NJCDC 14th Anniversary Dinner

Leaders from the New Jersey corporate, governmental and labor arenas celebrated the 14th anniversary of New Jersey Community Development (NJCDC) on Tuesday, October 28th at the Valley Regency in Clifton, New Jersey. The annual event is a celebration of the broad range of programs and services in the areas of community development, housing, education, and youth development that provide opportunities to transform lives in the city of Paterson.

Native son John Lawrence, one of the most respected Congressional staff members in Washington, D.C., was named as one of this year’s honorees. Mr. Lawrence, Chief of Staff to U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has championed initiatives to improve the lives of the people in Paterson and across the country. A 1966 graduate of Eastside High School, Mr. Lawrence was editor-in-chief of the Eastside Criterion during his days in the Silk City. His current responsibilities in Washington include development of legislative and political strategy for House Democrats, as well as serving as liaison to the U.S. Senate and the White House. Among his areas of legislative expertise are child and family policy, education policy, natural resource and energy policy, and labor policy. He has played a major role in writing legislation on special education, workplace safety and compensation, and foster care and adoption.

John Struble, President and CEO of Vision General Construction, Inc., was also honored by NJCDC this year. Mr. Struble was the lead partner in the successful development and construction of two residential buildings this past year – Birch Arms, serving the mentally-ill and formerly homeless, and Hawthorne Heights, supportive housing for residents with developmental disabilities. He also supported the construction of the Community Charter School of Paterson, which opened in September, 2008.

“We have been blessed with great friends at NJCDC. John Lawrence and John Struble stand tall among that group,” said Bob Guarasci, President of NJCDC. “John Lawrence, a man of tremendous political talent and experience, has worked his entire life for the people whom we serve every day at NJCDC – students of all ages and abilities, the working class, and those in foster care. He has a special place in his heart for the people of Paterson and his support of the Great Falls National Historic Park will help make this vision a reality.”

Mr. Guarasci further noted, “It is rare to complete one major construction project in a year. With John Struble’s help and leadership, we completed two residential projects and opened a charter school. John goes above and beyond on every job, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Vision General Construction for years to come. It is the underserved of Paterson – including the developmentally disabled and the homeless – who benefit most from his experience and commitment. We were excited to honor him this year.”

Gala underwriters for the 2008 Anniversary Dinner were Thomson Reuters and the Daleo Family. Sponsors of the event included PSE&G, Barclays, Cushman and Wakefield, JP Morgan Chase, Laborers Union – Eastern Region, Latham and Watkins, and Vision General Construction.