Published on April 15, 2014

Mayor Janice S. Mironov presented the East Windsor Township 2013 Business Awards at a recent Council meeting to: Windsor Center; First Choice Bank, and K&S Farms. 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 award in the category of "Business Beautification" was presented to Windsor Center for revitalization of the 132,733 square foot shopping center located at the corner of Route 130 South and Princeton Hightstown Road. New owner Advance Realty has modernized Windsor Center with improvements including a façade renovation, new pylon signage, building system upgrades, landscaping enhancements and parking lot repairs. Advance Realty has attracted national brands Retro Fitness and Bottom Dollar, as well as Ross Dress for Less and Smashburger, which are projected to open mid-year. National tenants Staples, Benjamin Moore, PNC Bank and Taco Bell will continue operations in the center. Mayor Mironov stated, “The revitalized Windsor Center has undergone a dramatic transformation in both new look and tenants, positioning it as a leading retail destination for residents of East Windsor and the surrounding region. We are excited about the many building modernizations completed and popular stores which Advance Realty has attracted to the shopping center.” Rick Zack, Managing Director for Property Management for Advance Realty, accepted the award.

The award in the category of "Community Service" was presented to First Choice Bank, located at 18 Princeton Road, just west of Route 130. First Choice Bank opened their East Windsor branch in 2011 and is an active member of the local business community, highlighted by their 2014 designation as "Royal Partner" of the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce. The bank participates in East Windsor National Night Out, sponsors a "Youth Savings Program" for elementary school students at Hickory Corner Library, sponsors the East Windsor PBA annual golf outing, is a contributor to East Windsor Green Space, Inc., and is a Gold Sponsor of East Windsor Recreation Department summer events. Mayor Mironov stated, “First Choice Bank has exhibited a strong commitment to local community service and helping to promote the local business community. The bank has consistently stepped up to assist with respect to our East Windsor local organizations and events.” Stacey DeAlmeida, Vice President and East Windsor Branch Manager, accepted the award.

The award in the category of "Community Enhancement" was presented to K&S Farms, located on Windsor Perrineville Road. K&S Farms, which has been farming corn, soybeans, peppers, asparagus, strawberries, eggplant, sweet corn, pumpkins, melons and tomatoes since 1988, also hosts a variety of entertainment activities for the community. Their popular "Field of Terror" activities during the fall includes fireworks, "Scary Terror Events" at night, "Sunshine Acres" during the day and an annual "Zombie Mud Run." Pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze and a petting zoo are offered to area school and scout groups. K&S Farms also supports East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2, donates pumpkins to the Township Senior Center and supports the UGA Strikers, a U17 youth soccer team. Mayor Mironov stated, “K&S Farms underscores the importance to the Township of our farming businesses, and has created a special place in our community with its many notable and fun activities for everyone, while also being commended as “a great neighbor.” K&S farming and attractions bring beneficial attention to East Windsor and our local economy.” K&S Farms owners Kevin and Sharon Kyle, and their son Patrick, accepted the award.

Mayor Janice S. Mironov presents East Windsor Township 2013 Business Awards to Windsor Center, First Choice Bank, and K&S Farms. Pictured (from left to right) are: First Choice Bank Vice President and East Windsor Branch Manager Stacey DeAlmeida; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Kevin Kyle, Patrick Kyle and Sharon Kyle of K&S Farms, and Advance Realty Property Management Director Rick Zack.