Awards honor contributions to county’s economy

The 18th annual Sussex County Economic Development Awards were handed out at a luncheon Oct. 20 in Newton.

They are presented by the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership to recognize businesses, projects and organizations making significant contributions to the county’s economy.

Here are the winners:

• Business Advocacy Award: Melanie Willoughby, executive director of NJ Business Action Center in Trenton.

• Business Expansion Award: Biondo Investment Advisors of Sparta and Perona Farms of Andover.

• Business Investment Award: Water Street Development of Newton.

• Distinctive Leadership Award: State Sen. Steven Oroho, R-24.

• Economic Innovation Award: Sussex County Community College McGuire Technical Education Center.

• Environmental Leadership Award: Ridge and Valley Conservancy and Foodshed Alliance.

• Longevity Award: Douwe Dykstra of Dykstra Associates.

• Municipal Award: Andover Township.

• New Business Award: Skylands Museum of Art.

• Redevelopment Award: Sparta Medical Campus.

• Training and Workforce Development: Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey.