Schoor DePalma, an engineering and consulting firm based in Manalapan, announced that Frank A. Frega, professional engineer (P.E.), has been promoted to principal of the firm. Frega, a vice president, is the highway department manager and chief highway engineer.

Schoor DePalma recognized Frega as a principal at the company’s annual meeting held recently in North Branch. During the meeting, Schoor DePalma announced all new principals, associates and outstanding professionals. In 2000, Schoor DePalma had 38 principals. With the recent promotions, the total number of principals increased to 71.

Frega has more than 32 years of experience in the planning, design and rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, transit and airports. His expertise encompasses project management, highway design, preparation of contract documents, constructibility reviews, investigations and traffic studies, and traffic control during construction.

Frega has worked for Schoor DePalma for nine years, beginning his career as a project manager in the firm’s municipal department, and was subsequently promoted to deputy department manager, department manager, associate and now principal in the firm.

Frega received his bachelor of civil engineering degree at Manhattan College and his master of science degree in transportation planning at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn/Polytechnic University, New York. He is a member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, American Society of Highway Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He is a registered professional engineer in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and a registered professional planner in New Jersey. He is a resident of Toms River.

Brace Place Orthodontics, which has offices in Freehold Township, Manalapan, and East Windsor in Mercer County, has received Align Technology’s Century Club Award.

Drs. Brad Elkin, Josh Epstein, Martin Epstein, George Sargiss and Thomas Morgenstern have been named to the Align Technology Top 100. The honor recognizes orthodontists who have demonstrated the highest level of expertise with Invisalign Technology. The Web site is www.braceplace.com.

Cartridge World, a retailer of cartridge refilling services, announced the opening of its newest franchise, located at 64 Village Center Drive in the Raintree Towne Center, Freehold Township. The store is slated to open in May, with a grand opening celebration scheduled for June 18.

Consumers and businesses will be able to drop off their cartridges for ink jet and laser printers and photocopy and fax machines to the store, where they will be refilled. Customers will get back the same printer cartridge they brought in.

Cartridge World was founded in Australia in 1991 and has more than 500 locations worldwide. Freehold Cartridge World can be reached at (732) 333-1925 or by e-mail at cwfreehold@optonline.net.

Commerce Bank announced that it recently partnered with The Center for Holocaust Studies at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, to bring Holocaust education to more than 500 area students.

Commerce Bank donated $2,000 to The Center for Holocaust Studies to help fund the production of “Dear Esther,” a play that tells the story of Esther Terner Raab, now a resident of Vineland, who survived the Sobibor death camp as a child during the Holocaust. The play was recently performed at Lakewood High School.

According to the press release, Commerce Bank’s Giving Program has contributed more than $30 million to help improve the quality of life of the people living in the communities served by the bank. Commerce Bank, based in Cherry Hill, has more than 320 branches in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2005, the bank plans to open 55 new locations.