Lawrence Township Growth and Redevelopment Committee announced the winners of the 15th annual Economic Development Awards.
Every year, the Lawrence Township Growth and Redevelopment Committee, in conjunction with the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce, conducts an awards program.
The awards are presented in eight categories to businesses, individuals and civic groups that have enhanced the community in a special way, including job growth, expanding the tax base, 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.
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. This year’s recipients are Lawrence Road Fire Company, Lawrenceville Fire Company and Slackwood Fire Company
The Cheesecake Factory located at Quaker Bridge Mall received the New Large Business Award, which recognizes a successful new business—start-up or relocation— recently established in Lawrence Township.
The New Small Business Award is given to a small employer, family or individual business that makes a special contribution to the township. This category recognizes the entrepreneurs that occupy the smaller spaces among the township’s office and retail properties. This year’s winner is JC Strings located at 4120 Quakerbridge Road.
Great Looks Multicultural Hair Salon president Denise Taylor is the recipient of the Business Service Award. This award recognizes 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.
This year’s New Building/Renovation Award honors Mercer Council on Alcoholism & Drug Addiction. The council is recognized for a significant new building or renovation project that enhances its surrounding neighborhood.
Recipients of the Podmore/Dwyer Historic Award are Laura Nawrocik and Ashley Morris, who co-authored Lawrence Township Revisited. This award celebrates a business, individual or community organization in Lawrence that promotes preservation of the township’s history and has provided an effective educational avenue toward advancing knowledge of the township.
Finally, the Ralph Copleman Environmental Award, which recognizes a business, organization, community group or individual for environmental sustainability, goes to Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.
