The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), the nation's largest state-level employer association, presented its New Good Neighbor Award to the new Ice Vault Arena, an ice hockey and skating center in Wayne Township.

NJBIA President Philip Kirschner presented the award to Ice Vault Managing Partner Larry Tippner at the 44th Annual New Good Neighbor Awards luncheon, held June 8 at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place in Iselin.

"This is a first-rate sports facility created by the vision of the developers to make sure the growing legion of hockey enthusiasts had the ice time they wanted," Kirschner said. "We are proud to present a New Good Neighbor Award to the builders, developers and designers of the Ice Vault Arena."

The 76,000-square-foot, $9-million facility features two NHL-regulation-size ice rinks geared to serve more than 300,000 participants per year. The Vault provides seating for 700, a 100-seat restaurant overlooking the ice, and a top notch pro shop and high-tech skate repair unit.

But the facilities are only part of what makes the Ice Vault a good neighbor. Physical education programs for area schools and a wide range of skating instruction, including ice dancing and figure skating, will be made available to the public. The facility will also be home to some 30 hockey teams, including municipal leagues and eight high schools in Bergen and Passaic Counties. The Ice Vault will also host the Special Olympics and sled hockey for physically challenged youngsters.

"Hockey as a major sport, is growing at a phenomenal rate in New Jersey, which was a deciding factor for two hockey dads on the ownership team," said Wayne Mayor Scott Rumana, who nominated the facility. "We're delighted to embrace the Ice Vault Arena as an outstanding New Good Neighbor and a welcome addition to our community."

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.