State of New Jersey

Department of State
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1900

Atlantic County's Enterprise-Wide Electronic Records System Earns State Award
County established several data-campuses as well as a stand-alone imaging system

Trenton, NJ – Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells announced today that the County of Atlantic has won a PARIS Award for Excellence for the establishment of several data campuses within the county, as well as a stand-alone imaging system within the records management office. The project was funded by a 2005 grant from the state’s innovative Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program.

In ceremonies held in the General Assembly Chamber at the State House, Atlantic County PARIS project manager Donna Lenzi received the award from Secretary Wells, Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, and Javier Inclán, Governor Jon Corzine’s Director of Constituent and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nearly 150 state and local officials attended the ceremonies. Dr. Weinstein, head of the National Archives and Records Administration, presented the keynote address, applauding New Jersey for launching a program that has become a national model for meeting the challenge of managing local government records, whether from the ancient past or in the information technology age.

The Award for Excellence recognizes Atlantic County’s special achievement in the category of “Enterprise-wide Approach to Electronic Records.” It was one of eight awards given by the Department of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management to outstanding county and municipal governments participating in the PARIS program during its inaugural year.

In May 2005, Atlantic County received a $344,042 PARIS grant for the establishment of four (4) distinct data campuses covering all campuses of county government for the storage, retrieval and back-up of electronic records. The county built upon the success of a previously certified electronic document management system, expanding it to integrate many key offices within the county. The establishment of the data campuses will allow the county to shape its future electronic records program and infrastructure, as well as assist in disaster recovery, back-up and restoration.

In addition, several departments were added to its previously certified enterprise-wide electronic document imaging system, including the County Adjuster, Law Department, and County Counsel. Frequently referenced records in the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Surrogate were imaged and merged into the existing system, increasing ease of access to these vital records.

Ms. Lenzi accepted the award on behalf of the county, stating “PARIS is a model program, a joint effort and a partnership between the state of New Jersey and its local governments. This partnership has lead to large success, not only in Atlantic County but throughout New Jersey."

Besides Atlantic County, seven other local governments received a PARIS Award for Excellence. Other recipients and award categories were Passaic County for “Public Access to Historical Records, pre-1925,” Monmouth County for “Shared Services: County-to-County,” Camden County for “Shared Services: County-to-Municipalities,” Woodbridge Township for “Outstanding Project Management: Municipal,” Union County for “Outstanding Project Management: County,” Cape May County for “Disaster Preparedness,” and Gloucester County for “Comprehensive and Enterprise-Wide Approach to Archives and Records Management.”

The Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grants Program is the nation’s leading state program for upgrading the security, integrity and efficiency of local government records administration. Administered by the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) in the Department of State, PARIS distributes between $17 and $27 million annually to county and municipal governments to support archives and records management infrastructure improvements. Since its inception in 2005, PARIS has emphasized comprehensive strategic planning, promoting intergovernmental shared services, and encouraged enterprise solutions to records management challenges in the electronic information age, transforming local governments’ business practices and responsiveness to citizens.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” said Secretary Wells, commending the success of the PARIS program. She continued, “Through a strong focus on shared services, more and more local governments are benefiting from the PARIS program, and counties and larger cities are offering centralized services. This has created an increase in government efficiency, while realizing significant cost savings to taxpayers.” Karl J. Niederer, Director of DARM, shared this view, stating “The model of cooperative intergovernmental shared services nurtured through PARIS – encouraging the 21 counties to become archives and records management “hubs” serving both the county and the municipalities within their borders – is worthy of emulation in other states.”

Allen Weinstein, who traveled to the event from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the PARIS program and its successes achieved to date, stating “What you are accomplishing in New Jersey—working collaboratively through PARIS at all levels of government to improve local records preservation and access—meshes remarkably well with the strategic vision and mission of the National Archives.”

More information on the PARIS grants program may be found online at www.njarchives.org/links/paris.html.

