Published on June 08, 2015

Mayor Janice S. Mironov presented the East Windsor Township 2014 Business Awards to Primary Care Medical Clinic, Panera Bread, and Novotec Pharma (n/k/a Accelis Pharma). The purpose of the annual Township awards program is to recognize local businesses that have made special efforts to improve or contribute to the community.

The three categories of Township award recognition are Business Beautification, Community Service, and Community Enhancement. Mayor Mironov explained that the three categories are: (1) Business Beautification - creating an attractive appearance, for example, through landscaping, flowers, and other enhancements to their structures and site; or (2) Community Service – providing for community contributions and service; or (3) Community Enhancement - providing some manner of community enhancement, for example, through extraordinary job creation, an unusual or special product or opportunity or any community value added aspect related to their business. This award selection committee consisted of Council Member John Zoller, Planning Board Chairperson Ed Kelley and Economic Development Committee Chairperson Michael Henderson.

The award in the category of "Business Beautification" was presented to Primary Care Medical Clinic for renovation and modernization of the 4,900 square foot former Medical Emergency Treatment (M.E.T.) building on Route 130 North, south of Town Diner. The new Primary Care Medical Clinic, which consists of a group of primary care physicians who provide general primary care services, completed major exterior and interior renovations to the building including a totally new façade, landscaping, parking lot, office space, reception area and examination rooms. Mayor Mironov stated, “The owners of Primary Care Medical Clinic have done an outstanding job in renovating the former M.E.T. building and creating a modern attractive medical facility in a prominent visible area. The newly refurbished building is an excellent addition to the vibrant Route 130 business corridor and area residents will have the opportunity to receive medical care in a great, accessible location.” Primary Care Medical Clinic Registered Nurse and Office Manager Annabelle Cimafranca accepted the award.

The award in the category of "Community Service" was presented to Panera Bread, located on Route 130 South next to Chase Bank. The 4,100 square foot restaurant participates in two community programs which are designed to feed the hungry. The first program involves donation boxes which are set up adjacent to each of the restaurant’s cash registers. All donations go to Feeding America, a leading organization in fighting hunger throughout the country. The second program is a partnership with the local community organization RISE. RISE picks up left over products from Panera Bread on a daily basis and distributes them throughout the area to help fight hunger. RISE is the primary non-profit social service organization in eastern Mercer County which offers a wide range of programs that help struggling members of our local community. Mayor Mironov stated, “Panera Bread’s commitment to working with local service organizations, such as RISE, and overall commitment to combating hunger is a testament to their community-minded philosophy. Their company plan is based upon working with local civic groups and their overall generosity to area residents has made Panera Bread an important part of our business community.” Panera Bread, East Windsor manager accepted the award.

The award in the category of "Community Enhancement" was presented to Novotec Pharma (n/k/a Accelis Pharma), located on Princeton Hightstown Road (Route 571) across from Route 133, in the nearly 43,000 square foot Patscentre building, designed by renowned British architect Sir Richard Rogers. Novotec Pharma, a high-tech compounding pharmacy, refurbished the iconic Patscentre building while maintaining many of the original building’s unique architectural and engineering features, including an exterior roof and frame construction and column free interior. They also invested in state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed for the Patscentre building. Novotec Pharma also is the site of East Windsor Township’s first Einstein's Alley High Tech Corridor Sign. Einstein's Alley is a private, non-profit economic development initiative whose purpose is to attract, build and retain technology-based businesses in Central New Jersey. East Windsor's High-Tech Corridor is situated along Princeton Hightstown Road and Old Trenton Road. Mayor Mironov stated, “Company principals Sam and Patrick Patel did an outstanding job in restoring one of the most prominent, unique and visible facilities in the Township. The new pharmaceutical and RnD company is a great addition to the Township’s Einstein’s Alley High Tech Corridor.” Novotec Pharma President Patrick Patel and Chief Financial Officer Abhishek Desai accepted the award.

East Windsor Mayor Janice S. Mironov recognizes 2014 Business Award Winners. Pictured (from left to right) are: Abhishek Desai, Novotec Pharma Chief Financial Officer; Annabelle Cimafranca, Registered Nurse and Office Manager, Primary Care Medical Clinic; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Robert Curnow, Manager of East Windsor Panera Bread, and Council Member John Zoller.