Princeton NJ Business Press Releases

Chamber Readies to Celebrate Annual Award Winners

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”  The Awards Selection Committee doesn’t believe that Charles Dickens meant these past 18 months.  In an economic year that most of us would like to forget, a select few have risen above the challenges and will be honored at the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

As a result of these unusual times, The Mercer County Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner for Citizen of the Year, Distinguished Corporation of the Year, Outstanding Small Business of the Year,  Community Impact Award and a special award for this year – Lifetime Contribution Award.

Each year, the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Selection Committee selects the person and companies it believes best embody the practice of “corporate social responsibility”; the concept of combining social values into how everyday business is conducted. This year is no exception.  The past year presented the Selection Committee with several unique opportunities when choosing the honorees. The honorees have given of themselves and their companies time and time again, and in a year of crisis, these people and companies not only lead their organizations through the storm, they each displayed unique leadership and visionary characteristics that lead this Committee to create a special Lifetime Contribution Award to recognize a very special honoree this year in Edward F. Meara, III.  Ed has been a pillar of the community for almost his entire lifetime and has made incredible contributions to the Mercer Regional Chamber throughout. 

In an unprecedented move, the Committee has nominated our very own Chamber President, Michele N Siekerka as Citizen of the Year.  “While there were many candidates who have made significant contributions to our Chamber and region in the last 12 months, we could not think of anyone who has made more of an impact through her exemplary vision, planning and creativity than Michele.  Her commitment to the County goes way beyond her role as Chamber President and includes a seemingly endless time commitment as a community volunteer, resident leader and loyal citizen.”  said Chamber Chairman Sherise Ritter, CPA of Mercadien.

            Capital Health            Distinguished Corporation of the Year

            Mrs. G TV & Appliances            Outstanding Small Business of the Year

            T.A.S.K. (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen)            Community Impact Award

Michele N. Siekerka       Citizen of the Year

            Edward F. Meara, III            Lifetime Contribution Award

We are thrilled that Michele, Ed and our other distinguished nominees have accepted the Committee’s nominations.

The awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on April 21, 2010 at the Hyatt in Princeton.  For tickets and to purchase ads, visit the Chamber website at www.mercerchamber.org or call Jude Martin-Cianfano at (609) 689-9960 ext. 14 .