TRENTON – Senator Nellie Pou will attend the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Legislative Awards Reception in October to receive the award for Legislator of the Year.
She is one of four state legislators — two Democrats and two Republicans — named as recipients of the Chamber’s biannual Legislators of the Year Award. The award ceremony will also honor two members of the business community for their advocacy and leadership.
“I am beyond thrilled to receive this award,” said Senator Pou. “We recognize that businesses are our job creators and as a state we need to ensure that our state is making it easier for businesses to succeed. It is so important that we not only have a skilled workforce, but also a transportation system in place that allows businesses to move people and products. That is why replenishing the Transportation Trust Fund was critical and I am proud of the work we did to see this effort through.”
The Chamber selected Senator Pou and the other lawmakers based on their voting records, bill sponsorships and committee votes. All six recipients are being honored by the Chamber for their overall history of supporting the business community and for their work advancing New Jersey as a more business friendly state, and as a great place to live and work.
“The State Chamber applauds and congratulates the strong advocacy of Senator Pou during the 217th Legislative Session in helping us with our priorities in improving the economy, retaining and creating jobs and enhancing the overall business climate of New Jersey,” said Tom Bracken, president of the NJ State Chamber of Commerce. “We especially recognize and appreciate Senator Pou’s support for the replenishment of the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund and the passage of the comprehensive tax reform package that will go a long way in achieving those priorities.”
In addition to Senator Pou’s support for the replenishment of the Transportation Trust Fund and the tax reform package, the Chamber cited legislation she sponsored, S-1761, which directs the Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to promote basic skills training through organizations dedicated to the economic empowerment of specific segments of society, such as the African American Chamber of Commerce and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“A skilled workforce is essential for further economic growth and is a priceless asset to business owners,” added Senator Pou. “I was proud to sponsor legislation to require additional organizations to be included in the effort to promote workforce training. This is essential to making sure we are reaching all of our communities to ensure that residents have the skills and training they need to not only meet expectations but exceed them as well.”
The six winners will be recognized at the New Jersey Chamber’s Legislative Awards Reception on Oct. 11 at the Bank of America Hopewell Conference Center in Pennington.
