PDF VERSION

Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce recognized Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno as a Business Advocate of the Year at its Legislative and Business Awards Reception in Bridgewater yesterday.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from such a highly respected and distinguished organization,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “My focus on economic development and the enthusiasm of this Administration has led to a much friendlier business environment here in New Jersey, and that is something that we are very proud of. The combined efforts of the Partnership for Action, together with the enhanced incentive programs, are generating results and strengthening New Jersey’s competitive edge in the global economy, and we expect this momentum to continue.”

The Chamber selected honorees that have taken substantive action to improve the state’s economic climate and have worked to make sure that New Jersey takes full advantage of its many assets. Along with the Lt. Governor, Commissioner Harold J. Wirths of the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Linda Bowden, New Jersey Regional President of PNC Bank, were also honored with a Business Advocate of the Year Award. Several State legislators were also honored during the ceremony.

“It is truly an honor to be named a Business Advocate of the Year by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce,” said Commissioner Wirths. “My department is committed to working with businesses in the Garden State and assisting them with tools to help their businesses to be competitive and successful today and in the future. We will continue working to protect the trust funds by employing common sense measures, like the anti-fraud measures I instituted when I first came to Trenton, to ensure the funds remain solvent. This award reflects my department’s commitment to making New Jersey better for business.”

Founded in 1911, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization that actively supports legislation, regulation and initiatives that will lead to economic growth, job creation and prosperity throughout the state. The Chamber’s more than 1,200 member companies and associations represent 500,000 employees and billions of dollars in annual revenue.

"New Jersey faces many challenges, and we are fortunate to have individuals such as these advocating on behalf of economic growth,” said Tom Bracken, president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “Through their individual and bipartisan efforts in the areas of fiscal integrity and responsibility, tax reform, and red tape reform, our award winners are ensuring the Garden State's competitive future."

More information on the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce is available on its website at: http://www.njchamber.com/. 
      

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Legislative and Business Awards Honorees:  Labor
Commissioner Harold J. Wirths, Assemblyman Gary Schaer, Assemblywoman Caroline
Casagrande, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, PNC Regional President Linda Bowden,
Senator Jeff Van Drew, and Senator Kevin O’Toole.

Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths (center) accepts the Business Advocate of the Year
award from New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President Tom Bracken (left) and Senior
Vice President - Government Affairs Michael Egenton (right).