Five Lawrence Township businesses have been honored for making significant or unusual contributions to the economic growth of the community.
The Lawrence Township Economic Growth Committee (formerly known as the Lawrence Township Growth and Redevelopment Committee) sponsors the awards program.
The Mayor’s Impact Award, which was given to AmeriKick Princeton and its owner, Vince Little, recognizes a business or program that makes an extraordinary difference in the civic life of Lawrence Township, said Melissa Clark, who chairs the committee.
The karate school teaches students about the importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership and selfless service to the community. The martial arts program is more about building character and tomorrow’s leaders and less about kicks and punches, Clark said.
Little, the owner of AmeriKicks Princeton, has woven his school into the fabric of the community by hosting fundraisers that have raised thousands of dollars for school PTOs and by visiting classrooms for free to teach anti-bullying and self-defense tactics, she said.
“From providing free childcare during school district parent meetings to collecting food and toys for organizations like HomeFront and Toys for Tots, Vince Little never says ‘no’ when the community calls,” Clark said.
The New Large Business Award, which is given to a successful new business established in Lawrence Township between January 2025 and September 2026, was granted to Candlewood Suites on Route 1, Clark said. It was honored for renovating the entire location of the former Sleep-E-Hollow Motel, which had become dilapidated and was demolished.
Candlewood Suites created a beautiful hotel that attracts out-of-town visitors to Lawrence Township, she said. It took a property that was in poor condition and turned it into a beautiful hotel.
Caesar’s Bagels & Deli II snagged the New Small Business Award and has quickly become a local go-to favorite, Clark said. It is located in the Lawrence Shopping Center, between Route 1/Brunswick Pike and Princeton Pike.
Opening a new business is never easy, Clark said, but Caesar’s Bagels & Deli II hit the ground running. It has brought great food, warm neighborhood hospitality and a fresh entrepreneurial spirit to the township.
Caesar’s Bagels and Deli’s original location – still in existence – is in Hamilton Township. It has expanded to the Lawrence Shopping Center in the storefront formerly occupied by Lawrence Bagel/Manhattan Bagel.
The Lawrence Legacy Award is given to a business or civic organization that has been part of the Lawrence Township community for many years and has made a positive impact on the community, Clark said.
The award was given to Pulaski Meats, which has been in business for 59 years. It is located in the Trenton Farmers Market on Spruce Street. It has been family-owned for three generations and is a favorite deli at the Trenton Farmers Market, she said.
The final award is the Ralph Copleman Environmental Award, named for the late Ralph Copleman. He was instrumental in forming Sustainable Lawrence.
The award recognizes a business, organization, community group or individual who engages in sustainable practices by minimizing the impact on natural resources. It could include how they conduct business, the physical design of their offices or facilities, and/or the goods and services they provide.
Autumn Feagley and her business, Taylor Rae Designs, were chosen for the award, Clark said. The business is located on Gordon Avenue, in the historic village of Lawrenceville.
“In an era dominated by fast fashion, where cheap clothing is quickly bought, worn a few times and sent straight to the landfill, Autumn Feagley has chosen a different path. By crafting custom garments thoughtfully and on demand, she actively combats the environmental damage of mass production and overconsumption,” Clark said.
Feagley also has revived a classic art form that was rapidly becoming a lost craft, she said. Through expert tailoring, repairs and alterations, Taylor Rae Designs gives existing clothing a second life by allowing people to upcycle, resize, redesign and cherish their garments for years instead of tossing them.
“Her work reminds us that protecting our natural resources and minimizing waste doesn’t always require grand, sweeping gestures. Sometimes, it happens stitch by stitch, right here in Lawrenceville,” Clark said.
