BRAMNICK ANNOUNCES DeCROCE HAS BEEN NAMED ONE OF NJBIZ’S 2013 50 BEST WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick today announced that Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, has been named as one of NJBIZ’s 2013 50 Best Women in Business. The program recognizes dynamic women for their professional success, community involvement and advocacy for women.

“Assemblywoman DeCroce is not only an outstanding public servant, but a role model for women of all ages,” said Bramnick, R- Union, Morris and Somerset. “She’s a long-time trusted friend and it’s an honor to have her serve as a member of the Assembly Republican caucus where she has championed important legislation affecting women.

“In addition to her record of public service, BettyLou is a successful businesswoman who epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit. Her leadership skills, her commitment to service and her selfless willingness to give back to her community has helped thousands of citizens, small business owners and women leaders in Morris County and throughout the state. BettyLou is more than deserving of this meritorious award and, on behalf of the Assembly Republican caucus, I congratulate her.”

DeCroce will be honored along with the other recipients at a dinner at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, NJ on Thursday, March 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.

“I have always considered the opportunity to serve my community and state in both the private and public sectors a privilege,” said DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “To be recognized for doing so is not only a pleasant surprise, but an incredible honor. ”

DeCroce has enjoyed a successful career for more than 30 years in the New Jersey real estate industry. As President of Gallo and DeCroce ERA Realty in Parsippany, she has earned top honors in the real estate business, including the MVP Office Award for Outstanding Achievements from the Business Broker’s Council of New Jersey in 2002, the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Memorial Award, and the MDA Jerry Award for Outstanding Fundraising from 1999 to 2002, and her company earned the ERA Franchise Systems Superior Performance Award from 2002 through 2012.

She is the former Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs where she oversaw the Division on Local Government Services and the Division on Women. Under her leadership, she helped earn an SBA grant to help women entrepreneurs gain important contacts, funding and information on starting a small business, and authored the Best Practices Model for municipalities.

In 2012, DeCroce was elected to the General Assembly to represent the constituents of the 26th Legislative District. She fills the seat formerly held by her husband, the late Alex DeCroce, who served as Assembly Republican Leader. She currently serves on the Assembly Education and Assembly Women and Children committees, and the Joint Committee on Public Schools.

DeCroce, who has made giving back to the community a hallmark of her career, has served on the board of the Morris County Cancer Society, the New Jersey Crime Victims Law Center, the Morris County Clerks Association, the State of New Jersey Clerks Association, the International Clerks Association, and as Vice Chair for the Employees Legislative Council.