The Commissioner was selected for the honor by the Food Council Committee for Good Government Board of Governors, which said it wanted to recognize his significant accomplishments as a Christie Administration official and his support of the food industry in New Jersey. The award, presented on Oct. 5, is named after the Food Council’s former colleague, the late Tom Kelly, who served in state government as the Superintendent of Weights and Measures before joining the Food Council.

The Food Council cited the Commissioner for being “accessible and responsive to the interests and concerns of the New Jersey food distribution industry by working with NJFC on several key food industry issues.” The group also recognized the Commissioner for his significant role as a leader that forges public/private partnerships and workforce initiatives, specifically his leadership on Customized Training issues and participating in the Council’s OSHA Workshop.

The Food Council also issued “Distinguished Legislator Awards” to Senator Steven Oroho and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley, and it’s “Good Government” Award to Mitch Klein of Krasdale Foods, Inc.

Commissioner Harold J. Wirths was presented with the Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award by
William Sumas of Village Supermarkets at the New Jersey Food Council’s 39th Annual Good
Government Breakfast.