Burlington County Distinguished Citizen Award 2022

Award Ceremony, Reception and Dinner

June 6, 2022

Deerwood Country Club, Westampton, N.J.

Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America, Presents...

Burlington County 2022

Kristi M. Howell

Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Honoring

Jill Peterson

ABCO Federal Credit Union

and

Event Program

Opening Ceremony: Pledge, Scout Oath and Law, Invocation

Sea Scout Ship 4385, Chartered by Coast Guard Auxiliary 053-17, Bordentown

Scouting Story: “What Scouting Means to Me”

Ryanne Fisher, Eagle Scout, Venturing President – Territory 13

Remarks by Garden State Council President

Debra Rosen

Recognition of Committee and Sponsors

Chip Miller

Presentation: Good Scout Award to Kristi M. Howell

Bridget Wiese, Republic Bank

Presentation: Good Scout Award to Jill Peterson

Barbara Agin, ABCO Federal Credit Union

Remarks by Garden State Council Scout Executive

Patrick Linfors

Closing Chip Miller

Be safe going home

Thank you for your belief in the programs and values of the Boy Scouts of America

For more information about Scouting in South Jersey, visit the Garden State Council website: GardenStateScouting.org

History of the “Good Scout” Award Statue

The Good Scout Award statuette is patterned after the statue of a Scout that stands before both the Loren S. Riggins, Jr., Scout Resource Center in Millville and the Rowan Scout Resource Center in Westampton. Here is the story behind the sculpture and its significance in Scouting History.

The sculptor was Dr. R. Tait McKenzie. In 1914 at the request of Dr. Charles D. Hart, President of the then Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of America, McKenzie created a statuette of the “Ideal Boy Scout.” His model, selected in a competition of Scout parades, was 12 year-old Franklin Williamson Hoover. Ten bronze 18 inch-high statuettes were cast as part of the Boy Scout Friends of Scouting Program. The edition was closed and Dr. McKenzie presented the copyright to the Philadelphia Council.

Plaster, bronze and epoxy reproductions were sold, beginning in 1916. Later, smaller copies, suitable for desk ornaments, were made available and are highly popular. In 1930, when the Philadelphia Council moved from 916 Walnut Street to 22nd and Winter Streets, it was hoped Dr. McKenzie would create a life-size statue to stand before the new building. He obliged, not by reproducing the small figure, but with a restudied statue with many changes, incorporating the new Scouting insignia.

Scout Douglas Shannon was the “Model in Chief” with Scout Joseph Straub in reserve, but several other Scouts also served as models for head, body and various detailed studies. The statue was unveiled June 12, 1937, Dr. McKenzie making the presentation address. Many life-sized copies are exhibited throughout the United States and in other countries around the Scouting world.

Garden State Council presents “The Ideal Boy Scout Statue” to the Distinguished Citizen because it embodies the meaning of Scouting found in the Scout Oath and Law. These same principles are found in this year’s honorees.

The Distinguished Citizen “Good Scout” Award

The Distinguished Citizen “Good Scout” Award is presented to community leaders who exemplify in their daily lives the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America as expressed in the Scout Law and Scout Oath. The recipients are chosen for their outstanding service as evidenced by the interest and leadership they have provided to many worthwhile organizations, as well as the respect and esteem in which they are held by their colleagues.

The Scout Law

A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent

The Scout Oath

On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

2022 burlington CountY Distinguished Citizen of the year Awards reception

Event Sponsors

Distinguished Contributors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

2022 burlington County Distinguished Citizen of the year awards reception

Event Committee

Event Chair

Chip Miller President

Miller Transportation Group

Doris Alaimo

Richard A. Alaimo

Ricahrd Andronici

Suzanne Applegate

Anne Caruso

Gary Gardner

Council Leadership

Patrick Linfors

Scout Executive

Craig Greenwood

Robert C. Halgas

Michael Houlihan

Richard W. Hunt Esq. Dr. Calvin Knowlton

A. J. Kreimer

Brian W. Jones

Joyce Skradzinski

Development Director

John A. Latimer

Jason W. Miller

Dr. June Sernak

Robert C. Shinn Jr.

Stephen T. Smith

Bridget Wiese

Garden State Council Business Partners Thank you for your continuing support.

2022 burlignton County Distinguished Citizen scout speaker

Ryanne Fisher

Ryanne Fisher joined Venturing at the age of 13 to experience some of the same Scouting adventures she had watched her older brother take part in her whole life. Ryanne is from Hamilton, NJ and is registered in Venturing Crew 4385 in Garden State, Monmouth, and Washington Crossing Councils. Ryanne is also registered in a Sea Scout Ship in Garden State Council and both a Venturing Crew and Sea Scout Ship in Kansas. Having graduated from both Mercer County Technical Schools for high school and Mercer County Community College for her Associates Degree at the age of 17, Ryanne is now a rising Senior in the Honors Business Leadership Program at the University of Kansas a year later.

