MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Distinguished Service Award Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Maplewood Country Club starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Distinguished Service Award has been presented to leaders in the town’s business and civic community for more than 60 years. This year’s honoree is John J. Meade Jr.
Meade’s career in the beer industry began in 1970 with Rheingold breweries in Orange. Through the years, he worked his way up from salesman, area manager and finally general sales manager of a 50-man sales crew. During the ensuing years, he became committed to supporting many Irish-American organizations, such as Project Children in the North Jersey area. He has been recognized by numerous civic organizations for his steadfast support and, in 1997, Meade was selected as the grand marshal of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Today, he is well-known to the community as proprietor of St. James’s Gate in Maplewood. He has been an active Chamber member and supporter. Over the years, Meade has been involved in countless local activities, hosted numerous community events such as Breakfast with Santa , hosted monthly Chamber meetings, and provided support through St. James’s Gate for many local charities. He has been and remains a staunch supporter of the local police, fireman unions and veteran organizations.
Entertainment at the event will be provided by Bruno Lee, the Bet HaSHEM Band and special guests. Tickets are charged. For more information, contact Executive Director Lorraine Labonne-Storch at 973-477-6352 or lstorch61@gmail.com, or visit www.maplewoodchamber.org.