State of New Jersey

Department of State
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1900

Camden County's Public Records Assessment Project Earns State Shared Services Award
County sponsored records needs assessments for all constituent municipalities

Trenton, NJ – Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells announced today that the County of Camden has won a PARIS Award for Excellence for being the first county—not only in New Jersey, but in the nation— to provide individual records management needs assessment reports for all participating municipal governments, as well as a county-wide records management shared services report. The project was funded by a 2005 grant from the state’s innovative Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program.

In ceremonies held in the General Assembly Chamber at the State House, Camden County PARIS project manager Maria Efstratiades received the award from Secretary Wells, Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, and Javier Inclán, Governor Jon Corzine’s Director of Constituent and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nearly 150 state and local officials attended the ceremonies. Dr. Weinstein, head of the National Archives and Records Administration, presented the keynote address, applauding New Jersey for launching a program that has become a national model for meeting the challenge of managing local government records, whether from the ancient past or in the information technology age.

The Award for Excellence recognizes Camden County’s special achievement in the category of “Shared Services, County to Municipalities.” It was one of eight awards given by the Department of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management to outstanding county and municipal governments participating in the PARIS program during its inaugural year.

In May 2005, Camden County received a $113,700 PARIS grant for its county wide municipal needs assessment project. The project resulted in complete detailed individual records management needs assessments and inventories for all of its constituent municipalities as well as a county government-wide records management shared services recommendations to establish a framework for comprehensive shared records management services in Camden County. Not only does this outstanding project make 100 percent of the county’s municipal governments eligible for PARIS funding in program year 2008-2009, but it saved more than $450,000 that would have been spent conducting independent needs assessments in each municipality.

The project illustrates both the county’s vision and desire to act as a records management hub for its constituent municipal governments, providing a wide array of records management services in the future. Possibilities for shared services include records storage, imaging, staffing and training. The project also shows that the county possesses the project management skills necessary to fulfill these goals.

Ms. Efstradiades accepted the award on behalf of the county, stating "The County of Camden was eager and pleased to embrace shared services through the PARIS grants program. This project has allowed the county to reach out to its constituent municipal governments, to not only provide each with their own individual records management plan, but to provide the county with a plan to move forward with other, exciting, shared services initiatives."

Besides Camden County, seven other local governments received a PARIS Award for Excellence. Other recipients and award categories were Passaic County for “ Public Access to Historical Records, pre 1925,” Atlantic County for “Enterprise-wide Approach to Electronic Records,” Monmouth County for “Shared Services: County-to-County,” Woodbridge Township for “Outstanding Project Management: Municipal,” Union County for “Outstanding Project Management: County,” Cape May County for “Disaster Preparedness,” and Gloucester County for “Comprehensive and Enterprise-Wide Approach to Archives and Records Management.”

The Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grants Program is the nation’s leading state program for upgrading the security, integrity and efficiency of local government records administration. Administered by the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) in the Department of State, PARIS distributes between $17 and $27 million annually to county and municipal governments to support archives and records management infrastructure improvements. Since its inception in 2005, PARIS has emphasized comprehensive strategic planning, promoting intergovernmental shared services, and encouraged enterprise solutions to records management challenges in the electronic information age, transforming local governments’ business practices and responsiveness to citizens.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” said Secretary Wells, commending the success of the PARIS program. She continued, “Through a strong focus on shared services, more and more local governments are benefiting from the PARIS program, and counties and larger cities are offering centralized services. This has created an increase in government efficiency, while realizing significant cost savings to taxpayers.” Karl J. Niederer, Director of DARM, shared this view, stating “The model of cooperative intergovernmental shared services nurtured through PARIS – encouraging the 21 counties to become archives and records management “hubs” serving both the county and the municipalities within their borders – is worthy of emulation in other states.”

Allen Weinstein, who traveled to the event from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the PARIS program and its successes achieved to date, stating “What you are accomplishing in New Jersey—working collaboratively through PARIS at all levels of government to improve local records preservation and access—meshes remarkably well with the strategic vision and mission of the National Archives.”

