Lawrence Township’s Growth and Redevelopment Committee is seeking nominations for the 16th annual Awards Program for Economic Development.
The economic development awards are presented each year to businesses, individuals, and civic groups that have enhanced the community in a special way, such as job growth, expanding the township’s tax base, building or renovating a structure, or 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 winners were the Lawrence Road Fire Company, the Lawrenceville Fire Company, and the Slackwood Fire Company.
The New Large Business Award recognizes a successful new business established in Lawrence Township during the past year. Last year’s winner was The Cheesecake Factory.
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. Last year’s winner was JC Strings.
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 Great Looks Multicultural Hair Salon president Denise Taylor.
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. The last 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 the Mercer Council on Alcoholism & Drug Addiction.
The Podmore/Dwyer Historic Award celebrates a business, individual or community organization in Lawrence that promotes preservation of township history or has provided an effective educational avenue toward advancing knowledge of the township’s history.
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 respected historian who was instrumental in uncovering much of Lawrence Township’s early history. Dwyer, also a journalist and historian, followed in Podmore’s footsteps, writing columns for the Times specializing in local history until he died in 2005. Last year’s winner were Lawrence Township Revisited co-authors Laura Nawrocik and Ashley Morris.
The Ralph Copleman Environmental Award, named in honor of Sustainable Lawrence co-founder and executive director Ralph Coplemane, goes to a business, organization, community group or individual for environmentally sustainable practices. Last year’s winner was Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.
Completed forms should be sent to Andrew Link by email to alink@lawrencetwp.com, by fax to (609) 896-0412, or by mail to Township Business Advocate, Township of Lawrence, P.O. Box 6006, Lawrence, NJ 08648, or by email to
The deadline for nominations is Aug. 8.
More information, including nomination forms, is online at lawrencetwp.com.
