Last week, at a buzzing Pennington Sun National Bank, the Pennington Economic Development and Historic Preservation Commissions hosted the 6th Annual Business of the Year Social.
The Commissions honored Kim Waters of Zoe Graphics, Michelle Needham, and Beverly and Robert Mills.
The Pennington Economic Development chair, Eric Kollevoll, kicked off the evening. “Annually, Pennington Borough’s Economic Development Commission hosts a business awards social event at Sun Bank in our Borough’s downtown district,” said Kollevoll. “Each year, we celebrate the accomplishments of businesses, community volunteers and residents who have added to our way of life in Pennington.”
Eric Kollevoll, Chris Murphy (owner of The Front Porch), Weed Tucker and Pennington Councilwoman Catherine “Kit” Chandler presented Kim Waters, of Zoe Graphics, with the “Business of the Year” award for her continued commitment to Pennington Borough and her volunteer graphics contributions to so many economic development building opportunities including for Pennington’s 125th and the Pennington Business and Professional Association.
In receiving the award, Waters shared how she came to Pennington and expressed gratitude to her friends, family and colleagues for their support and guidance.
Michelle Needham, a 17 year Pennington resident, was honored with this year’s “Community Service Award Winner” for all of her extensive volunteer work for Pennington Borough and local organizations including Pennington Parks and Rec Commission, fundraising for the playground equipment in Kunzel Park, participation in the 125th Pennington Anniversary Committee, fundraising for the Hopewell Recreation Department skate board park, participation in the Hopewell Valley Arts Council and Hopewell Valley Recreation Foundation, plus support of the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance Come Outside & Play event, just to name a few!
Pennington Councilwoman Catherine “Kit” Chandler helped introduce and present this year’s Pennington Historic Presenvation Award to Beverly and Robert Mill for their work in preserving their 1856 home, originally purchased by Bev’s great grandfather, Joseph Smith and his wife Cora Houston Smith in 1911, which has remained in the Mills’s family since.
Quoting Pastor Gregory Smith of the Pennington Bethel AME Church, Chandler stated, “The Mill’s home is a wonderful representation of the African American Presence in Pennington.”
“In honoring Bev and Bob we are not only recognizing their commitment to maintaining and preserving the bricks and mortar of their historic home,” said Chandler, “We are more importantly recognizing their commitment to preserving, maintaining and stewarding an important part of our town’s history.”