More information on the PARIS grants program may be found online at www.njarchives.org/links/paris.html.

State of New Jersey

Department of State
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1900

Cape May County's Disaster Recovery Project Earns State Award
County honored for regional records recovery center

Trenton, NJ – Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells announced today that the County of Cape May has won a PARIS Award for Excellence for the establishment of its Regional Records Recovery Center (RRRC). The project was funded by a 2005 grant from the state’s innovative Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program.

In ceremonies held in the General Assembly Chamber at the State House, Cape May County PARIS project manager and County Clerk Rita Fulginiti received the award from Secretary Wells, Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, and Javier Inclán, Governor Jon Corzine’s Director of Constituent and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nearly 150 state and local officials attended the ceremonies. Dr. Weinstein, head of the National Archives and Records Administration, presented the keynote address, applauding New Jersey for launching a program that has become a national model for meeting the challenge of managing local government records, whether from the ancient past or in the information technology age.

The Award for Excellence recognizes Cape May County’s special achievement in the category of “Disaster Preparedness, Infrastructure.” It was one of eight awards given by the Department of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management to outstanding county and municipal governments participating in the PARIS program during its inaugural year.

In May 2005, Cape May County received a $598,677 PARIS grant for the establishment of its Regional Records Recovery Center. The RRRC will withstand a category four hurricane, housing the county’s disaster recovery and business continuity operations. Built using both PARIS and county funds, the RRRC provides automatic back-up of vital electronic records and will provide a hot-site for the re-establishment of government operations in the wake of a disaster. The RRRC will also accommodate participation by the county’s constituent municipal governments. Considering the county’s exposure to the Atlantic Ocean and its vulnerability to storms and flooding, Cape May is at the leading edge of disaster preparedness in the State of New Jersey.

Ms. Fulginiti accepted the award on behalf of the county, stating “Cape May County has always had a culture of collaboration, and has always had the vision to protect its most vital and precious records, including long-lived plans for a regional records recovery center. Cape May County, however, lacked the means to realize this vision. Thanks to PARIS, the State Records Committee, the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management and the Department of State, Cape May received the funding and support needed to carry out this, and many other projects." Joining Ms. Fuliginiti was County Records Manager and PARIS Project Manager, Liz Shay.

Besides Cape May County, seven other local governments received a PARIS Award for Excellence. Other recipients and award categories were Passaic County for “Public Access to Historical Records, pre-1925,” Atlantic County for “Enterprise-wide Approach to Electronic Records,” Monmouth County for “Shared Services: County-to-County,” Camden County for “Shared Services: County-to-Municipalities,” Woodbridge Township for “Outstanding Project Management: Municipal,” Union County for “Outstanding Project Management: County,” and Gloucester County for “Comprehensive and Enterprise-Wide Approach to Archives and Records Management.”

The Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grants Program is the nation’s leading state program for upgrading the security, integrity and efficiency of local government records administration. Administered by the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) in the Department of State, PARIS distributes between $17 and $27 million annually to county and municipal governments to support archives and records management infrastructure improvements. Since its inception in 2005, PARIS has emphasized comprehensive strategic planning, promoting intergovernmental shared services, and encouraged enterprise solutions to records management challenges in the electronic information age, transforming local governments’ business practices and responsiveness to citizens.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” said Secretary Wells, commending the success of the PARIS program. She continued, “Through a strong focus on shared services, more and more local governments are benefiting from the PARIS program, and counties and larger cities are offering centralized services. This has created an increase in government efficiency, while realizing significant cost savings to taxpayers.” Karl J. Niederer, Director of DARM, shared this view, stating “The model of cooperative intergovernmental shared services nurtured through PARIS – encouraging the 21 counties to become archives and records management “hubs” serving both the county and the municipalities within their borders – is worthy of emulation in other states.”

Allen Weinstein, who traveled to the event from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the PARIS program and its successes achieved to date, stating “What you are accomplishing in New Jersey—working collaboratively through PARIS at all levels of government to improve local records preservation and access—meshes remarkably well with the strategic vision and mission of the National Archives.”

