HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The Hillsborough Business Association recognized nine local businesses during its 2026 HBA Annual Awards Dinner on Oct. 29 at Royce Brook Golf Course, highlighting leadership, service and excellence across several industries.
According to the township, community engagement played a central role in the selection process.
Residents and patrons cast more than 500 votes to help decide this year's recipients.
Township officials in attendance included Mayor Catherine Payne, Deputy Mayor Shawn Lipani, Committeeman Robert Britting Jr., and Committeewoman Jill Gomez.
Lipani and Gomez announced the winners, while HBA Chairman Abed Medawar presented the awards.
Payne said the response from the community reflected the role local businesses play in the township.
"Our local businesses form the backbone of Hillsborough Township," said Payne. "The strong turnout and participation in this year's voting show how much our residents value the services, jobs, and character these owners bring to our community every day. Congratulations to all of the 2026 honorees on their well-deserved recognition."
The 2026 award recipients were AMA Pizza, which received the Hillsborough Global Flavor Award, and Bellemara Distillery, which received the Experience Hillsborough Award.
Benfatto Coffee was recognized with the Proudly Manufactured in Hillsborough Award, while Duke Farms received the Hillsborough Community Impact Award.
Eminato received the Hillsborough Culinary Experience Award, and Mailbox Business Center was honored with the Hillsborough Exceptional Service Award.
Norz Hill Farm received the Hillsborough Harvest of the Year Award, Rotary Fair was named the Hillsborough Tourism Event of 2026, and Twin Oaks Landscaping Design received the Hillsborough Home Improvement Innovator Award.
The Hillsborough Business Association is administered by Hillsborough's Economic & Business Development Office and supports township businesses throughout the year.
The association's efforts include recognition programs such as the annual awards dinner, along with job fairs, networking socials, Farm Week and Restaurant Week.
More information about the Hillsborough Business Association and upcoming initiatives is available on the Economic & Business Development page of the Hillsborough Township website.
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