Vaccaro honored for community service
L.B. chamber hosts 73rd Annual Business Awards Dinner

James Vaccaro, (l-r) recipient of the Louis G. Libutti Community Service Award; Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Lisa Borghese; Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider; and chamber President Kay Guadagno.

LONG BRANCH - - In a celebration of community service, the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce saluted individuals and organizations during its 73rd Annual Business Awards Dinner.

More than 250 persons representing the business, community and civic sectors of the city attended the gala event held recently at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa to recognize 10 award recipients for their contributions to Long Branch and the business community at large. James S. Vaccaro, president and chief executive officer of Central Jersey Bancorp of Long Branch, was presented with the chamber's Louis G. Libutti Community Service Award for leadership, professional achievement and a record of community service.

Recipients of the chamber's annual President's Award were Larry and Todd Katz, the developers of Siperstein's Plaza on Route 36, which is the location of Siperstein's Home Decor Center and Atlantic Plumbing Supply Co. Considered the major western gateway to the city, the plaza's welcoming exterior boasts an eye-catching mural depicting a circa 1930s view of lower Broadway.

Business Improvement Awards went to seven Long Branch companies: Atlantic Plumbing Supply Co.; Pearly Gates Accessories; Roselli's Restaurant; Cask 591; Pearl of Lisbon; Seaside Materials Inc.; and 89 Long Branch Avenue.

Recipient of the Past President Award was Ken LePosa, of Elite Forms Inc., a 16-year chamber member who served as president in 2005 and 2006.

Vaccaro has been president and CEO of Central Jersey Bank N.A., (formerly Monmouth Community Bank N.A.) since April 2000 and served as chairman of the board from the bank's inception until Jan. 1, 2005, when Monmouth Community Bank N.A., merged with Allaire Community Bank, creating Central Jersey Bank N.A. The bank operates 14 branches throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Vaccaro, West Allenhurst, has been active in the community, serving as chairman of Monmouth Medical Center's Board of Trustees and a member of the Board of Trustees of Monmouth Medical Center Foundation; chairman of the Business Council of Monmouth University; West Long Branch; a trustee of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, Red Bank; a director of New Jersey Repertory Company; a member of the Advisory Council of Interfaith Neighbors Inc.; and a member of the Leadership Cabinet of Prevention First, Ocean Township.

The Libutti Award was established in 1970 to honor Louis G. Libutti, a former president of the chamber, which has served the Long Branch business community for more than 70 years.