The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce honored four legislators, two members of Gov. Chris Christie's cabinet and a tireless New Jersey bank executive - all of whom have gone above and beyond to help recharge New Jersey's business climate - at a reception in Bridgewater on Oct. 14.

The event, held at the New Jersey Center of Excellence at Bridgewater, attracted 150 guests, including members of both parties - many of whom said it is time for the parties to put politics aside and pave the way for more economic development and jobs in the Garden State.

"Everybody is always asking, 'What's the formula for growing jobs?'" said Labor Department Commissioner Harold J. Wirths, an award recipient. "It's simple: Less regulations, less laws and less taxes."

Lt. Gov. Guadagno, who also was honored, said she considers the award a contract between the Christie administration and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce to continue working together to grow the economy over the administration's final two years. "You shouldn't get an award for doing your job," Guadagno said. "This is a pay-it-forward award for those who pass up the obstructionism and look for solutions to our challenges."

The four winners of the Legislative Awards are:

• Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1 / Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties)
• Sen. Kevin J. O'Toole (R-40 / Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic Counties)
• Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-36 / Bergen and Passaic Counties)
• Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-11 / Monmouth County)

The three winners of the State Chamber's Business Advocacy Awards are:

• Kim Guadagno, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State
• Harold J. Wirths, Commissioner, N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development
• Linda Bowden, New Jersey Regional President, PNC Bank

The award winners were presented crystal sculptures depicting a light bulb in honor of Thomas A. Edison, one of the Chamber's founding members, and in honor of the innovative spirit in New Jersey.

"I will continue to work with my colleagues and organizations like the State Chamber to make New Jersey more business-friendly," Schaer said.

"Making New Jersey a better place to live and work is one of my priorities as a legislator," Casagrande said. "Our economy depends on thriving small businesses and successful companies. The Chamber is an important part of this effort and represents the interests of all businesses to make sure government is efficient, smarter, and responsive."

Profiles of Legislative Award Winners

Sen. Jeff Van Drew, a dentist by profession, has been a tireless business advocate as an assemblyman and now as a senator. Sen. Van Drew sponsored a Chamber-supported bill to eliminate the "software tax" and voted against a 15-percent increase on the Corporation Business Tax. He also was the sole vote in the Senate majority to oppose the minimum wage ballot question. Lastly, Sen. Van Drew worked with Verizon, a state Chamber member, to bring high-speed Internet and cell phone service to western Cumberland County.

Sen. Kevin O'Toole, an attorney and a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, is a fierce opponent of tax hikes and burdensome regulations, and a champion of small government. He has sponsored legislation implementing a 2 percent property tax cap, public employee pension and health benefits reform, and teacher tenure reforms. In 2013, Sen. O'Toole was honored as a "Taxpayer Champion" by the New Jersey Taxpayers Alliance.

Assemblyman Gary Schaer, an investment consultant, has supported increases in incentives for companies relocating and expanding in New Jersey. He authored the "Main Street Business Assistance Program", which provides $50 million in government-backed low-interest loans to growing businesses. Additionally, he supported a $3,000 tax credit for businesses that create and maintain new jobs for one year, and he has approached the State Chamber about forming a local Chamber of Commerce in the City of Passaic.

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, an attorney and the assistant Republican Leader in the Assembly, is an outspoken advocate for government efficiency and for identifying waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies. She has introduced legislation that would promote job creation among small businesses, and a bill that would establish tax-free business incubators at institutions of higher education. Further, Assemblywoman Casagrande has a bill that will codify the New Jersey Business Action Center into law, guaranteeing its permanence.

Profiles of the Business Advocate Award Winners

Kim Guadagno, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State
Since becoming New Jersey's first lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno has focused on economic development with enthusiasm, delivering as a strong advocate for business to the Christie administration. Lt. Gov. Guadagno directs the New Jersey Partnership for Action to bring financing, business assistance and marketing to the business community. She chairs the Red Tape Review Commission, conducting an ongoing review and reform of the state's often byzantine regulatory process. She is accessible, famously providing her cell phone number to business executives at events. Lt. Gov. Guadagno was the conduit for bringing heads of various state departments to 12 regional conferences throughout the state, in conjunction with the N.J. Chamber, so business representatives could ask questions on navigating state government. She is a friend to the N.J. Chamber. She is a friend to business.

Harold J. Wirths, Commissioner, N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development
With leadership from Commissioner Wirths, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development has transformed into an agency that directly links job-seekers with employers in the state's major industry sectors through initiatives such as Jobs4Jersey.com. It also debuted debit cards for those receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits as part of a new anti-fraud program. That program is credited for having saved taxpayers $448 million, and helping bring the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund back to full solvency. Wirths is regularly seen meeting with business leaders at events like the Walk to Washington dinner, the annual Open House and roundtable breakfast sessions.

Linda Bowden, New Jersey Regional President, PNC Bank
Linda Bowden, who promotes business development across the region for PNC Bank, is a respected voice that regularly touts the advantages of doing business in the Garden State. Linda is instrumental in many of the New Jersey Chamber's efforts, such as its government reform initiative and its initiatives to spur real estate projects in New Jersey. She was a participant in the recent New Jersey Business Summit, which brought 500 state leaders to Atlantic City for two days to solve some of the state's economic challenges.

A special thank you to Advance Realty for hosting the event at its New Jersey Center of Excellence at Bridgewater.