Banker Barbara Smith gave away two, and uniform merchandiser Bruce Goldberger received five.

Giving and getting leads to increase sales is what it's all about for the newly formed Cherry Hill Jewish Business Network, which held its third meeting on Wednesday.

Forty area busi-nesspeople exchanged cards and pitched their companies in one-minute monologues during a free networking session held at a Cherry Hill law office. The atmosphere was brisk, casual and friendly.

William Ferguson, founder and president of DataExport LLC of Delran, and Mel Zimmerman of the Cherry Hill Regional Chamber of Commerce gave longer presentations.

``I think this is wonderful. I came in here not knowing anything and I walked out with five leads," said Goldberger, a first-timer at the biweekly network. He is owner of PD Signatures, a Mount Laurel company that affixes logos to uniforms and other apparel.

Marketed specifically to the Jewish business community, the network is nevertheless open to all professionals, according to Jason Starkman, 30, its founder.

``I will not ban anyone, but I will not promote it to non- Jewish organizations,'' he said.

Founded Dec. 11, the network quickly bloomed to a membership of 75. Already, it is too large to continue meeting at its current location, the law office of Starkman & Nadel, Route 70. Jason Starkman, son of attorney Morris Starkman, a partner in the law firm, is seeking a new venue.

``I had no idea that in six weeks it would grow to something like this,'' said Starkman, a commercial real estate broker.

He thinks the network fills a void in a lackluster business climate. Starkman is targeting fellow Jews because of his close kinship with the Jewish community.

``The business community is very large, but the Jewish business community is a lot smaller," he said.

``With today's economy, we need a driving force to help people get business. I'll do anything I can to help myself and others make a living," he said.

Present at all three networking sessions so far, Barbara Smith, vice president of major accounts at Commerce Bank, helped one attendee schedule a job interview.

``I think these networks are important. They help people to continue and enhance their careers," said Smith.

Starkman is glad to see networkers promote each other. `` It's better to give a lead than to get a lead,'' he said.

Starkman envisions network programs to mentor businesses and college interns. He would also like the network to sponsor job fairs, panel discussions, health insurance services for members, and an angel investor system. In future months, dues may be collected to fuel programs.

The group's Web site is online with a page of contact information only but is still under construction. Starkman said it will launch by next week. Eventually, the Web site will list all members.

The next meeting will be held 8 a.m. Jan. 22. For location and more information, e-mailjason@jasonstarkman.com.