365 reasons to celebrate New Jersey

I believe it is time for New Jerseyans to take a stand for our great Garden State. As a lifetime resident who has been educated, raised my family and run my business here, I think it's time to put some focus on what is right about New Jersey.

In its third year, Celebrate NJ!, a grassroots movement dedicated to building awareness and creating excitement about New Jersey, is doing just that.

The 365 Reasons to Celebrate NJ! campaign was launched earlier this month and invites New Jersey residents to put their love for New Jersey into 25 words or less. The contest will culminate in an outdoor advertising and media campaign that will blanket New Jersey with the top 365 reasons throughout 2007.

N.J.residents can enter the contest on the Celebrate NJ! Web site www.CelebrateNJ.org by Nov. 30.

There are so many reasons to feel good about living in New Jersey - our natural resources, our people, our opportunities and our history.

When we feel good about where we live, we feel good about ourselves and we take care of what we appreciate.

On the surface, this campaign is a fun way to create some positive energy here in New Jersey. It is also a powerful way to connect us to each other and to this wonderful place we call home.

Karen Hatcher

president

Celebrate NJ!

Bradley Beach