Nov. 28 luncheon to focus on county's business outlook

WEST LONG BRANCH - Monmouth County's economic conditions and forecast will be center stage when a top area business executive addresses the Fifth Wednesday Squires Luncheon at Branches, West Long Branch.

Ben Waldron, executive director of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC), will describe findings in the organization's 2006 Business Outlook Survey. The comprehensive study asks business leaders in Monmouth and Ocean counties about their views on current and future conditions, and is considered an important measure of business temperament.

"This survey is a valuable tool for anyone in business here, anyone looking to start or expand one, or anyone considering looking for career opportunities in the region," Bea Duffy, director of the Monmouth County Department of Economic Development, said in a press release. "Our business sector is very active and the MODC Business Outlook Survey is a very accurate measure of how the future will be."

The department has sponsored the Fifth Wednesday Squires Luncheon for nearly 20 years. It got the name because it is held every fifth Wednesday, and because it began at Squire's Pub, which has since been renamed Branches. The luncheon is the largest regularly scheduled gathering for Monmouth County's leading business, government and civic leaders, she said.

Assistant Director Arthur Chasey said Waldron is a veteran of business development and advocacy, having worked with MODC for many years to make it one of the most important enterprise organizations in the two counties.

"MODC has a wide variety of programs that help businesses grow, and that helps our residents have added opportunities for employment and investment," Chasey said. "Our department is a central clearinghouse for information on nearly every aspect of business development and is a valuable bridge between public, private and civic enterprises. We work closely with MODC because we admire its accomplishments and the assets it makes available to us and others."

Waldron's address will be presented Nov. 29 at Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch. Reservations are being accepted. The event begins at noon.

Attendees have a choice of stuffed fillet of yellowtail flounder or sliced London broil. Tickets are $30. For information or reservations, call the department at (732) 431-7470.