Chris Hooks, Salem County, NJ Realtor, Broker Associate

The First Annual PBA Business Expo: SUCCESS!

Yesterday in the Pennsville Memorial High School Gymnasium, from 10am to 2pm, nearly 50 local business people joined together to host an entertaining and FUN Expo.

The Pennsville Business Association (PBA) Expo Committee would like to thank all of the businesses and hard-working volunteers involved in the tremendous success of the Expo held on November 14. Hundreds of residents attended the community event which featured a wide variety of products and gift items for sale, promotional information, creative displays, special discount offers, door prizes, delicious food, music, and live karate and dance performances. Special thanks to Pennsville Memorial High School for the use of the gymnasium and to Jamy and Mike for their assistance.

The Expo provided a forum for residents to learn about, and in many cases sample, local products and services. It was also an opportunity to "put a face to the name" of local businesses, particularly home-based businesses that don't have the benefit of a brick and mortar storefront. Supporting local businesses is especially critical in the current economy and the Expo demonstrated the desire of local residents to do just that.

There were most interesting give-a-ways: a one minute shopping spree at the dollar store (Coldwell Banker Pino Agency, www.pinorealty.com), a complete turkey dinner - yes, it even included the turkey! (ERA Preferred, www.era.com), a one-hour massage (Juice Plus, www.chookssharesjuiceplus.com) a $50 gift certificate for framing (PictureThat! Frame Shop) 10% off construction projects (McVeigh General Contracting, www.McVeighGC.com), a HUGE crockpot (Davis Day Trips, www.davisdaytrips.com), fresh popcorn (Pennsville National Bank, www.pennsvillenb.com) and more!

The PBA looks forward to hosting the Expo again next year and to offering even more events to benefit local businesses and residents throughout the year.

Pennsville Business Association Expo Committee -

Debbie Davis - Davis Day Trips

Chris Hooks - Coldwell Banker Pino Agency

Angela Lombardo-Sacchet - Salone di Bellezza

Rachael Massing - Franklin Bank (Expo Chairperson)

Today started very early since it was the BIG DAY for the 1st Annual Business Expo in Pennsville Township. The committee was to be at the PMHS Gymnasium between 7:30 and 8:00 am. The committee Chairperson, Rachael Massing, of Franklin Savings Bank had worked diligently to make sure all bases were covered............everything was in place........everyone knew their role.

The alarm went off at 5:45am. I'm not proud to say that it prompted me to say 'bad words'. ( not a morning person!) But I did it, I got up and got ready even though the dark side was tempting me to stay in bed a little longer.

Rachael posted a comment on Facebook at 6:17am. Then my phone rang at 6:45am. Our Chairperson had been involved in a car accident on her way to the Expo. That quickly her day changed dramatically. The roads were slippery and her car had spun out of control. Before I go much further, I need to tell you that she is fine and she's going to be fine, but her neck is sprained, she has a severe headache and her car is totaled.

There were 2 things that Rachael needed me to do. Only 2 things. She had 46 vendors, a disc jockey, 2 entertainment troops and more to oversee and only 2 things that needed to be done.

The event went off without a hitch and while we missed our leader, it was a testament to her leadership abilities that the Expo ran so smoothly in her absence.

I decided that today was the perfect example of what happens when a leader does an EXCELLENT job, not a good job, an EXCELLENT job. She didn't even have to be there. The event was a great success.

Rachael, I'm so sorry that you had such a challenging day. I'm so proud of the job you did for all of us. Thank you so very much! Well Done!

Served Foreclosure Papers? 5 Things You Should Do.

My heart goes out to anyone who must suffer through the stress and embarrassment of being served a foreclosure complaint. I'm sure no one ever put this on their list of "Goals for the New Year". Unfortunately, more Americans are experiencing this awful situation.

I'd like to provide a little advice and perhaps a little comfort if you ever find yourself faced with a county official at your door with an ugly document in his hand.

First, take a deep breath, you're going to make it through this. You are not alone, even though you may feel that way. The most important thing to do at this time is to do the best that you can to read the complaint. It will probably be confusing to you if you are not versed in reading legal contracts, but you need to look it over none-the-less. Pay close attention to the dates. In particular, the date that it was filed, the date on which you were served and the date you must answer the complaint by.

Next, and this is very important, you need to talk to someone who can help you! Please don't try to handle this critical situation on your own. Call your Mom or Dad, your brother or sister, a close friend - it doesn't matter who - BUT make sure it is someone who will not be emotional, critical or judgmental. Tell someone who can keep you grounded and who possesses a clear head.

The next step that I suggest is to call your mortgage company or bank. This can be one of the toughest calls for some to make. A study was done in 2008 that documented that over 50% of homeowners faced with foreclosure never reach out and call their lenders even once. Not even once! This is a huge mistake, it really is. When you speak to your lender, it is helpful if you can voice what your intentions are. Do you want to try to stay in your home? Do you want to sell it? Do you think you need to file for bankruptcy?

Now is the time to call an attorney. Many people feel that they are unable to afford the fee for legal advice. They feel that if they don't have the money for the mortgage payment, how can they afford to pay an attorney? The reality is that you can most likely find an attorney who will provide a consultation for a small fee. The last client of mine who was in this predicament visited with an attorney for over an hour for a fee of $50.00. An attorney will be able to explain all of your options and the time-lines that you must adhere to, better than anyone else. Additionally, most states offer FREE legal advice to homeowners who are in default on their loans. Most mortgage companies and banks will provide the contact information to you.

In my mind, these are the 5 necessary, initial, actions to deal effectively with a foreclosure complaint. If you find yourself in this situation, please remember, as I already stated, you are not alone. Also, know that there is help for you. Don't be afraid to ask for it.

Basket Bingo Anyone?

On Friday, November 20th, 2009 The Pennsville Public Library will be holding it's first Longerberger Basket Bingo at the Pennsville VFW, from 6 to 9pm. The fun includes doorprizes, bingo, treats to eat, 50/50 and more! Did I mention it's going to be FUN!!!

I hope you will consider joining us for this terrific fundraiser. All proceeds go to the Library's operating budget. Simply go to The Library, 190 S. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070 to purchase your tickets - $20 or $25 at the door.

Thanks for your support!

www.pennsville.org

www.pennsvillenews.com