JON S. CORZINE
Governor, Chair

VIRGINIA S. BAUER
Commerce CEO/Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 5, 2006

Contact: Karen Wolfe
609.292.2523

NEW JERSEY COMMERCE, ECONOMIC GROWTH & TOURISM COMMISSION RECEIVES
PRESTIGIOUS “SPIRIT AWARD”

Trenton—Coastal America recently bestowed its prestigious Spirit Award on the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium and its participating partners in NJMSC’s Habitat Initiative. As a vital partner of this initiative, the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission was also recognized for its efforts to protect, preserve and restore New Jersey’s coastal resources.

“New Jersey has long been committed to the preservation and protection of our beautiful coastal environment,” said Commerce Secretary Virginia S. Bauer. “The Spirit Award is a testament to the dedication of the men and women whose outstanding team efforts to protect New Jersey’s vital coastal resources have made this honorable recognition possible.”

Created in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush and reaffirmed by President Bill Clinton in 1994, Coastal America is a partnership among federal, state and local governments created to protect, preserve and restore the nation’s coastal ecosystems.

“This impressive award spotlights New Jersey’s continued support of Coastal America’s ecotourism efforts by communicating the importance of preserving our coastal resources,” notes Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of New Jersey’s Office of Travel & Tourism. “Keeping our coastline healthy, attractive and inviting is vital to shore tourism, a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to be a vital contributor to New Jersey’s economy.”