NJBIA is recognizing six individuals, including a posthumous honor for political trailblazer Candy Straight, for their leadership in the business community at NJBIA’s upcoming Public Policy Forum entitled “The Road to Recovery.”
Receiving NJBIA’s annual Leonard C. Johnson Award are:
- Anthony “Skip” Cimino, Executive Director, Assembly Majority Office
- Aaron R. Fichtner, President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges
- Judy Savage, former President and CEO of New Jersey Council of Vocational and Technical Schools
The Leonard C. Johnson Award is given to those individuals who work to improve New Jersey’s economic vitality, encourage job growth, streamline government and make businesses feel welcome again in New Jersey.
Honored with NJBIA’s Paul L. Troast Award are:
- Senator Nellie Pou, District 35
- Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, District 21
The NJBIA presents the Troast Award annually to a public servant who has made an outstanding contribution to the State of New Jersey and its business community.
“Although all of our honorees walk in different lanes professionally, they have all truly distinguished themselves as leaders and champions of the business community,” Siekerka said. “We are proud to honor them for their leadership and support of NJBIA’s core mission to make New Jersey’s business climate more competitive through our policies and our workforce.”
This year, NJBIA also created the Candy Straight Woman Trailblazer Award, posthumously awarded to Straight, who passed away this year. Straight served as vice chair of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, was a member of the Rutgers Board of Governors, and played an instrumental role in the elections of Gov. Christine Todd Whitman in 1993 and 1997.
“Candy was a trailblazing advocate for women in New Jersey politics, in the business world and in the film industry,” Siekerka said. “She knew the challenges women face in reaching greater professional heights, but met and exceeded them. We look forward to continue this honor in her name for years to come.”
NJBIA’s Public Policy Forum takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Delta Hotels, Woodbridge. To register, click here.