More information on the PARIS grants program may be found online at www.njarchives.org/links/paris.html.

State of New Jersey

Department of State
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1900

Gloucester County's Management of Public Archives and Records Earns State Award
Comprehensive, enterprise-wide approach to records a model for other counties

Trenton, NJ – Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells announced today that the County of Gloucester has won a PARIS Award for Excellence for distinguished performance in preserving and enhancing public access to the county’s historical records. The project was funded by a 2005 grant from the state’s innovative Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program.

In ceremonies held in the General Assembly Chamber at the State House, Gloucester County PARIS Project Manager and Chief Information Officer William Taylor received the award from Secretary Wells, Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, and Javier Inclán, Governor Jon Corzine’s Director of Constituent and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nearly 150 state and local officials attended the ceremonies. Dr. Weinstein, head of the National Archives and Records Administration, presented the keynote address, applauding New Jersey for launching a program that has become a national model for meeting the challenge of managing local government records, whether from the ancient past or in the information technology age.

The Award for Excellence recognizes Gloucester County’s special achievement in the category of “Comprehensive and Enterprise-wide Approach of Grant Funded Projects.” It was one of eight awards given by the Department of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management to outstanding county and municipal governments participating in the PARIS program during its inaugural year.

Gloucester County’s initial PARIS grant application submitted in 2005 demonstrated a thorough understanding of the need to address all aspects of records management, from basic records inventories and planning to developing disaster recovery capabilities. The county’s balanced, comprehensive approach to PARIS included general records management, technology enhancements and historical records preservation and access—addressing each of the major priorities set forth by the State Records Committee for the program year.

Mr. Taylor accepted the award on behalf of the county, stating "Prior to PARIS, the County of Gloucester found it difficult to obtain support for the advancement of technology and general records management, and there was no centralized approach to caring for older, historical records. Lucky for us PARIS came along and saved the day."

Besides Gloucester County, seven other local governments received a PARIS Award for Excellence. Other recipients and award categories were Atlantic County for “Enterprise-wide Approach to Electronic Records,” Monmouth County for “Shared Services: County-to-County,” Camden County for “Shared Services: County-to-Municipalities,” Woodbridge Township for “Outstanding Project Management: Municipal,” Union County for “Outstanding Project Management: County,” Cape May County for “Disaster Preparedness,” and Passaic County for “Public Access to Historical Records, pre-1925.”

The Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grants Program is the nation’s leading state program for upgrading the security, integrity and efficiency of local government records administration. Administered by the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) in the Department of State, PARIS distributes between $17 and $27 million annually to county and municipal governments to support archives and records management infrastructure improvements. Since its inception in 2005, PARIS has emphasized comprehensive strategic planning, promoting intergovernmental shared services, and encouraged enterprise solutions to records management challenges in the electronic information age, transforming local governments’ business practices and responsiveness to citizens.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” said Secretary Wells, commending the success of the PARIS program. She continued, “Through a strong focus on shared services, more and more local governments are benefiting from the PARIS program, and counties and larger cities are offering centralized services. This has created an increase in government efficiency, while realizing significant cost savings to taxpayers.” Karl J. Niederer, Director of DARM, shared this view, stating “The model of cooperative intergovernmental shared services nurtured through PARIS – encouraging the 21 counties to become archives and records management “hubs” serving both the county and the municipalities within their borders – is worthy of emulation in other states.”

Allen Weinstein, who traveled to the event from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the PARIS program and its successes achieved to date, stating “What you are accomplishing in New Jersey—working collaboratively through PARIS at all levels of government to improve local records preservation and access—meshes remarkably well with the strategic vision and mission of the National Archives.”

More information on the PARIS grants program may be found online at www.njarchives.org/links/paris.html.

