Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey wins state innovation award, county to follow up

County officials reported that the Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey received the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's 2025 innovation award. The county's presentation noted the award recognized efforts to connect employees, underemployed and unemployed residents with area businesses, often using grants for training.

Officials emphasized the award carries no direct funding from the department. The county said it would invite Beth Rogers, or the Workforce Board staff, to a future meeting to provide details about which program received the award and how it operates.

Why it matters: Workforce development programs can link training funds and employer needs; local officials flagged the award as recognition of regional workforce initiatives and indicated a desire for more program-level detail.

The meeting record did not identify the specific program that won the award, the award criteria, or whether the county will change funding or referrals based on the recognition.