Biz News: Travel Magic Cited by Conde Nast; Toy Collection Complete

Condé Nast recognizes Basking Ridge-based travel company

Susan Kelly, founder of Travel Magic, a Basking Ridge-based travel company specializing in Disney vacations, has been honored for a fifth year on the 2011 List of Top Travel Specialists by high-end luxury travel magazine Condé Nast
Traveler.

The annual list by Condé Nast Traveler represents the world's finest travel companies, and is one ofthe most highly sought honors in the travel and tourism industry, Kelly said. Those on the list of travel specialists are chosen for offering the best combination of specialized knowledge, first-hand travel experience, local connections, user-friendliness, and value, she said.

The magazine interviews many people before making the selection, said Kelly, who has run the worldwide travel company from her home for 12 years. "It's a spot you earn by having a qualifying level of experience, service levels and knowledge," she said. The article appeared in the December issue of the magazine, she said.

Servicing travelers all over the world, Travel Magic has been specializing in Disney vacations since 1999, according to Kelly. Vacation destinations include Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and the new Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii. For more information, contact ask@travelmagic.com.

Weichert, Realtors Toy Drive collects thousands of toys

Weichert, Realtors, with an , and the Weichert Family of Companies successfully completed its 33rd annual Toy Drive, collecting more than 13,000 new toys for disadvantaged children in time for the holiday season, and over $8,000 in monetary donations in offices from the New York area through Virginia, Weichert announced.

More than 6,000 toys and $1,000 in cash donations were collected in the region that includes the Somerset Hills, said Sue Kauffman, communications specialist for Weichert.

The collected toys were donated to numerous charities throughout the regions in which Weichert does business, including Freedom House in Glen Gardner, Anderson House in Whitehouse Station, Jersey Battered Women's Shelter and Childhelp USA, to name just a few, according to Weichert.

“The Weichert Family of Companies continues its commitment to help better the lives of those in need within our community,” said Jim Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors. “We are delighted by the support and generosity displayed by our sales associates and employees, as well as the residents of the communities we serve through our annual toy drive.”

The new, unwrapped toys were collected by Weichert, Realtors sales offices, corporate staff members and franchise affiliates. In addition to the toys collected, Weichert also collected clothing, food and financial contributions, which were passed along to various charities.

Somerst County Business Partnership holding introductory session Jan. 17 on opportunities with the partnership

The Somerset County Business Partnership, the business advocacy organization in Somerset County, is holding free "Let's Get Started" sessions during 2012 to highlight the benefits of membership, according to an announcement.

The first monthly casual introduction to Business Partnership opportunities is scheduled for 8 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Business Partnership offices, 360 Grove Street at Route 22 east in Bridgewater.

“Let’s Get Started” is an interactive discussion that will provide information on factors that will positively impact business, according to the partnership. Included in the hour-long discussion will be “Who is the Business Partnership?” "How will the Partnership help my business?” "How to make the most of membership,” “How to get involved in the community,” “How to become engaged,” “How have others used the Partnership for success,” and “What’s next?”

The session also provides a networking opportunity for attendees, according to the partnership. There is no charge for the “Let’s Get Started” session but seating is limited and reservations are requested.

Reservations may be made online, or by calling the Business Partnership at 908-218-4300, ext 12. Light refreshments will be served.

The Somerset County Business Partnership serves as Central New Jersey’s regional Chamber of Commerce, according to information from the partnership. Members and investors represent public, private and community organizations, working in partnership and dedicated to maintaining and promoting economic prosperity and quality of life in Somerset County.