(CAMDEN) -Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D-Camden/Gloucester) received the Education Award from the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) at their annual Pinnacle Awards Dinner Monday night, held at the Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees. Award recipients are chosen for their outstanding work in the South Jersey community.
Assemblyman Fuentes was chosen as the Education Award recipient for his pioneering efforts with education reform in the State of New Jersey. The Assemblyman sponsored the Urban Hope Act, which was signed into law earlier this year and allows for up to four innovative public schools each to be built in Camden, Newark and Trenton. He is also sponsoring the Opportunity Scholarship Act, aimed at creating scholarships enabling students in chronically failing schools to attend out-of-district or private schools.
“Every child should have access to the best resources our state has to offer. That is why I have fought and continue to fight to bring a quality education to all our students, regardless of their zip code,” said Assemblyman Fuentes.
“It is encouraging to know that a group with such deep ties to the community and with such a long history as the Chamber recognizes the importance of these initiatives. The success of our economy is tied to strong educational opportunities for our children – they are the next generation’s workforce, leaders, inventors and builders.”
The event keynote speaker and Chairman’s Award recipient was Michael Barkann, award-winning host, anchor and reporter for Comcast SportsNet. Fellow honorees include Brandywine Realty Trust, L-3 Communications Systems-East, James B. Kehoe – Business Manager of Local 322 Plumbers and Pipefitters, Senator Diane Allen and the Center for Family Services.
“I am deeply grateful to the Chamber for selecting me for this honor, and for inviting me to stand alongside such accomplished individuals,” Assemblyman Fuentes added.
The CCSNJ, the largest of its kind in the region, is a not-for-profit business organization founded in 1873. The Chamber’s mission is to provide members with opportunities to meet other members and do business, resources to enhance members’ position in the marketplace, and a collective voice on policy issues that impact business.