State of New Jersey

Department of State
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1900

Monmouth's Multi-County E-Recording Portal Earns State Shared Services Award
County expanded its e-recording portal to serve 11 New Jersey counties

Trenton, NJ – Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells announced today that the County of Monmouth has won a PARIS Award for Excellence for the expansion of its e-recording portal to serve eleven New Jersey counties. The project was funded by a 2005 grant from the state’s innovative Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program.

In ceremonies held in the General Assembly Chamber at the State House, Monmouth County Clerk M. Claire French received the award from Secretary Wells, Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, and Javier Inclán, Governor Jon Corzine’s Director of Constituent and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nearly 150 state and local officials attended the ceremonies. Dr. Weinstein, head of the National Archives and Records Administration, presented the keynote address, applauding New Jersey for launching a program that has become a national model for meeting the challenge of managing local government records, whether from the ancient past or in the information technology age.

The Award for Excellence recognizes Monmouth County’s special achievement in the category of “Shared Services, County to County.” It was one of eight awards given by the Department of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management to outstanding county and municipal governments participating in the PARIS program during its inaugural year.

In May 2005, Monmouth County received a $792,246 PARIS grant for the expansion of the e-recording portal, which allows for electronic filing of select land documents, including deeds and mortgages. In program year 2005-2006, the project benefited eleven participating counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Passaic and Sussex. And it saved a vast sum of money: if each of these counties had pursued an e-recording solution independently, development and implementation costs would have exceeded an additional $20 million.

Prior to the e-recording portal, each county would receive all land records in paper form by mail or in–person delivery. All imaging of the records and uploading into the land records management system occurred on-site. With the number of financial institutions capable of using the portal growing each day, approximately 35 percent of each participating county’s incoming land records now arrive through the portal. An estimated 60-percent reduction in county processing time for recording land records via the portal makes the information accessible to the public faster than ever before.

M. Claire French accepted the award on behalf of the county, stating "The e-recording initiative is a partnership. It's a partnership between counties, and with the State of New Jersey. Thanks to seed money provided by the PARIS program, this partnership was able to expand and to allow real efficiencies to be achieved. Shared services are here to stay!" Joining Ms. French was Monmouth County Chief Financial Officer and PARIS Project Manager Mark Acker, Information Services Director Bob Williams, and County Archivist Gary Saretzky.

Besides Monmouth County, seven other local governments received a PARIS Award for Excellence. Other recipients and award categories were Atlantic County for “Enterprise-wide Approach to Electronic Records,” Passaic County for “Public Access to Historical Records, pre-1925,” Camden County for “Shared Services: County-to-Municipalities,” Woodbridge Township for “Outstanding Project Management: Municipal,” Union County for “Outstanding Project Management: County,” Cape May County for “Disaster Preparedness,” and Gloucester County for “Comprehensive and Enterprise-Wide Approach to Archives and Records Management.”

The Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grants Program is the nation’s leading state program for upgrading the security, integrity and efficiency of local government records administration. Administered by the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) in the Department of State, PARIS distributes between $17 and $27 million annually to county and municipal governments to support archives and records management infrastructure improvements. Since its inception in 2005, PARIS has emphasized comprehensive strategic planning, promoting intergovernmental shared services, and encouraged enterprise solutions to records management challenges in the electronic information age, transforming local governments’ business practices and responsiveness to citizens.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” said Secretary Wells, commending the success of the PARIS program. She continued, “Through a strong focus on shared services, more and more local governments are benefiting from the PARIS program, and counties and larger cities are offering centralized services. This has created an increase in government efficiency, while realizing significant cost savings to taxpayers.” Karl J. Niederer, Director of DARM, shared this view, stating “The model of cooperative intergovernmental shared services nurtured through PARIS – encouraging the 21 counties to become archives and records management “hubs” serving both the county and the municipalities within their borders – is worthy of emulation in other states.”

Allen Weinstein, who traveled to the event from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the PARIS program and its successes achieved to date, stating “What you are accomplishing in New Jersey—working collaboratively through PARIS at all levels of government to improve local records preservation and access—meshes remarkably well with the strategic vision and mission of the National Archives.”

