Camden, NJ – On December 3rd, 2024, the Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA) was awarded the top prize of $2,500 through Columbia Bank’s “Banking for a Cause” program, highlighting the organization’s critical role in community economic development. Georgette Mundell and Angela Medina, Camden Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager, personally delivered and presented the check to LAEDA’s leadership team, including Ray Lamboy, President and CEO; Jamila Powell, Women’s Business Center Program Director; and Jiao Xu, LAEDA’s Business Services Center Program Manager.

The award underscores LAEDA’s longstanding commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners in Camden and Southern New Jersey as a whole. As a non-profit economic development organization, LAEDA has been dedicated to creating small business ownership opportunities and contributing to the economic resurgence of Camden for over 37 years.
Collaborative Impact
The recognition from Columbia Bank exemplifies the power of strategic collaboration between financial institutions and community stakeholders. By partnering with local non-profits like LAEDA, banks can directly contribute to economic empowerment and community revitalization.

The prize money will further enable LAEDA to continue its mission of growing the marketplace, building businesses, and empowering individuals through its business education and counseling programs, reinforcing the organization’s comprehensive approach to community economic development.