Lawrence Township’s Growth and Redevelopment Committee is seeking nominations for the 15th Annual Awards Program for Economic Development.
Awards are presented each year to businesses, individuals and civic groups that have enhanced the community in ways such as job growth, expanding the township’s tax base, building or renovating a structure that improves the quality of life in the community or by participating in activities that benefit the Town and its residents.
Nominations are sought for eight different categories. Nominations are set to be due August 9.
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 Womanspace Inc.
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 Celsion Corporation.
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 Button’s Creperie.
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 winners were Morgan Stanley and St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center.
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. Last year’s winner was PRD Management.
A New Building/Renovation Award recognizes a significant new building or renovation project that enhances its surrounding neighborhood. Last year’s winner was ASI Contractor Supply.
The Podmore/Dwyer Historic Award celebrates a business, individual or community organization in Lawrence that promotes preservation of Lawrence Township history or has provided an effective educational avenue toward advancing knowledge of the township’s rich history. Last year’s winner was Dr. Brooke Hunter.
The award was named for township historians Harry J. Podmore and William “Bill” Dwyer. Podmore, who died in 1962, was a columnist for the Trenton Times and a historian who was instrumental in uncovering much of Lawrence Township’s early history. Dwyer, also a journalist and historian, followed in odmore’s footsteps, writing columns for the Times specializing in local history until he died in 2005.
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. 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 Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Nomination forms are online at lawrencetwp.com on the Grown & Redevelopment page.
Completed forms should be sent to Andrew Link, Township Business Advocate at Township of Lawrence, P.O. Box 6006, Lawrence, NJ 08648, by fax to (609) 896-0412, or by email to alink@lawrencetwp.com.
