Ex-retailer’s community service recognized

Economic and Business Development

Commission honors Larry Lane
for service to business community
By:Charlie Olsen
   Thirty years after he joined his father’s business, Hillsborough Lawn & Garden, Larry Lane shut the doors of the business to sell the property for development by CVS Pharmacy.
   Mr. Lane was presented an award in front of 150 of his peers for his contribution to Hillsborough on Oct. 16 at the sixth Hillsborough Economic and Business Development Commission (EBDC) social at Royce Brook Golf Club.
   "It’s a recognition for community service, also serving the business community," said Hillsborough Business Advocate Gene Strupinsky. "It’s a longevity kind of award."
   Mr. Lane’s father, Larry Lane Sr. opened the business in 1945 as a part-time business repairing engines and power equipment behind his home on Amwell Road in Neshanic.
   As the business grew and franchises with power equipment companies were incorporated, the business also expanded into sales, purchasing aan old grocery store on Amwell rRoad to hold that side of the business.
   "This business has been in Hillsborough, running some kind of business for the past 60 years," said EBDC secretary Cindy Klepich.
   When Mr. Lane joined the business in 1971, the equipment lines expanded into name-brand chain saws, mowers and sweepers.
   "Over the years, the last 10 to 15 years before the landscaping industry took over, if you moved to Hillsborough we got to know you," Mr. Lane said.
   By 1982, the business had added more mechanics and product than its second location could handle, and moved to its third and final location — focused on retail — at the corner of Route 206 and Raider Boulevard.
   The barn was redone. Parking was increased. And by 1986, a larger building had to be built to contain the ever-growing business. A couple years ago, Hillsborough Lawn and Garden closed, so the property could be sold to CVS.
   "It’s nice to be honored, even if it is postmortem," Mr. Lane said. "We closed a couple of years ago because the property was being sold, but being in retail in Hillsborough has been something I’ve enjoyed."