Of course a number of the indicators speak to economic vitality in terms of productivity, income and efficiency. But a larger number of the goals and indicators address quality of life issues. These are issues not measured by the Dow-Jones or reported on during nightly business broadcasts. These are the issues that affect every one who lives in the state, who breathes the air, drinks the water, recreates in the outdoors or drives on the highways.

While corporations and businesses of all sizes are work to achieve the economic goals necessary for prosperity in the state, the Pinelands Preservation Alliance and other environmental groups throughout the state work hard to achieve the quality of life goals necessary for a healthy life.

The goal of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance is to preserve 20% of the state of New Jersey from unsustainable development, pollution, destruction and harm. This particular corner of the state contains the open spaces, natural resources, clean water and clean air necessary to sustain a high quality of life.

The New Jersey Pinelands is the last remaining open space between Boston and Virginia, it is home to hundreds of threatened and endangered species of plants and animals, it contains pure rivers and streams, it is a haven for naturalists, canoeists, hikers, bikers and birdwatchers. It is an oasis of tranquility in the a mostly urban and suburban state.

The presence of the New Jersey Pinelands and the work of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance make the most densely populated state in the nation a better place to live.

We would like to invite corporations in New Jersey to support the work of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance and help us protect the quality of life of all residents in the state by preserving the largest open space and most bio-diverse wilderness in the state.

For more information please call Traci Connaughton at (609) 894-8000 or e-mail to traci@pinelandsalliance.org

Workplace giving through Earth Share New Jersey allows you to set up an automatic deduction from your salary for a specific environmental cause or a group of causes.

If your employer offers you an opportunity to deduct from your salary for charitable causes you can choose Earth Share New Jersey which will direct your contribution to the federation of groups that make up Earth Share. If you want to be more specific you can nominate an organization and they will receive your entire contribution.

If your employer does not offer you an opportunity to deduct from your salary for charitable causes contact Margaret O’Gorman at PPA or Ken Medd, Executive Director of Earth Share New Jersey to find out how easy it is to offer employee choice in giving in the workplace.

A matching gift will maximise your contribution

Many corporations and companies have decided that they would like to encourage charitable acts and giving among their employees. Some companies provide employees time off to volunteer at local schools and community groups. Some encourage employees to volunteer on their own time. Other companies offer a matching gift program that encourages employees to contribute to charity.

A matching gift program encourages someone to contribute to charity because the amount contributed is matched and sometimes doubles by the employer company. We have many members who join at the basic membership level. That is a great thing. We also have many members who join and submit a matching gift form from their company – this means that their basic membership can be doubled or more thanks to a short trip to human resources.

Please see the list of the companies that we have received matching gifts from below. If you work for such a company and wish to maximize your gift to PPA, then please send in the appropriate form with your next donation.

If your employer is not listed below this does not mean that they do not have a matching gift program. Please enquire with your personnel office if they offer matching gifts before you send your next contribution to the Pinelands Preservation Alliance.