The Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual MAC Awards & Installation Dinner on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at MJ's Buttonwood Manor. The evening brought together business leaders, local officials, and community members for a night of networking, celebration, and recognition of civic and professional excellence throughout the region.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Chamber President's Special Recognition Award to Mayor Fred Tagliarini, who is retiring after 16 years of dedicated service as Mayor of Aberdeen. The award was presented by Chamber President Michael Grandi. In addition to the Chamber's recognition, Mayor Tagliarini received official proclamations from the County of Monmouth and the State of New Jersey, presented by Senator Vin Gopal.
2025 MAC Award Honorees
Chamber Ambassador of the Year
Michael Giasi, NY Life
Community Cornerstone Award
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
Business of the Year
Court Jester of Aberdeen
Philanthropic Impact Award:
Sal Longette, Town Tire Service
Spirit of Matawan
Maria Milazzo, Young at Art
Spirit of Aberdeen
David Shah, Dunkin'
Legacy & Milestone Recognition
10-Year Members
Barbara Downs McNulty, Esq.
DaCosta Design
Matawan Lodge #192 F&AM
Matawan Wellness Center
15-Year Members
An Eye to the Future
Court Jester of Aberdeen
SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel
20-Year Members
Amboy Bank - Aberdeen
LoDrago Insurance Services
35-Year Member
Joan Roum, Matawan-Aberdeen Hometown Shopper
60th Anniversary
Waitt Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Centennial Celebration
Meadowbrook Industries
A special surprise award was presented to Cathy Zavorskas, who served as Master of Ceremonies, recognizing her many years of dedicated service to the Chamber as a member, President, and Past President.
2025 Board Installation
Executive Board Officers (Installed by Mayor Fred Tagliarini):
* President: Michael Grandi
* Co-Vice Presidents: Alan Ao & Matthew Saldutti
* Secretary: Barbara Downs McNulty
* Treasurer: Kimberly Paone
New Board Members (Installed by Mayor Joseph Altomonte)
Ervis Bida
Michael Cline
Tanya Jones-Awolusi
Kevin Moran
Marina Plantz
Returning Board Members
Erika Boyer
Lindsay Constantino
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Event Sponsors:
Waitt Funeral Home & Cremation Services
(Premier Sponsor)
Aberdeen Together
(Meet & Greet Sponsor)
Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners
(Award Sponsor)
Restore Matawan & Aberdeen Forward
(Award Sponsor)
Vin Gopal Civic Association
(Award Sponsor)
Media Sponsors:
Mic Squared Events
(Entertainment)
Greyshore Studios
(Photography)
Thank You to Our Event Team
The Board of Directors would like to thank our dedicated Events Committee: Linda Martin, Caitlin Zavorskas, and Cathy Zavorskas, for their time, creativity, and effort in planning this memorable event. We also acknowledge the contributions of the Event Team: Lindsay Constantino and Donna Delgrosso whose assistance helped make the event a success.
Thank you to everyone who generously donated door prizes and to all the attendees who made the night truly special!
Click here to view photos from the evening.
