Neighbor News
Gloucester Chamber CEO Presented with Jefferson Awards Medal
Tanesha Way, NJ Secretary of State describes recipients of this honor as people with vision, dedication, inspiration and tenacity.
For his decades of leadership service throughout the community, Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce (GCCC) President and CEO Les Vail was awarded the prestigious New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards Medal for Executive Leadership. During a ceremony held Sunday, May 19 at the Patriot’s Theater in Trenton, NJ, Vail was recognized for the positive impact he has made throughout the region.
“New Jersey Secretary of State Tanesha Way, describes recipients of this honor as people with vision, dedication, inspiration and tenacity. We are honored to have Les as the example for our Chamber,” said Lisa Carney, board chair for the GCCC and owner of Lisa Carney Retail Agency, LLC.
The Jefferson Awards is a national volunteer recognition program established in 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service in cooperation with the U.S. Senate and the White House. Honorees of the award must demonstrate they have made a measurable positive impact on the community with outstanding acts of public service, and without the expectation of recognition or compensations.
Representatives from the Community Foundation of New Jersey, The Star-Ledger Powering NJ.com, and the Governor's Advisory Council on Volunteerism assist in the selection process at the state level. All nominees are put through a rigorous vetting process in order to be recognized for this prestigious award.
From veteran’s organizations to programs dealing with issues of social services like homelessness, schools, the American Cancer Society (Real Men Wear Pink) and the March of the Dimes, Vail has been proactive in serving his community for more than 30 years.
“The honor of this recognition goes beyond any words I can express. I have loved our region for as long as I can remember. Rolling up my sleeves to make my community a better place to work and live is an honor unto itself. To receive this kind of recognition is a truly humbling experience. Thank you to the committee and everyone involved in the selection process,” Vail said after the ceremony.
