It was a bright night for Moorestown at the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Voice of Business Awards last month.
Among this year’s recipients are Mayor Quinton Law; Christopher Keating, founder and managing member of the Keating Law Firm; Eileen Wirth, president and CEO of Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development (MEND); the Perkins Center for the Arts; and the Burlington County Agricultural Center.
The ceremony annually celebrates the businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, resilience and community impact.
MEND, an organization that provides secure, safe and affordable housing to individuals and families, gained a fierce leader when Wirth joined the board years ago. As the recipient of the Chairman’s Award of Excellence, she has dedicated her life to strengthening communities in South Jersey and the region. From the moment Wirth became involved with MEND, she has volunteered countless hours, offered guidance and quickly became a trusted leader.
“Thank you for recognizing that the connections that are being made through this organization are such a benefit to what we do and what we all do with our businesses and our companies,” Wirth said. “Connections with (the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce) have strengthened us as an organization, strengthened services to the team at MEND and our residents.”
The Perkins center is a cornerstone of cultural life that provides a connection with the arts to more than 72,000 people each year. At its core, Perkins is committed to accessibility and inclusion, with free and low-cost programs and community outreach to those underserved by the arts.
“Our ability to do this work is the result of strong community partnerships,” noted executive director Kahra Buss. “The impact that Perkins Center for the Arts has on our communities is a direct result of the support and the efforts being made by the entire team.
“This team of amazing professionals are the reason that the arts are alive in South Jersey.”
Located on a preserved farm off Centerton Road on the Moorestown-Mount Laurel border, the Burlington County Agricultural Center is best known for hosting its weekly farmer’s market on Saturdays from May through early December. As the recipient of the Economic Development Award, the center also functions as a county park, garden and education center devoted to farming, food production, nutrition and land stewardship.
A portion of the property continues to be leased for farming, and the site also has community gardens, demonstration fields and a commercial kitchen that is available for rent and a site for various cooking and gardening classes offered by the Burlington County Parks System.
“Anyone who has visited the Burlington County Agricultural Center during a market day or for a parks program or other special event can see how special it is, and we appreciate the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce’s recognition of the agricultural center and all the county has invested in it,” stated county Commissioner Randy Brolo.
The chamber’s Public Voice Award recognizes a leader who’s a proven ally to the business community, and whose efforts have enriched the economy. As Moorestown’s first Black mayor and one of the youngest in the state, Law has advanced responsible, economic development that supports a variety of business districts while preserving Moorestown’s historic charm.
“The heart of the work that we do is the people, and it’s about creating a community where businesses grow, people can see themselves and their future in Moorestown, and the American dream feels within reach for families,” he explained. “I’m proud to say that we’re finally seeing what we’ve known all along, that our communities are growing, our downtowns are thriving, our businesses and our nonprofits are innovating and Burlington County is the place to be.”
Located on a preserved farm off Centerton Road, the county agricultural center is best known for hosting its weekly farmer’s market.
The recipient of the Personal Excellence Award is a role model who demonstrates leadership and commitment to the community. Keating is not only an accomplished attorney, public servant and community advocate, he’s also the township’s deputy mayor, a councilman, a member of the planning board and a liaison to key community initiatives.
“When I look around this room, I see so many incredible people who make Burlington County a special place to live, to work and to make something special for yourself and your family,” he observed. “ … People who have fallen on hard times call on me to be their advocate and … I know this (Keating) law firm will not fail, because failing good people is not an option.
“No one earns an award called Personal Excellence on their own,” Keating acknowledged. “Whatever excellence I have managed to achieve, if any, has been built on the foundation of the people (around) me.”
Christopher Keating (left to right), founder and managing member of the Keating Law Firm; Mayor Quinton Law; Eileen Wirth, president and CEO of MEND; Kahra Buss, executive director of the Perkins Center for the Arts; and Mary Pat Robbie, director of Burlington County’s Resource Conservation, at the chamber awards.