More information on the PARIS grants program may be found online at www.njarchives.org/links/paris.html.

State of New Jersey

Department of State
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1900

Passaic County Earns State Award for Improved Public Access to Historical Records
County preserved and digitized 2.5 million archival documents

Trenton, NJ – Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells announced today that the County of Passaic has won a PARIS Award for Excellence for distinguished performance in preserving and enhancing public access to the county’s historical records. The project was funded by a 2005 grant from the state’s innovative Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program.

In ceremonies held in the General Assembly Chamber at the State House, Passaic County PARIS Project Manager Frances Purciello received the award from Secretary Wells, Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, and Javier Inclán, Governor Jon Corzine’s Director of Constituent and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nearly 150 state and local officials attended the ceremonies. Dr. Weinstein, head of the National Archives and Records Administration, presented the keynote address, applauding New Jersey for launching a program that has become a national model for meeting the challenge of managing local government records, whether from the ancient past or in the information technology age.

The Award for Excellence recognizes Passaic County’s special achievement in the category of “Public Access to Historical Records.” It was one of eight awards given by the Department of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management to outstanding county and municipal governments participating in the PARIS program during its inaugural year.

In May 2005, Passaic County received a $791,300 PARIS grant for preservation, conservation treatment, and reformatting of permanent historical records held in the offices of the county clerk, surrogate and sheriff. Included in the grant were funds for microfilming and digital imaging of archives in the three constitutional offices dating from the county’s formation in 1837 to the 20th century. The project produced approximately 2.5 million images of the records, which are now viewable electronically on public access computer stations in the clerk’s and surrogate’s offices.

County staff and the public may now access historically significant records quickly and easily in digital format, including naturalization records, wills, estate files, land records, incorporations and name changes. These records are invaluable to researchers, including genealogists and local historians. Besides improving access, the project will enable the county to retire the delicate original books and records to secure archival storage.

Ms. Purciello accepted the award on behalf of the county, stating “Prior to the PARIS grants program, the County of Passaic had no centralized records management program. PARIS gave the county the money and support to get started, and to quickly realize many efficiencies in the way public records, including those of historical value, are protected and accessed.” She was joined by Deputy County Surrogate Joan Marchese, and Captain Lori Mambelli of the Sheriff’s Office.

Besides Passaic County, seven other local governments received a PARIS Award for Excellence. Other recipients and award categories were Atlantic County for “Enterprise-wide Approach to Electronic Records,” Monmouth County for “Shared Services: County-to-County,” Camden County for “Shared Services: County-to-Municipalities,” Woodbridge Township for “Outstanding Project Management: Municipal,” Union County for “Outstanding Project Management: County,” Cape May County for “Disaster Preparedness,” and Gloucester County for “Comprehensive and Enterprise-Wide Approach to Archives and Records Management.”

The Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grants Program is the nation’s leading state program for upgrading the security, integrity and efficiency of local government records administration. Administered by the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) in the Department of State, PARIS distributes between $17 and $27 million annually to county and municipal governments to support archives and records management infrastructure improvements. Since its inception in 2005, PARIS has emphasized comprehensive strategic planning, promoting intergovernmental shared services, and encouraged enterprise solutions to records management challenges in the electronic information age, transforming local governments’ business practices and responsiveness to citizens.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” said Secretary Wells, commending the success of the PARIS program. She continued, “Through a strong focus on shared services, more and more local governments are benefiting from the PARIS program, and counties and larger cities are offering centralized services. This has created an increase in government efficiency, while realizing significant cost savings to taxpayers.” Karl J. Niederer, Director of DARM, shared this view, stating “The model of cooperative intergovernmental shared services nurtured through PARIS – encouraging the 21 counties to become archives and records management “hubs” serving both the county and the municipalities within their borders – is worthy of emulation in other states.”

