from Protective Life Insurance Co., Birmingham, Ala. According to Steve Briggs, executive vice president of the company, the award recognizes an individual life insurance professional who demonstrates leadership to the company and to the insurance industry. Siegel is the owner of PMA Financial Corp. in Manasquan.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce's next general membership meeting will take place 7 p.m. May 16 at the Freehold Gardens Hotel, 50 Gibson Place (off Route 537), Freehold Township. Cost is $25; reservations are required. Details: (732) 833-0005. Chris "The Coach" Ruisi will be the guest speaker. The meeting is sponsored by Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce invites all members and nonmembers to its general membership luncheon meeting, May 9 at the Ramada Inn & Suites, 2373 Route 9, Toms River. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. The cost is $30 for chamber members and $35 for nonmembers. A $5 charge will be added for walk-ins. Details: (732) 363-0012.

Marie Hall of Jackson has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring easy-to-prepare gourmet products. As a consultant, Hall offers the company's gourmet foods and beverages to guests at home taste-testing parties. Guests receive samples, easy meal ideas, recipes and serving suggestions.

The Entrepreneur's Source has opened a new location in Jackson. The goal of the business is to make the entrepreneurial dream of business ownership easier to attain for aspiring local entrepreneurs.

The Jackson office, owned by Virgil Hollender, is part of an international network of business ownership consultants who work with individuals and companies considering franchising as a career alternative or a method of expansion.

Prior to opening the Jackson branch office, Hollender, a nine-year resident of Jackson, worked for 25 years as an application development consultant, providing a background in business management and development.

Howell Chamber of Commerce will hold its 27th annual dinner-dance at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Battleground Country Club, Manalapan. Anyone who would like to attend the dinner dance, put an ad in the journal or obtain additional information on the Howell Chamber of Com-merce may call executive director Susan Dominguez at (732) 363-4114.