More than 200 local business owners participated in a Tuesday morning networking business breakfast, presented by "Union County Means Business" and hosted at the headquarters of NJ Sharing Network in New Providence.

The focus was on digital news and hyperlocal media, and featured a panel that included Lorin Kleiner, regional publisher for Patch, Julio Sabato, publisher of ElizabethInsideOut TV and Michael Shapiro, publisher of The Alternative Press.

Wendi Caplan-Carroll, of the digital marketing company, Constant Contact, briefed the group on the use of social media to grow business.

Bob Provost, marketing director of The Star-Ledger, discussed the digital transition of the state's largest daily newspaper and it's companion web site, NJ.com.

The breakfast crowd was greeted by Alexander Mirabella, chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and Union County Manager Alfred Faella, who served as master of ceremonies.

The session was one of a series of special programs offered by "Union County Means Business."

More information about the group and its upcoming programs can be found on its web site at www.ucnj.org/ucmeansbusiness.