Nominations Sought for Economic Development Awards

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by Lawrence Township's Growth and Redevelopment Committee.

Lawrence Township’s Growth and Redevelopment Committee is seeking nominations for the 14th Annual Awards Program for Economic Development. 

These awards are presented each year to businesses, individuals, and civic groups that have enhanced the community in a special way: for job growth, expanding the tax base of the township, building or renovating a structure that improves the quality of life in the community, or by participating in local activities that benefit the town and its residents. 

Nominations are sought for eight different categories: The Mayor’s Award for Economic or Community Development; New Large Business; New Small Business; Business Service; Residential Property; New Building/Renovation; Historic Preservation; and Environmentally Sustainable Practices.

• The Mayor’s Award for Economic or Community Development is given to a business, civic group, public official, or program that deserves special recognition for its efforts on behalf of the community. Last year’s winner was Colonial Lanes.

• The New Large Business Award recognizes a successful new business (start-up or relocation) established in Lawrence Township during the past year.  Last year’s winner was Parsons Brinkerhoff.

• The New Small Business Award is given to a small employer, family, or individual business that makes a special contribution to Lawrence Township.  This category recognizes the entrepreneurs that occupy the smaller spaces among the Township’s office and retail properties.  Last year’s winner was Purple Cow.

• A Business Service Award is presented to a business that has made a significant contribution to the Township’s business or civic community, which may include a major building or renovation project.  Last year’s winner was The Romy Buerano State Farm Agency.

• A Residential Award is given to an individual or organization for building or restoring a single or multi-family property of note located within the Township’s residential areas.  Richard H. Morgan and Julius Gross were previous winners.

• A New Building/Renovation Award recognizes a significant new building or renovation project that enhances its surrounding neighborhood.   Last year’s winner was Subs & Bites at 2480 Brunswick Pike (Business Route 1).

• The Podmore/Dwyer Historic Award celebrates a business, individual or community organization in Lawrence that promotes preservation of Lawrence Township history and/or has provided an effective educational avenue toward advancing knowledge of the township’s rich history.  The award was named for township historians Harry J. Podmore and William “Bill” Dwyer.  Mr. Podmore, who died in 1962, was a columnist for the Trenton Times and well-respected historian who was instrumental in uncovering much of Lawrence Township’s early history.  Mr. Dwyer, also a journalist and historian, followed in Mr. Podmore’s footsteps, writing columns for the Times specializing in local history until he died in 2005. Last year’s winner was Fred Vereen, Jr.

• The Ralph Copleman Environmental Award, newly renamed in honor of Lawrence resident Ralph Copleman. the co-founder and first executive director of Sustainable Lawrence, goes to a business, organization, community group, or individual for environmentally sustainable practices (i.e., minimizing impact on natural resources).   This could include how they conduct business, the physical design of their offices or facilities, and/or the goods or services they produce or provide. Last year’s winner was Pamela H. Mount.

Completed forms should be sent to: Andrew Link, Township Business Advocate, Township of Lawrence, P.O. Box 6006, Lawrence, N.J. 08648, by fax to (609) 896-0412, or by email to alink@lawrencetwp.com. 

(A copy of the nomination form can be found in the media box above.)

Additional forms may be downloaded at www.lawrencetwp.com (Follow the link to the Growth & Redevelopment Committee page).  

All nominations must be received by Aug. 13, 2012.