Elberon Development Group CEO Dave Gibbons recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Elizabeth Development Co. — Courtesy: Elberon
By Joshua Burd
Elberon Development Group CEO Dave Gibbons has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Elizabeth Development Co., the public nonprofit organization that has helped guide economic growth in the city for more than 45 years.
EDC recognized Gibbons, a longtime board member and its onetime chairman, during its 8th Annual Leadership Awards Ceremony in late February. It did so thanks in part to his leadership with the organization and with Elberon, a 104-year-old, family-owned commercial real estate firm headquartered in Elizabeth that has developed or redeveloped several projects totaling 1.5 million square feet over the past 12 years, all within the Union County city.
The portfolio today includes several of the same properties originally developed by the company’s founder and several others acquired from third parties, with notable clients including Wakefern Food Corp., FedEx, East Coast Warehouse, Seafrigo and FreezPak.
“Receiving this award from EDC is truly humbling and unexpected,” Gibbons said. “It’s a reminder of the importance and impact of our work in our community. I am grateful for this recognition and inspired to continue striving for excellence in everything we do at Elberon Development Group.”
Gibbons joined EDC’s board in 1998 and went on to serve as its chairman until 2000, according to a news release. He remains a trustee, the organization said, noting that his work there has led to several invitations to serve on other high-profile boards, including YMCA of Eastern Union County, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Kean University, the Cornell Law School Advisory Council and the advisory board for the Fitzgerald Institute of Real Estate at the University of Notre Dame.
“I tip my cap to EDC for its unwavering commitment to innovation, growth and economic prosperity,” Gibbons added. “We are deeply honored and motivated to continue driving positive change in our community and beyond.”
Established in 1977, the EDC has an independent board of trustees that serves Elizabeth’s economic development needs, helping businesses succeed by connecting them with financing and development tools.
