Politics & Government

Nominations Due for Economic Development Awards

Nominations for the Lawrence Township Growth and Redevelopment Committee's 13th Annual Awards Program for Economic Development are due by the end of the business day on Aug. 9.

Nominations for the Lawrence Township Growth and Redevelopment Committee's 13th Annual Awards Program for Economic Development are due by 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 9.

The award 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 township and its residents. 

Nominations are being sought for eight different categories:

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  • 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 Evelyn A. Gill, retiring executive director of PEI Kids, a non-profit that addresses child abuse.
  • The New Large Business Award recognizes a successful new business (start-up or relocation) established in Lawrence Township during the past year.  Previous winners include Retro Fitness, Brandywine Realty Trust and Ramco Systems.
  • 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.  Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs was honored last year for its success as a small business in Lawrence.
  • The 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.  The winner last year was Leonardo’s II Mediterranean Grill for its service to the community.
  • The Residential Property 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.
  • The New Building/Renovation Award recognizes a significant new building or renovation project that enhances its surrounding neighborhood.   Choice One Pregnancy & Sexual Health Resources Center was awarded the honor last year for its building renovation, which was funded through a Small Cities grant awarded to Lawrence Township.
  • 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.  "A Guide to Lawrenceville’s Historic Landmarks" (printing funded through a Certified Local Government grant awarded to Lawrence Township) won the award last year for its promotion of Township history.
  • 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, the award went to Lawrenceville Elementary School PTO for its annual Used Toy and Clothing Sale.

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

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.

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