TRENTON, N.J., Sept. 17, 2009 – Michael G. McGuinness, CEO of the New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP (the commercial real estate development association) will receive the Lewis R. Applegate Business Leader Award from the New Jersey Society for Environmental, Economic Development (NJ SEED) at its Annual Governmental Affairs Seminar. The event will take place on October 14 in Trenton.

NJ SEED is a coalition of labor and business leaders who support balanced public policies that create private-sector jobs, enhance the environment and build economic prosperity. NJ SEED Vice President Jim Benton of the NJ Petroleum Council, who nominated McGuinness for the award said, “Mike has, throughout his career, been committed to fostering a legislative and regulatory climate where the building and construction industries can prosper while meeting the needs of the citizens of our state.”

McGuinness is being honored for his leadership in advocating for a number of economic development initiatives enacted this year, including the New Jersey Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 and the Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Program.

“The commercial real estate industry creates and attracts private-sector jobs to New Jersey. It was critical that we enact economic stimulus legislation this year so that we are positioned to prosper as the national economy begins to recover,” said McGuinness. “I am honored to be selected to receive this award from the members of NJ SEED.”

Also being honored at the event will be: Outstanding Legislator Award recipients Senator Raymond Lesniak, Senator Joseph Kyrillos, Assemblyman John McKeon and Assemblyman Jon Bramnick; Labor Leader Dennis Hallion of the State Troopers NCO Association; Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Tom Carver of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority; and Executive Branch Leader Stephen Dilts, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Transportation.

In addition to the awards presentation, the NJ SEED Governmental Affairs Seminar will include programs on: “New Jersey’s Economy in Recession” with Rutgers Economist Joseph Seneca and “Stimulating New Jersey’s Economy”, an interactive discussion with members of the Corzine administration, moderated by New Jersey Network’s Michael Aron. The candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor have also been invited to attend.

For registration and event details, please visit www.njseed.org.