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 seeks as it gears up for the 21st annual Economic Development Awards ceremony in October.
The advisory group is seeking nominations in 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. 2. 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 ratables 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. Cooper Pest Control, located at the Lawrence Shopping Center, was the winner last year.
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. RWJ Rehabilitation at Delaware Valley won the award for remodeling office space in an existing building on Franklin Corner Road last year.
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. The Beauty Bar Design Studio on Brunswick Pike won the award last year.
The Business Service Award is geared toward a business that has contributed to the township’s business or civic community. Lawrence Family Chiropractic was last year’s winner.
The New Building/Renovation Award recognizes a significant new commercial or institutional building or renovation project that enhances the surrounding neighborhood. Explorations Community Preschool and Daycare Center on Princeton Avenue received the award 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. Former Township Historian Dennis Waters won the award last year.
Finally, the Ralph Copleman Environmental Award honors a business, organization, community group or individual that practices sustainability. Last year’s winner was the Lawrence Township Public School District.
Completed nomination forms should be sent to Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, ATTN: Community Development; by fax to 609-896-0412; by email to [email protected]; or google.docs.