By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Several businesses, as well as a Lawrence Township resident, have been given awards by the Lawrence Township Growth and Redevelopment Committee, in conjunction with the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce.
The awards are presented in several categories to businesses, individuals and civic groups that have enhanced the community in one of several ways — 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.
The Lawrence Township Education Foundation has been picked to receive the Mayor’s Award for Economic or Community Development. The award is given to a business, civic group, public official or program that deserves special recognition for its efforts on behalf o the community.
The New Large Business Award recognizes a new business — either a start-up or a relocation — recently established in Lawrence Township. The winner is MDAdvantage Insurance Co. of New Jersey, located at 100 Franklin Corner Road.
Colonial Valley Chiropractic, located at 136 Lawrenceville-Pennington Road, is the winner of the New Small Business Award. It is given to a small employer, family or individual business that makes a special contribution to Lawrence Township, and recognizes the entrepreneurs that occupy the smaller spaces among the township’s office and retail properties.
The Route 1 Diner at 2009 Brunswick Pike at the location of the former Crystal Diner was awarded the Business Service Award. It is given 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.
Bellacina Kitchen & Bath, at 1911 Brunswick Pike, is the winner of the New Building/Renovation Award, which recognizes a significant new building or renovation project that enhances its surrounding neighborhood.
On an individual level, Kathlinda Saretzky has been given the Podmore/Dwyer Historic Award. The award celebrates a business, individual or community group in Lawrence that promotes the preservation of township history and/or has provided an effective educational avenue toward advancing knowledge of the township’s history.
And finally, the Ralph Copleman Environmental Award, which was given to the Friends of the Lawrence Nature Center, recognizes a business, organization, community group or individual for environmental sustainability.