Allen Weinstein, who traveled to the event from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the PARIS program and its successes achieved to date, stating “What you are accomplishing in New Jersey—working collaboratively through PARIS at all levels of government to improve local records preservation and access—meshes remarkably well with the strategic vision and mission of the National Archives.”

More information on the PARIS grants program may be found online at www.njarchives.org/links/paris.html.

State of New Jersey

Department of State
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1900

Union County Earns State Award for Outstanding Project Management
County honored for excellent management of public records

Trenton, NJ – Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells announced today that the County of Union has won a PARIS Award for Excellence for outstanding management of several projects to improve public records administration, and for demonstrating leadership within the county and among its municipalities. The project was funded by a 2005 grant from the state’s innovative Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program.

In ceremonies held in the General Assembly Chamber at the State House, Union County Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan received the award from Secretary Wells, Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, and Javier Inclán, Governor Jon Corzine’s Director of Constituent and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nearly 150 state and local officials attended the ceremonies. Dr. Weinstein, head of the National Archives and Records Administration, presented the keynote address, applauding New Jersey for launching a program that has become a national model for meeting the challenge of managing local government records, whether from the ancient past or in the information technology age.

The Award for Excellence recognizes Union County’s special achievement in the category of “Outstanding Project Management, County.” It was one of eight awards given by the Department of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management to outstanding county and municipal governments participating in the PARIS program during its inaugural year.

Upon receipt of it is initial PARIS grant in May 2005, Union County’s dedication to the program has been unmatched. Excellent project management is not only the key to success with PARIS grants, but the indispensable ingredient for records management leadership within the organization and throughout the county. Union County holds the distinction of being the first county to have its records management needs assessment, inventory and strategic planning document accepted by the State Records Committee. The county has also worked tirelessly with PARIS to support its municipal constituents eligible for PARIS grants. The county demonstrated its commitment to a long-term records management program by assuming responsibility for 100 percent records manager’s salary and benefits prior to the end of the first grant year.

Freeholder Sullivan accepted the award on behalf of the county, stating "The PARIS grants program allows local governments to make much needed changes in how business in New Jersey in conducted, and has provided the much needed funding and support for Union County to move forward with a centralized approach to records management." Freeholder Sullivan was joined by PARIS Project Manager and Clerk of Board of Freeholders Nicole DiRado, County Archivist John Celardo, and Records Manager Anita McNamara.

Besides Union County, seven other local governments received a PARIS Award for Excellence. Other recipients and award categories were Atlantic County for “Enterprise-wide Approach to Electronic Records,” Monmouth County for “Shared Services: County-to-County,” Camden County for “Shared Services: County-to-Municipalities,” Woodbridge Township for “Outstanding Project Management: Municipal,” Passaic County for “Public Access to Historical Records,” Cape May County for “Disaster Preparedness,” and Gloucester County for “Comprehensive and Enterprise-Wide Approach to Archives and Records Management.”

The Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grants Program is the nation’s leading state program for upgrading the security, integrity and efficiency of local government records administration. Administered by the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) in the Department of State, PARIS distributes between $17 and $27 million annually to county and municipal governments to support archives and records management infrastructure improvements. Since its inception in 2005, PARIS has emphasized comprehensive strategic planning, promoting intergovernmental shared services, and encouraged enterprise solutions to records management challenges in the electronic information age, transforming local governments’ business practices and responsiveness to citizens.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” said Secretary Wells, commending the success of the PARIS program. She continued, “Through a strong focus on shared services, more and more local governments are benefiting from the PARIS program, and counties and larger cities are offering centralized services. This has created an increase in government efficiency, while realizing significant cost savings to taxpayers.” Karl J. Niederer, Director of DARM, shared this view, stating “The model of cooperative intergovernmental shared services nurtured through PARIS – encouraging the 21 counties to become archives and records management “hubs” serving both the county and the municipalities within their borders – is worthy of emulation in other states.”

Allen Weinstein, who traveled to the event from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the PARIS program and its successes achieved to date, stating “What you are accomplishing in New Jersey—working collaboratively through PARIS at all levels of government to improve local records preservation and access—meshes remarkably well with the strategic vision and mission of the National Archives.”

