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Beacon of Excellence Awards

2024 Beacon Logo

To Register, Sponsor or Purchase a Journal Ad for the 2024 Beacon of Excellence Awards,  CLICK HERE

The Beacon of Excellence Awards have been designed to honor outstanding community enrichment through service, leadership and achievement. Nominations are sought from MRCC membership as well as from the community at large.

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize this year’s honorees - individuals and organizations who have made a positive impact on the citizens of Monmouth County.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 12, 2023

Monmouth Regional Chamber Honors Outstanding Community Leaders at the Beacon of Excellence Awards

 

Middletown, NJ – The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) is pleased to announce its annual Beacon of Excellence Awards, which recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations that inspire others and enrich our communities through their service, leadership, and achievements. Each year, nominations are solicited through MRCC membership and the wider community.

 

The 2023 MRCC Beacon of Excellence Awards will be presented at a gala celebration on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Jacques Reception Center, 500 Palmer Avenue, Middletown, NJ. The evening will commence with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. This signature event of MRCC is widely attended by members, friends, supporters, business owners, government officials, community leaders, and volunteers from throughout Monmouth County and beyond.

 

The Beacon Award Honorees are as follows:

 

Beacon of Hope – Sylvia’s Children

Beacon of Light – Breast Intentions

Non-profit Organization – Lunch Break

Business Ambassador – Jackie Berman

Corporate Good Neighbor – Christy Minetello, Alcoeur Gardens

Community Service – Edward C. Thomas

Public Servant – Senator Vin Gopal

Health Care Ambassador – Christopher Rinn

Young Professional – Kerri Gazerwitz

President’s Award - Senior Citizens Activity Network (SCAN)

 

Event registrations, sponsorships, and journal ads can be purchased by visiting, https://bit.ly/MRCC2023Beacon.

 

About the MRCC

 

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) is a non-profit, volunteer organization that strives to support and enhance the business environment of Monmouth County through its member benefits, services, and networking opportunities. The MRCC is dedicated to helping businesses grow by promoting shared success among its members and the community at large.

For more information, visit. https://www.monmouthregionalchamber.com.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 3, 2022 

MONMOUTH REGIONAL CHAMBER BEACON AWARDS EVENT HONORS COMMUNITY LUMINARIES

Stellar individuals, businesses, and organizations who serve as beacons of inspiration to the community were honored by the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce at the 2022 Beacon of Excellence Awards celebration, held on July 27 at Jacques Reception Center in Middletown, NJ. The annual awards are designed to honor outstanding community enrichment through service, leadership, and achievement.

“The Beacon of Excellence event is our chance to recognize the amazing work being done in Monmouth County by each of the honorees, who have all made an impact in the community,” stated Holly Schult, event chair. “Some have overcome obstacles in their own lives to become success stories, creating environments where those in need can shine and be valued. These award recipients are honored for leading by example for the next generation of influencers and, most of all, for doing everything they can to make Monmouth County a shining star for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

Beacon of Excellence attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour and dinner before the presentation of this year’s awards, which included:

Beacon of Hope Award, presented to a business, individual, or nonprofit providing outstanding and exceptional outreach to the community, providing a promise of hope and a vision for the future

Honoree – Community Affairs and Resource Center

Beacon of Light Award, presented to an individual, business, or organization whose accomplishments demonstrate superior public service and are a source of light and inspiration to the community

Honoree – Middletown Arts Center

Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award, presented to an organization exhibiting outstanding achievement and a reputation for excellence in the non-profit sector

Honoree – No Limits Café

Business Ambassador of the Year Award, presented to an individual or organization demonstrating exemplary commitment, leadership, and engagement within the business community

Honoree – Jeanne Wall

Corporate Good Neighbor Award, presented to a business organization that has made an extraordinary impact on the Monmouth County area through exceptional civic engagement

Honoree – NJCU @ Fort Monmouth

Community Service Award, presented to an individual, business, or organization whose accomplishments demonstrate superior public service and are a source of light and inspiration to the community

Honoree – Tom Hayes

Young Professional of the Year Award, presented to a professional under the age of 40 who has made a significant impact and has shown leadership in guiding the next generation of business professionals

Honoree – Kathrine Dwyer

Distinguished Leadership Award, presented to recognize a leader whose contribution to the understanding of and/or practice of effective leadership is significant and has resulted in extraordinary impact

Honoree – Dr. Michael Edmondson

President’s Award, presented as special recognition given to an individual, business, or nonprofit by the Monmouth Regional Chamber President for significant contributions and achievement

Honoree – Dr. Jackeline D. Mejias-Fuertes

“The evening was filled with laughter, congratulatory wishes, and inspiring messages,” Schult noted. “Each and every honoree made a lasting impression on the audience by sharing their story, and their personal humility, coupled with community pride, was evident. The evening was made special by Jacques Reception Center, who provided the fabulous venue; the audiovisual team at One-of-a-Kind Events; the talented singer Gigi Abinader; and MRCC Executive Director Terese Rölke and administrative assistant Kathleen Hoffmann, the amazing team behind the scenes.”

