The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has been honored with the Beacon of Heroes award by the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce for its community enrichment through service, leadership and achievement, in particular, focusing on those who were working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award. On behalf of my fellow commissioners, I want to thank the Monmouth County Regional Chamber of Commerce for selecting us,” Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone was quoted as saying in a press release.
“Throughout these unprecedented times, the commissioners have advocated tirelessly for residents and businesses, and this continues today. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a struggle for many, but we are proud of the work we have been able to accomplish to help those who were, and are, in need of assistance,” Arnone said.
“One of our major programs launched in response to the pandemic has been the Monmouth County CARES Economic Assistance Grant Program, which reimbursed small businesses and nonprofits for up to $20,000 in COVID-19-related expenses,” Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley said.
“Through this program, more than $40 million was dispersed to small businesses and nonprofits throughout Monmouth County. We also launched the Monmouth County Emergency Rental Assistance program which will allow eligible households to receive up to $15,000 for rental costs incurred on or after March 13, 2020. This award is an incredible honor and we are thankful we have been able to assist residents of our county,” Kiley said.
“Throughout the pandemic, the board has worked around the clock to make sure we had the latest information to provide to our residents and maintained frequent communication with state, county and local officials, and healthcare partners,” Commissioner Lillian G. Burry said.
“The Board of County Commissioners also made sure the residents of Monmouth County were confident in their ability to receive resources, such as weekly COVID-19 testing and the COVID-19 vaccine when it became available. I want to thank everyone who helped support us and for their dedication to making their community a better place,” Burry said.
“We are proud to have launched initiatives including the Monmouth ACTS Financial Recovery Initiative, which was created to educate and communicate financial programs and services available to Monmouth County residents who are facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Commissioner Nick DiRocco said.
“We also launched the ‘Take Out in Monmouth’ program that provided information about restaurants in the county that were offering take-out dining options and we are thrilled that more than 750 businesses signed up to be a part of the program. I am thankful and honored that our board has received this award,” DiRocco said.
“The commissioners came out strongly in opposition of park closures, in favor of indoor dining and businesses reopening, and for more vaccines for residents who were desperately seeking them this winter,” Commissioner Ross F. Licitra said.
“The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners remains committed to assisting residents, nonprofits and businesses. The Beacon of Heroes award is a testament to the commitment displayed by the Board of County Commissioners,” Licitra said.