On January 24th, Jersey Shore Premiere Events organized their first event of the year, the New Year Resolution Red Carpet Networking at Buona Sera, in Red Bank. It was also the one-year anniversary of these open business networking events put together by Rosa Davis and Chris Fotache, who started with a similarly themed event last year, also in Red Bank.
The response to the event was overwhelming, as the host venue estimated the crowd at almost 250 people. Local business owners, public officials and media personalities came to promote their services or cause, make new connections, meet potential new clients, win great prizes donated by area businesses or strike a pose on the red carpet. They also came in support of Lunch Break, 
Red Bank’s soup kitchen. Guests brought food donations for this great charity, and proceeds from the event (in excess of $1,000) were also donated. Gwendolyn Love, executive director of Lunch Break, said: “Thank you so much to Chris Fotache and Rosa Davis for selecting Lunch Break as the beneficiary of this networking event. We are so appreciative to all the businesses and vendors who took time from their busy schedules to attend and support our mission to feed the hungry. With so many more clients to serve we depend even more on the generosity of the business community and this donation will help us to purchase more food for the soup kitchen and the pantry.”
Business owners had the opportunity to make new contacts, as well as visit the vendor tables and sponsor booths. Major sponsors of the event included VanNortwick Properties, ServPro of Freehold/Middletown (which provides water, mold and smoke cleanup and restoration as well as air duct cleaning and reconstruction services) and All Around Home Improvements (local home improvement specialists providing both commercial and residential services). Through the night, entertainment was provided by Instinctive DJs. People also gathered on the red carpet, where Carl Maiorino Photography was taking photos while the new Jersey Shore Premiere Girl, Melissa Maria, conducted interviews (courtesy of Wine And Dine Web), giving everyone an opportunity to introduce themselves and promote their business or cause.
Among the special guests there were Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, who represents Red Bank and the surrounding towns in the NJ Legislature, and Monmouth County Freeholder Gary Rich. They stressed the importance of business growth in our communities. During her speech to the big crowd, Mrs. Angelini said: “Thank you all for coming out tonight to support local businesses. We cannot make a comeback in New Jersey until the business community is strong.” Freeholder Rich added: “We’re going try very hard at the county level to work for you, to provide services that you ask us for, and to keep your taxes low.”
Interviewed by Melissa Maria on the red carpet, Mrs. Angelini spoke about her other causes: “As a legislator, I was a sponsor of the anti-bullying legislation that was signed by the Governor, and I’m also executive director of Prevention First, where we provide anti-bullying programs to schools in Monmouth and Ocean County.” She was very impressed with the attendance: “The turnout tonight is phenomenal! Kudos to Chris Fotache and all the organizers for putting together this wonderful event. I’m really excited to see small business in New Jersey on the rise.”
In an interview with Melissa Maria, Freeholder Gary Rich said: “The reason I’m here is that Chris Fotache has been instrumental in many things we’re doing in Freehold, and I think it’s wonderful to organize such an event and also support Lunch Break.” Melissa: “Why should businesses relocated to Monmouth County?”. Gary Rich: “Monmouth County is one of the greatest counties we have in the State of New Jersey, it’s a place where people love to come. We have miles and miles of shoreline, if you’ve been to our beaches you really understand what it’s like to be here. So from the horse farms to the beach, we have it all here in Monmouth County.” Melissa: ”In this economic downturn, what are your plans for 2012?”. Gary Rich: “One of the things we’re trying to do is to keep our taxes very low while continuing to provide services that people are used to. Freeholder Tom Arnone has put together an initiative called Grow Monmouth, and we’re out talking to business owners, trying to understand what their issues are, so we can put together a toolbox with information on how to connect and network. Our goal is to provide an infrastructure for business growth”.
Another high-profile guest was Grace Hanlon, the director of the NJ Division of Tourism. Mrs. Hanlon said: “I have the greatest job in New Jersey: to promote the state as a world-class travel destination. I happen to be a resident of Monmouth County, which is a great place to visit! In NJ we have 180 miles of beautiful beaches, we have historic towns and a wonderful cultural life, including the NJPAC or the Two River Theater here in Red Bank. The Jersey Shore is eclectic, we have so many unique beach towns with different personalities”. Asked who is she rooting for in the Superbowl, she answered: “The NEW JERSEY Giants!”.
Almost all the 250 guests agreed the event was a big success for the community. Stephen “The Salon Guy” Marinaro came from North Jersey because he loves networking, since “networking is a huge part of how you do business today.” Glen Dalakian (Tandem Radio host) said: “This turnout is powerful, and it’s not only powerful, but it’s quality people. It’s a great crowd with many opportunities.” Photographer Wanda Ramos said this was her first event. “Everyone was very welcoming and made it nice and comfortable for me. It definitely won’t be my last.”
The next Jersey Shore Premiere red carpet networking event will take place on March 6th at Park East in Hazlet (6pm), and will benefit Kick Cancer Overboard and the Mental Health Association.
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