In her second year on the National Venturing Cabinet, Ryanne is now beginning her term as the National Service Territory 13 Venturing President in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania and has served most recently as the National Service Territory 5 Venturing President for all or parts of 8 status in the Midwest. Ryanne has served in many roles during her tenure in Venturing which has included: Northeast Region Venturing Officers’ Association Vice President of Communication, Northeast Region Area 5 Venturing Officer’s Association Vice President of Communication, Washington Crossing Council’s Teen Programs Officers Association President, and Council Venturing Officers Association Vice President positions of Monmouth and Garden State Councils.

Ryanne has recently received her Vigil honors with Ajapeu 2 Order of the Arrow Lodge in May of 2022. Ryanne has completed the Venturing Summit Rank, the Scouts BSA Eagle Scout Rank, the Girl Scouts USA Gold Award, and the Venturing Ranger Award. Ryanne has been recognized with the Council, Area, and Region Venturing Leadership Awards.

Ryanne enjoys leadership, training, and public speaking and is especially excited to pass on her enthusiasm for Scouting to youth and adults alike in the communities that she lives and Scouts in as she strives to ‘Lead the Adventure’.

Ryanne Fisher President

National Service Territory 13 Venturing

Congratulates This Year’s Distinguished Citizens Award Honorees

Kristi Howell

Jill Peterson

Burlington Regional Chamber of Commerce And

ABCO Federal Credit Union

2022 burlignton County Distinguished Citizen

“Good Scout” Award

Recipient: Kristi M. Howell

As a long-time resident of Burlington County, Kristi Howell was proud to join Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce (BCRCC) as its president and CEO in December 2002, becoming the second executive in its 27-year history. Since then, the Chamber has grown and evolved through her focus on membership, programming, annual budgeting, and staffing. Kristi has led efforts to update the Chamber’s image twice during her tenure.

Kristi M. Howell President & CEO

Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce

During Kristi’s tenure, BCRCC programming has expanded from 20 networking and educational events to over 60 events annually. Kristi inspired Innovative programming to a reach a more diverse array of businesses and businesspersons. Kristi is proud of the caliber of programming and guest speakers the Chamber offers the South Jersey business community.

Under Ms. Howell’s leadership, the Chamber established a critically important relationship with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL). As the largest employer in Burlington County and second-largest employer in New Jersey, JB MDL’s military hub is crucial to the county’s economic growth. Kristi is committed to the Chamber’s ongoing support of the base, the men and women who serve there, and the economic development that will keep it viable for years to come.

Over the years, Kristi has served on numerous boards & committees, including serving as chair of many philanthropic fundraisers. An active member of the Burlington County community, she currently serves on several organizations’ boards and committees, including

• Military Support Alliance of NJ (Vice President)

• YMCA of the Pines (Board Secretary)

• Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey Advisory Council

Ms. Howell served for three years as a member of the Air Mobility Command Civic Leader’s Council, an honor held by a limited number of civic leaders

nationally and is now on the council as an alumnus.

Ms. Howell served for three years as a member of the Air Mobility Command Civic Leader’s Council, an honor held by a limited number of civic leaders nationally and is now on the council as an alumnus. Some of Kristi’s most cherished honors and awards are:

• Burlington County Board of Freeholders—Outstanding Women of Burlington County

South Jersey Biz Magazine—20 Top Business People Under 40

• Southern New Jersey Business People—“In the Bull’s-Eye

• NAWBO, South Jersey chapter—Business Advocate of the Year,

• Alzheimer’s Association – Del Val Chamber –Kaleidoscope Award

• SJ Magazine Women of Excellence – Leadership

• Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Small Business Person

• South Jersey Biz Magazine – Executive of the Year

Ms. Howell is a longtime resident of Burlington County. She holds a Bachelor of Science (in Government and Politics) from Widener University. Prior to joining the BCRCC, Kristi worked for two NJ Governor’s and the Senate President.

Kristi’s government background and communication skills are constantly put to as many local journalists consider her their “go-to” source for quotes when local legislators are crafting a bill, they typically solicit Kristi’s opinion for insight regarding the business community’s perspective.

Ms. Howell has been lauded for her leadership during the pandemic, maintaining virtually programming, critical connections with elected officials and our members. As she celebrates her 20th year at the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, she pleased that the Chamber has added an additional team member and poised for record growth.

