The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber’s Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner was filled with celebration, inspiration, and dedication as we honored four remarkable leaders in our region’s business community and awarded a grant to a nonprofit committed to developing the next generation of leaders. The event was held on December 5 at The Stone Terrace by John Henry’s in Hamilton.

“Bringing people together is what we do best as a Chamber,” said Hal English, President and CEO of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber. “When you’re surrounded by such an incredible group of business and community leaders, the energy is almost indescribable. We’re grateful for the opportunity to gather with so many wonderful people and recognize the achievements of our honorees.”

(pictured left to right Jeannine Cimino, Andrew Siegel, and Hal English)

Our 2024 Honorees

This year’s recipients of Legacy of Leadership Awards exemplify the spirit of innovation, leadership, and community that makes the Princeton-Mercer region thrive. 

Business Leader of the Year: Andrew Siegel, COO, Hamilton Jewelers

Andrew represents the fourth generation of Siegel family ownership of Hamilton Jewelers. He is responsible for identifying opportunities for growth and executing strategies to achieve the company’s business goals. A respected, highly engaged leader in the region, Andrew is a past President of the Princeton Merchants Association, current Vice President of Experience Princeton, and member of the Princeton Area Community Foundation’s Next Gen Giving Circle.

Community Leader of the Year: Rebecca Kelly, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Capital Health 

Rebecca’s dedication to the community is evident in her efforts to forge strategic partnerships that enhance public health education and advocacy. Her initiatives have made a significant impact, promoting preventative health in innovative, engaging ways. For example, Capital Health’s “Operation Stuffed with Love” program provides stuffed animals to children living on a military base to provide support while their parents are deployed. Rebecca understands that connecting with the community is crucial to an organization’s success.

(pictured here the Capital Health NJ team)

Innovator of the Year: Raymond Wang, Founder and CEO, HEVI 

Headquartered in East Windsor, HEVI Corp. is the first U.S. electric heavy equipment manufacturer to electrify an entire lineup of heavy equipment. Raymond has been leading the executive strategy, product deployment, public relations, and plan execution at HEVI Corp. since the company’s inception. Guided by his visionary perspective and strong ethical compass, Raymond cultivates a collaborative environment and champions innovation, creating a lasting, positive impact on the organizations he leads.

(pictured: Raymond Wang, HEVI industrials)

Entrepreneur of the Year: Alisa McCabe, Owner, First Steps Financial

Alisa leads a team of Advanced QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisors as CEO and Founder of First Steps Financial, a leading remote outsourced accounting firm. First Steps Financial leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline financial processes and boost profitability for small businesses. Alisa’s innovative approach, unwavering enthusiasm, and infectious passion for helping businesses thrive inspire her clients, which has made her an invaluable asset to the small business community.

(pictured: Ryan McDevitt, Alisa McCabe, Zack Warringer)

Community Development Fund Recipient: HomeWorks Trenton

Established in 2013, the Chamber’s Community Development Fund is an endowed fund dedicated to supporting not-for-profit organizations located in the Chamber’s five-county footprint. Held and managed by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, the fund provides grants each year to organizations that provide tangible benefit to the business community through education, training, and workforce development initiatives.

This year’s recipient of a $30,000 grant is HomeWorks Trenton, which operates a free afterschool residential program for marginalized high school girls. The program provides academic and identity-driven leadership enrichment to supplement public schools and develop community leaders. HomeWorks recently acquired a permanent campus to establish the organization as a vital anchor point and become an integral part of the fabric of Trenton.

“We are so thankful for the Chamber in helping us not only with our building but also our operations,” said Natalie Tung, Co-Founder and Executive Director of HomeWorks Trenton. “This will ensure our scholars have the tools they need to build confidence to achieve economic freedom and empowerment and become leaders in their community.”

(pictured: Homeworks Trenton award)

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors

The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber would like to thank our generous sponsors who made this incredible celebration possible.

Gold Sponsor

NJM Insurance Group

Silver Sponsors

First Bank

Integris                

Bronze Sponsors

HBK CPAs and Consultants

Rue Insurance

The Mercadien Group

Northfield Bank

TD Bank

Patron Sponsors

CBIZ Borden Perlman

Prior Nami Business Systems

Provident Bank

Josh Zinder Architecture and Design

Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

Cocktail Sponsor

William Penn Bank

Program Sponsor

Capital Health

Gift Sponsor

RWK Consulting

Award Sponsors

PSEG

RWJ University Hospital Hamilton

Bristol Myers Squibb

Bank of America

“The Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner represents everything members love about the Chamber,” said Gretchen DiMarco, Vice President of Operations for the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber. “Leaders from the business and nonprofit communities, elected officials, and past honorees gather to recognize the achievements of their peers. We celebrate together, end the year on a high note, and light the spark for another productive year in 2025. It’s a wonderful tradition and this year’s event was no exception.”

Visit the Chamber’s LinkedIn and Facebook pages for photos and highlights of the Legacy Leadership Awards Dinner!