A special Business Development Event was held on Wednesday evening at the Beru Ballroom near the Lakewood-Toms River border, offering local residents’ professional guidance on how to manage a successful business and meet the demands of an ever increasing cost of living.
The event was hosted by the CARES Organization, in conjunction with the Lakewood Development Corporation (LDC) and Lakewood Community Services Corporation (LCSC).
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles shared with the audience how he originally established both his family and business roots in Lakewood back in the 1980s. Like most in the audience, the Mayor spent his childhood and young adult years in New York City before coming to Lakewood. He also sent his children to private schools.
“I followed a similar path and understand the challenges of raising a family; building a business; and paying tuition,” he explained. “Lakewood is our ‘home’ and we are part of the family that is Lakewood.”
The Mayor then opened the floor to Q&As from members of the audience, who discussed a wide variety of kitchen-table issues, including property taxes, traffic, tuition relief and more.
The event was moderated by Rabbi Eliezer Grossman, a noted community leader and motivational speaker.
The audience listened intently to a fascinating presentation by Nadav (Nima) Baiati, Executive Director and General Manager of Commercial Cybersecurity at Lenovo. Nadav translated his experiences managing a division within a $69 billion global enterprise into practical guidance relevant to the entrepreneur in any industry, running a business of any size. The presentation was followed by Q&As from audience members seeking Nadav’s pointed advice regarding their specific business situations.
“We are fortunate to have the strong support of the Mayor and Township Committee, who enable us to provide our communities with events and programs to help them succeed economically and enjoy an enhanced quality of life in Lakewood,” said Rabbi Lipa Klein, Director of CARES. “We look forward to continue working together to give residents the information and tools they need.”
“CARES and other local organizations are an invaluable asset that helps government reach and assist Lakewood residents at the grassroots, in their homes, stores and offices,” says Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein. “We look forward to continue providing local breadwinners and entrepreneurs with the guidance and resources they need to succeed in a fast paced, complex economy.”