Jill Peterson President & CEO

2022 burlington County Distinguished Citizen

“Good Scout” Award

Recipient: Jill Peterson

Jill Peterson is the President and CEO of ABCO Federal Credit Union, a community-focused financial institution serving consumers and businesses in South Jersey. In this role, she is working to ensure the financial success of ABCO’s members and their families.

Jill began her career in the credit union industry immediately after college, serving as the Manager and President of smaller credit unions that were in need of a transformation. After turning around Tri-Linc Federal Credit Union, she moved on to perform the same type of renovation at Fairleigh Dickinson University Federal Credit Union. Following this role, Jill served as the President/CEO of Bakelite Employees Credit Union in Somerset, NJ, bringing this credit union out of near-failure to become a profitable and growing organization.

After 15 years of performing in credit union turn-around roles, Jill moved on to the credit union mortgage industry, serving as the leading business development executive for several companies. Her passion was to bring affordable and sustainable home ownership opportunities to credit union members across the country. In these efforts, she was an integral part of a collaborative task force that involved mortgage technology companies, mortgage loan fulfillment providers and Fannie Mae, to develop product innovations and delivery channels that would advance the mission.

Jill has served on the Board of Directors of the Garden State Corporate Central Credit Union and the Empire Corporate Federal Credit Union. She also served on the New Jersey State Credit Union Advisory Council to the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. She was the recipient of a Silver Award from the World Council of Credit Unions for work done to assist the development of credit unions in Russia and the Ukraine. She remains active in the industry’s political action and advocacy committees.

ABCO Federal Credit Union

About Jill Peterson, Continued

In the community, Jill is a Merit Badge Counselor, working with scouts from several troops and volunteers in fundraising efforts for BSA Troop 46 of the Patriot’s Path Council. She actively supports her local food pantry and serves as the liaison to the food pantry from her parish, Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Manville, NJ. At her church, she also leads the Church School Program, serves on the Parish Council, Ways and Means Committee and sings in the choir. Jill is a

member of the Manville Public Library Advisory Council and her local high school Music Organization to support music and performance programs for students.

A graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, Jill received her BA in Economics and French. Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family: husband Todd and twin sons, David and Todd. Jill loves to cook and enjoys sharing dinners with family and friends.

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2022 DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS

Kristi M. Howell

Jill Peterson

Past burlington County Distinguished Citizen Honorees

2019 Hon. Barry Parker and Robert C. Silcox

2018 Hon. Mary Ann O’Brien and Hon. Jean E. Stanfield

2016 Calvin H. and Orsula V. Knowlton

2015 John A. Latimer

2014 Jim Brennan Jr.

2013 Charles S. Miller

2011 Frank Giordano

2010 Robert C. Halgas

2009 Brigadier General James J. Grant

2008 Mary Wells* and Hon. John A. Sweeney

2007 James K. Wujcik

2006 William S. Haines Jr.

2005 Jerald R. Cureton, Esq. and Richard J. Cureton

2004 Peter J. and Stephen J. Hovnanian

2003 Irvin E. Richter

2002 JoAnn Winzinger and Hon. Philip E. Haines Esq.

2001 Franco Harris

2000 Glenn R. Paulsen

1999 Hon. Martha Bark* and Dennis Flanagan

1998 Hon. Diane Allen and Craig W. Yates

1997 Renee L. Borstad* and Hon. Vincent R. Farias

1996 Dr. Robert C. Messina Jr.

1995 Hon. Martin L. Haines*

1994 Dr. Carmine DeSopo

1993 Hon. H. James Saxton

1992 James E. Palmer

1991 Robert C. Shinn Jr.

1990 Thomas P. Foy*

1989 Richard A. Alaimo

1988 J. Garfield DeMarco*

1987 Jirair S. Hovnanian*

Kristi Howell & Jill Peterson

Garden State Council Impact

The vision of the Garden State Council is to offer exciting, fun and values-based experiences of the highest caliber to the greatest number of youth possible.

The mission is to deliver the highest quality youth program of character development and leadership training, and to prepare young people to make ethical decisions, so they can reach their full potential and better serve their family, community and country. Scouting was put to the test over three years when Tufts University worked with youth to measure character attributes of both Scouts and non-Scouts. Funded by the John Templeton Foundation, nearly 1,800 Cub Scouts and nearly 400 non-Scouts under the age of 12 were measured through both interviews and survey data. The findings are represented in the bar graph, below, and show the positive impact of Scouting.

It costs the Garden State Council about $200 per member annually to deliver Scouting to the young people in the six-plus counties we serve. We invite you to consider an annual gift of support to keep Scouting the most cost-effective, comprehensive youth development program on the planet. This QR code will take you to

Source: Tufts University

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