(October 24, 2008   Flemington, NJ)  Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater Commons Mall was named as a semi-finalist for the New Jersey Family Business Award 2008.  The major sponsors were NJ Monthly Magazine, the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc, and the Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies at Farleigh Dickenson University.  Roman Jewelers was named in the category for businesses with sales up to $10 million dollars per year, and was the only company in Hunterdon County to receive an award. The award ceremony took place at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ on October 7, 2008.  Nina Mitchell Wells, Secretary of State for New Jersey, gave the opening remarks at the award luncheon.  Brenda Blackmon, Co-Anchor of “My 9 News,” WOR-TV, served as master of ceremonies.  The Shor family, owners of Roman Jewelers, received a personal letter of congratulations from New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine in acknowledgement of the award. 2008 is the sixteenth year for the New Jersey Family Business of the Year Award.  A total of 47 New Jersey companies were nominated for this year’s contest.   Winners were selected based upon an extensive list of criteria that included:  the number of family generations that have been involved in the businesses, innovations within the companies, longevity, ability to deal with difficulties, and level of success.  The winners were also selected based upon their level of involvement within their communities Roman Jewelers is a fourth-generation business that was started at the end of the 19th century in Russia by Roman Shor’s grandfather, Jacob.  Roman’s father continued the business in Russia, and Roman and Sophie Shor emigrated to Flemington, NJ where they first opened their business in 1989.  Their daughter, Lucy Zimmerman, is general manager for both the Flemington and Bridgewater locations, and she represents the fourth generation of Roman Jewelers. Roman Jewelers is a family owned and operated store with locations in Flemington and the Bridgewater Commons Shopping Mall in Bridgewater. Roman Jewelers specializes in custom jewelry design, fine jewelry including diamond and bridal jewelry, designer jewelry and jewelry repairs.   The Roman Jewelers Flemington location also offers a wide selection of fine Swiss watches.  Visit Roman Jewelers at www.romanjewelers.com Contact: Sheila Palka, Marketing Director Roman Jewelers Telephone:  908-237-1223 sheila@romanjewelers.com