Additional thanks go to everyone who donated fabulous items for the gift auction and to the generous event sponsors, including New Jersey Natural Gas, CentraState Healthcare System, BCB Bank, New Jersey City University - Ft. Monmouth, Alcoeur Gardens, EZ Docks Unlimited, Artis Senior Living, ADP, Beacon of Life, Tom's Ford, Rue Insurance, Advanced PMR, Pine Belt Nissan, and Buhler Auto.

About the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to promote business, enhance economic development, and serve as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in our communities. Its vision is to provide opportunities for business growth and prosperity, offer quality service to members, serve as a resource leader for business and the community, and represent the voice of business on a regional level. For more information about the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce and upcoming events, visit www.monmouthregionalchamber.com.

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2021 Beacon of Heroes Honorees

President’s Award

Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners

Beacon of Light Awards 

Bayshore Medical Center

CentraState Healthcare System

Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Monmouth Medical Center

Riverview Medical Center

Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center

Mental Health Association of Monmouth County

Beacon of Hope Award 

Kevin T. McNamara, Esq., and All Those Affected During the Pandemic

 

“We were so proud to be the co-chairs of this event honoring our local heroes whose tireless, inspirational, and often courageous deeds helped us through one of the most challenging times this country has ever had to endure,” stated event co-chair Gerry Viggiani. “It was a beautiful and moving celebration!” Added co-chair Holly Schult, “The decision to honor those who selflessly served Monmouth County residents and businesses was a unanimous one for the committee. To be able to show all our heroes how very much they are appreciated was heartwarming. It was a very special night.”

Schult and Viggiani expressed their gratitude to everyone who lent their support to the memorable evening, including their tireless event committee team, fellow MRCC officers and members, One of a Kind Events, Tom Zapcic Photography, and the staff of Bella Vista Country Club. Special thanks went to the generous event sponsors, including CentraState Healthcare System, Hackensack Meridian Health, Artis Senior Living Eatontown, New Jersey Natural Gas, TD Bank, Windels Marx, Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, Monmouth Medical Center/RWJ Barnabas Health, Sterling National Bank, The Jewish Home for Rehabilitation & Nursing, VNA Health Group, BCB Bank, Mark Viggiani/Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach Realtors, Lotus Blossom Psychotherapy, NJ Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Colella Communications, and Cowleys Pest Services. Additionally, numerous other supporters contributed to the Beacon of Heroes ad journal.

About the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit volunteer organization that serves as a resource leader for businesses and the Monmouth County community. Visit the MRCC website at www.monmouthregionalchamber.com or contact the chamber at info@monmouthregionalchamber.com. You may also follow the Monmouth Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MonmouthRegionalChamberofCommerce and subscribe to their YouTube channel at http://bit.ly/MRCCYouTube

Click here for the full 2021 Beacon of Heroes Awards Photo Gallery

2019 Beacon of Excellence Honorees

A big CONGRATULATIONS to each of our 2019 Beacon of Excellence Honorees!

Beacon of Hope: Hazlets’ Hope Network (Laura O’Hara, Philip Michael O’Hara)

Businesswoman Leadership Award: DonnaLyn Giegerich of DLG Consulting;

Young Professional: Danielle Bagdzinski of Cg Tax, Audit & Advisory;

Non-Profit Organization: RAINE Foundation (Patti Dickens, Matt Dickens);

Business Ambassador: Dr. David Stout, Brookdale Community College;

President’s Award: Cliff Moore;

Corporate Good Neighbor: Holly Schult of BCB Bank;

Beacon of Light: New Jersey American Water (Justin Cheptra);

Public Servant: Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone (not pictured)

  • Also pictured: Bernice Lopez , President MRCC; David M. Salkin, Executive Director MRCC

2018 Beacon of Excellence Honorees

Congratulations to the Beacon of Excellence Honorees!
(L to R) Top Row:

Beacon of Hope – Gary Weitzen from Parents of Autistic Children;

Public Servant Award – Vin Gopal;

Business Ambassador – Glen J. Delakian, Sr.;

Non-Profit Organization – Kick Cancer Overboard, Founders DonnaLyn Giegerich & Ted Friedli

(L to R) Bottom Row:

Community Service Award – Bayshore Senior Health,

Education and Recreation Center, Pat McCarthy;

Corporate Good Neighbor – New Jersey Natural Gas, Amy Cradick-VP of Government Affairs & Policy;

Young Profession Award – Alexandra Imtanios;

President’s Award – Sherilyn Przelomski

Not pictured: Beacon of Light – Staff Sergeant Eduard Santiago, United States Army & Public Servant Award – Sheriff Shaun Golden