Nearly 500 local businessmen and women recently attended Columbia Bank‘s Annual Northern New Jersey Business Reception, held at Macaluso’s Restaurant in Hawthorne, New Jersey. The keynote speaker for the annual event was sports writer and television personality Len Berman, who shared his unique perspective on the world of sports.

Thomas J. Kemly, Columbia’s President and Chief Executive Officer, addressed the business audience, profiling Columbia’s strong financial position, community support efforts and the bank’s ongoing response to the economy. Mr. Berman then entertained the crowd with sports stories, personal memories and predictions. Following his presentation, Mr. Berman answered questions and mingled with guests.

Headquartered in Fair Lawn, NJ, Columbia Bank has an asset base of approximately $4.6 billion and 44 full-service offices throughout New Jersey. Columbia Bank offers a wide range of consumer and commercial products, including online and mobile banking, localized lending centers as well as investment and wealth management services. For more information about Columbia Bank’s full line of products and services, visit their website at www.columbiabankonline.com.