Evesham Township recognizes local business with inaugural Best of Evesham Awards; as voted on by members of the community

The votes are in and the results are spectacular: Evesham Township launched a great new tradition this week with the inaugural “Best of Evesham” Awards Ceremony to recognize outstanding local businesses.

The Evesham Economic Advisory Council (EEAC) was proud to host this new event to celebrate the small business community and spotlight the entrepreneurs who contribute to the township’s vitality.

The awards ceremony honored businesses that were selected through a month-long community voting process, which saw members of the public casting votes across multiple categories. The vote highlighted the strong connection between community members and the local establishments and services they love to patronize in their daily lives.

Mayor Jaclyn Veasy, who serves as the Township Council's liaison to the EEAC, noted how small businesses play a foundational role in the success of any great community, and she was thrilled to honor all those who gathered for the ceremony at the Evesham Municipal Complex on Nov. 13.

“Our local businesses aren’t just places to shop – they are the heart of Evesham,” Mayor Veasy said. “They create jobs, sponsor teams, and provide that unique local flavor we all love. When you choose to shop local, you're investing directly back into Evesham's success, and that is always worth celebrating.”

In addition to recognizing established businesses, the ceremony also shined a light on future business leaders by honoring the students who participated in the Acton Children’s Business Fair. These young entrepreneurs showcased their innovative startup ideas and existing ventures during the Evesham Harvest Fest in September.

Councilwoman Heather Cooper, who serves as the Township Council’s liaison to Evesham’s Youth Advisory Committee, spoke passionately about the importance of these initiatives.

“It was truly inspiring to see the incredible young entrepreneurs who participated in the Acton Children's Business Fair honored alongside our Best of Evesham award winners,” Councilwoman Cooper said. “These students are already showing so much amazing creativity and leadership. Encouraging young entrepreneurship is vital, and their passion gives me so much hope for the future.”

See below for the full list of Best of Evesham Business Award Winners:

• Food & Beverage Category - Nothing Bundt Cakes
  Award presented to Owner/Operator Kelly Stevens
  
  
• Health & Wellness/Gym Category - Central HIIT
  Award presented to Owner/Operator Jaime Streenz
  
  
• Health & Wellness/Medical - Next Level Physical Therapy
  Award presented to Clinic Director, Dr. Elyse Dinan
  
  
• Retail/Small Business - South Jersey Scuba
  Award presented to owners/instructor trainers Ed Kelleher and Kevin Pang
  
  
• Retail/National Chain Store - Ethan Allen
  Award presented to Design Consultant Briana Busam
  
  
• Home Services - Kent General Contracting
  Award presented to Owners John Kent and Project/Marketing Manager Skyla Barilaro
  
  
• Professional Services/Senior Services - Town Square Adult Center
  Award presented to COO Adam Edelson, Director of Business Development William Egenolf, and Center Director William Zukovsky and team
  
  
• Professional Services/Family Support - Pat McKenna Realtors
  Award presented to Team Lead Mark McKenna

See below for the full list of Acton Children’s Business Fair Honorees:

• Cheer Jar – Kelvin Small, Kaden Small and Kyrie Small
• Arts By Crystal – Crystal Byrd
• Balloon Twister, LLC – Christopher Byrd, Jr.
• IndyEthnic – Purvi Agrawal
• Party Palette – Yuti Kataria and Arshleen Kaur
• Best of Waste - Aarav Saxena

The evening also featured a respected voice from the local business community: guest speaker Dave Scott, owner of Laurel Oak Landscaping and Irrigation and former owner of Laurel Oak Garden Center. Mr. Scott shared insights drawn from his decades of service to Evesham residents, underscoring his belief in working hard, following one’s passions, and having a great support system.

Finally, the ceremony also recognized two local nonprofits for their work in the community.

Members of the EEAC selected the Evesham Police Foundation for this year’s Community Champion award for the foundation’s work providing programs that supplement policing activities, such as the Junior Police Academy, Community Policing meet and greet events, and the annual Shop with a Cop program for local families during the holiday season. Accepting the award were foundation members Lou Forrester and Bill Gelernt.

YAC Member Darsh Gajera, a sophomore at Cherokee High School, was also honored with the inaugural Student Entrepreneur for the work of his nonprofit Care4ME, which gives used medical equipment a second life and also organizes other supply drives for communities in need.

Congratulations again to  all the evening’s honorees on behalf of Mayor Veasy, Deputy Mayor Dr. Krystal Hunter, Councilwoman Cooper, Councilman Joe Fisicaro, Jr. and Councilman Christian Smith.