More information on the PARIS grants program may be found online at www.njarchives.org/links/paris.html.

State of New Jersey

Department of State
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1900

Woodbridge Township Earns State Award for Outstanding Project Management
Township honored for excellent management of public records

Trenton, NJ – Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells announced today that the Township of Woodbridge has won a PARIS Award for Excellence for outstanding management of projects to improve public records administration, and for demonstrating leadership within the township and among its peer municipalities. The project was funded by a 2005 grant from the state’s innovative Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grants Program.
In ceremonies held in the General Assembly Chamber at the State House, Woodbridge Township Programmer Analyst Frank Heslin received the award from Secretary Wells, Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, and Javier Inclán, Governor Jon Corzine’s Director of Constituent and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nearly 150 state and local officials attended the ceremonies. Dr. Weinstein, head of the National Archives and Records Administration, presented the keynote address, applauding New Jersey for launching program that has become a national model for meeting the challenge of managing local government records, whether from the ancient past or in the information technology age.

The Award for Excellence recognizes Woodbridge Township’s special achievement in the category of “Outstanding Project Management, Municipal.” It was one of eight awards given by the Department of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management to outstanding county and municipal governments participating in the PARIS program during its inaugural year.

Upon receipt of it is initial PARIS grant in May 2005, Woodbridge Township hit the ground, using the township’s excellent project management resources and sophisticated information technology support to complete its project and continue preexisting records management projects in meeting all DARM regulatory requirements. In addition, the township has provided leadership to its municipal counterparts as they seek PARIS grant funding, and strive to improve records management generally.

Mr. Heslin accepted the award on behalf of the township, stating "The Township of Woodbridge has a history of great ideas, but lacked the financial means of seeing these ideas through. PARIS has provided the township with the funds to allow these ideas to be realized ... which has done wonders for Woodbridge."

Besides Woodbridge Township, seven other local governments received a PARIS Award for Excellence. Other recipients and award categories were Atlantic County for “Enterprise-wide Approach to Electronic Records,” Monmouth County for “Shared Services: County-to-County,” Camden County for “Shared Services: County-to-Municipalities,” Passaic County for “Public Access to Historical Records, pre-1925,” Union County for “Outstanding Project Management: County,” Cape May County for “Disaster Preparedness,” and Gloucester County for “Comprehensive and Enterprise-Wide Approach to Archives and Records Management.”

The Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grants Program is the nation’s leading state program for upgrading the security, integrity and efficiency of local government records administration. Administered by the Division of Archives and Records Management (DARM) in the Department of State, PARIS distributes between $17 and $27 million annually to county and municipal governments to support archives and records management infrastructure improvements. Since its inception in 2005, PARIS has emphasized comprehensive strategic planning, promoting intergovernmental shared services, and encouraged enterprise solutions to records management challenges in the electronic information age, transforming local governments’ business practices and responsiveness to citizens.

“It doesn’t get any better than this!” said Secretary Wells, commending the success of the PARIS program. She continued, “Through a strong focus on shared services, more and more local governments are benefiting from the PARIS program, and counties and larger cities are offering centralized services. This has created an increase in government efficiency, while realizing significant cost savings to taxpayers.” Karl J. Niederer, Director of DARM, shared this view, stating “The model of cooperative intergovernmental shared services nurtured through PARIS – encouraging the 21 counties to become archives and records management “hubs” serving both the county and the municipalities within their borders – is worthy of emulation in other states.”

Allen Weinstein, who traveled to the event from the National Archives in Washington, D.C., expressed appreciation for the PARIS program and its successes achieved to date, stating “What you are accomplishing in New Jersey—working collaboratively through PARIS at all levels of government to improve local records preservation and access—meshes remarkably well with the strategic vision and mission of the National Archives.”

More information on the PARIS grants program may be found online at www.njarchives.org/links/paris.html.