Kajol Bishnoi:

EDISON, NJ (TIP): The Edison Chamber of Commerce honored 15 outstanding businesses and individuals at its 15th annual awards ceremony on June 3 at the Pines Manor, Edison. Prominent Indian American leaders H R Shah and Mahesh Chitnis were among the award recipients. In his acceptance speech H R Shah (Entrepreneur of the Year) reiterated the contribution of Indian community in the growth of businesses and employment in United States. Shah is the president/CEO of TV Asia and Chairman/CEO of Krauszer Food stores.

His successful entrepreneurship, outstanding philanthropic activities, glorious accomplishments in community service, dynamic leadership and exemplary support to South Asian community has been recognized by several organizations around the world. He is a role model for young entrepreneurs. Lion Mahesh Chitnis received Citizen of the Year award for volunteerism. He credited his success to the enthusiasm and dedicated service of members of Edison Visionary Lions Club.

As incoming governor of central Jersey Lions he promised to continue to serve our communities. Lion Chitnis has volunteered for various causes and received several accolades including “President’s Medal”, second highest award in Lions International. He has successfully promoted volunteerism among the local community, especially among youth. Other award recipients were Chamber Member of the Year: Angela Holdren, Little Genius Academy; Outstanding Businesses of the Year: Affinity Federal Credit Union, La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes, Geico; U.S. Veteran Business of the Year: Giulio Ferraro, Ferraro’s Restaurant; Young Entrepreneurs of the Year: Patankar, Kumar, Huang/Kardboard Environment; Citizen of the Year for Community Spirit: Master Tony Yu; Outstanding Organization of the Year: Kiwanis Club of Edison; Annamae Baerenbach Scholarship: Manuela Londono, Middlesex County College student; and Educator of the Year: Bohdanna Vitvitsky, J.P. Stevens High School.

Leadership during the James Monroe Elementary School disaster recovery went to Lynda Zapoticzny, principal, James Monroe School; Joann La Perla- Morales, president, Middlesex County College; and Richard O’Malley, superintendent, Edison school district. All recipients also received a joint citation from State senate and general assembly and a proclamation by Edison Mayor Tom Lankey. Senator Peter Barnes and Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin presented the citations. Several prominent community leaders and business owners graced the occasion.

About Edison Chamber of Commerce:- The ECOC is your voice in the township of Edison. Your business in what makes our community grow by providing jobs and tax dollars, and thereby creating and improving our civic, educational and cultural facilities. This Chamber is the liaison in forwarding the interests of the entire Edison Business community (approximately 7,000 businesses) to various opinion leaders.

Edison has a diverse population. ECOC is a non-profit organization with a leadership team of 27 officers and directors who meets monthly. The annual meeting is help in June when new officers and new directors are installed. The Chamber collaborates with many area business organizations.