Trenton, NJ — Emily Bader reports in NJBIZ that Governor Chris Christie yesterday signed legislation — Assembly 4713, Burzichelli, D-3, /Prieto, D-32 — to rename the New Jersey Economic Development Authority headquarters at 36 W. State St. in Trenton to the Caren Franzini Memorial Building.
Franzini, who died last January 25, led the EDA for nearly two decades and has made significant contributions toward improving the Garden State’s business climate, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association said.
Franzini joined the EDA in 1991 as its deputy director, and became head of the agency from 1994 to 2012 before founding her own firm, Franzini Consulting LLC in Lambertville.
Franzini also helped found Great Trenton last year, a nonprofit dedicated to economic development in the state’s capital.
Franzini, who died last January 25, led the EDA for nearly two decades and has made significant contributions toward improving the Garden State’s business climate, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association said.
Franzini joined the EDA in 1991 as its deputy director, and became head of the agency from 1994 to 2012 before founding her own firm, Franzini Consulting LLC in Lambertville.
Franzini also helped found Great Trenton last year, a nonprofit dedicated to economic development in the state’s capital.
Franzini was named to the NJBIZ Hall of Fame in 2015 for her work in the state, which also included serving in government and on board of organizations, such as PlanSmart NJ, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group, NJBIA, Horizon Blue Cross New Jersey Foundation board, New Jersey Community Development Corp., New Jersey Future and the New Jersey Alliance for Action.
She also serves as a visiting associate at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics.
Ms. Franzini graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in urban studies and gained a business degree from the Wharton School at Penn. Following a stint at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, she began working in Trenton as an assistant state treasurer under Gov. Thomas H. Kean.
“I can think of no better way to honor her legacy,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) CEO and President Michele Siekerka. “Caren’s leadership at EDA made a lasting impact, and the State of New Jersey is a better place because of her vision and leadership.”
“Caren’s commitment to New Jersey business was unwavering and this new law renaming EDA’s headquarters in her honor will ensure that commitment will be forever remembered,” Siekerka added.
She also serves as a visiting associate at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics.
Ms. Franzini graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in urban studies and gained a business degree from the Wharton School at Penn. Following a stint at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, she began working in Trenton as an assistant state treasurer under Gov. Thomas H. Kean.
“I can think of no better way to honor her legacy,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) CEO and President Michele Siekerka. “Caren’s leadership at EDA made a lasting impact, and the State of New Jersey is a better place because of her vision and leadership.”
“Caren’s commitment to New Jersey business was unwavering and this new law renaming EDA’s headquarters in her honor will ensure that commitment will be forever remembered,” Siekerka added.
