Wanted: Nominations of businesses and individuals who have contributed to the economic viability or quality of life in Lawrence Township during the past year.
That’s what the Lawrence Township Growth and Redevelopment Committee is seeking as it gears up for the 20th annual Economic Development Awards ceremony in October.
The advisory group is seeking nominations for eight categories, ranging from awards for new large businesses to new small businesses, to residential awards and preservation and environmental awards.
The deadline to nominate a business or individual is Aug. 3. Nomination forms are available on the township website at www.lawrencetwp.com
The awards are given to businesses, individuals or civic groups that have enhanced the township through job growth, an expansion of the ratable base, or by taking part in activities that benefit the township and its residents, according to municipal officials.
The Mayor’s Award for Economic or Community Development is presented to a business, civic group, public official or program that deserves special recognition for its outstanding and continual benefits to the community. There were two winners last year – The Lawrenceville School and Rider University.
The New Large Business Award is given to a new business that established itself during the past year or in the first six months of this year. The winner last year was Costco, corner of Quakerbridge and Lawrence Station roads.
The New Small Business Award goes to a small employer, family or individual business that makes a special contribution to the township. The business must have fewer than 50 employees to qualify. Last year’s winner was Centercourt Club & Sports at Lawrence, 1080 Spruce Street.
The Business Service Award is geared toward a business that has contributed to the township’s business or civic community. It may include a major building or renovation project. The award last year went to Willis Greenhouses, 1365 Lawrence Road.
The New Building/Renovation Award recognizes a significant new commercial or institutional building or renovation project that enhances the surrounding neighborhood. Valet Auto Wash, 4 Litho Road, was honored last year.
The Residential Award goes to an individual or organization for building and/or restoring a single-family or multi-family property in one of the township’s residential neighborhoods. There was no winner last year.
The Podmore/Dwyer Award is presented to a business, individual or community organization that promotes the preservation of the township’s history, or that has helped to educate others about the township’s history. Archaeologist Ian Burrow of Burrow Into History LLC earned the award last year.
Finally, the Ralph Copleman Environmental Award honors a business, organization, community group or individual that practices sustainability. The winner last year was Junior Girl Scout Troop 70019.
Completed nomination forms should be sent to Lawrence Township Business Advocate Andrew Link at 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, by fax to 609-896-0412 or by email to [email protected]