TRENTON, NJ — Speaking on behalf of Governor Jon Corzine, Personnel Commissioner Torres was the keynote speaker at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCC) held Tuesday, June 12, at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. In addition to the scholarship recipients, about 200 attendees were on hand from business communities, public and private organizations and local government.

During the gala, the SHCC honored seven scholarship recipients from Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology and William Paterson University. Selection was based on academic performance and community involvement. Financial need was also a consideration. The SHCC is a voluntary membership network of individuals, businesses, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and professional business associations from New Jersey and the Philadelphia area.

“Today we recognize the power of opportunity and the power of helping people obtain a college education,” said Personnel Commissioner Torres of the scholarship awards. “Under Governor Corzine’s administration, increased funding for higher education is a priority in this year’s State budget, in addition to supporting the efforts of small businesses owned by Hispanic Americans and a comprehensive, immigration reform plan,” Commissioner Torres added.

During the scholarship dinner, the SHCC also recognized Commissioner Torres for his contributions to the Hispanic community as one of the state government’s leading Hispanic officials.

Daniel Jara, President and CEO of the SHCC said, “Not only is it important to acknowledge and celebrate today’s scholarship recipients with this ceremony but by having Commissioner Torres, who is one of the State’s leading Hispanic government officials, his presence is representative of Hispanics who have given back to their communities.”

###

The mission of the New Jersey Department of Personnel is to attract, develop and retain a high quality workforce for State, county and municipal governments and to partner with management and labor to develop a fair, efficient human resource delivery system rewarding quality, merit, and productivity.