The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), the nation's largest state-level employer association, recently presented its New Good Neighbor Award to Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus for its state-of-the-art veterinary facility.

NJBIA President Philip Kirschner presented the award to Oradell Hospital's Dr. Anthony Palminteri at the 44th Annual New Good Neighbor Awards luncheon, held June 8 at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place in Iselin.

Construction of the hospital turned a dilapidated warehouse along Winters Avenue into a state-of-the-art animal hospital that will serve the community 24 hours a day.

"With Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus is now home to a first-rate veterinary facility that can do everything from echocardiograms to installation of pacemakers," NJBIA President Philip Kirschner said. "NJBIA is proud to present its New Good Neighbor award to Oradell Animal Hospital for improving our economy and enhanced our quality of life."

The $12 million hospital required more than 200 workers to complete. The 36,000-square-foot facility features five operating rooms, a dental suite, 20 exam rooms, an isolation ward, a critical care unit, X-Ray and MRI facilities, and an in-house pharmacy and laboratory. It will support a staff of more than 200, including 40 doctors.

The hospital relocated from its original location in Oradell, where it had practiced veterinary medicine for 50 years. The new hospital is more than three times the size of the old facility, making it the largest animal hospital in New Jersey and the largest privately owned facility of its kind in the nation.

"We are proud that Oradell Animal Hospital has chosen the Borough of Paramus for its new hospital," said Paramus Mayor James J. Tedesco, III, who nominated the facility. "Lest we forget, this fine institution actually helps our citizens, because our pets, perhaps more than ever, are an integral part of our families."

Wells Associates Architects of Oradell designed the building and Barr & Barr Builders of Franklin Lakes was the primary builder.

The New Good Neighbor Awards are presented annually to new developments or renovations that exhibit architectural excellence, create jobs, and enhance the community. An independent panel of judges selected the winners. In 2004, NJBIA received 31 New Good Neighbor Award nominations representing nearly $600 million worth of construction and creating 5,600 jobs.

NJBIA represents more than 22,000 member companies throughout New Jersey.