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WALL, N.J. – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), has named Atlas Human Capital Services of Boonton the winner of the 2004 Economic Development Award for Morris County. NJNG’s award program honors businesses that demonstrate a positive impact in communities targeted for economic development in NJNG’s service area.

“NJNG applauds Atlas Human Capital Services for their investment in the transformation of Boonton’s downtown,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG. “We are proud to support economic development in this area, recognizing the important contribution thriving businesses make to the quality of life in our communities.”

The award was presented today to founder Stephen Halasnik at an NJNG-sponsored breakfast meeting of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. Established about seven years ago by Halasnik, Atlas focuses on placing technology consultants with Fortune 500 companies nationally.

In 1999, Halasnik purchased a building at 612 Main Street in Boonton for the Atlas headquarters. The 3-story, 10,000-square-foot historic building needed extensive renovations and technological upgrades. The “new” Atlas headquarters building has helped to transform downtown Boonton and promote the historic and economic redevelopment of its business district.

NJNG provides support for Atlas through a program that gives eligible businesses a savings on their monthly natural gas bills. The Economic Development program offers a discount on natural gas as an incentive to attract new businesses, help existing businesses expand and stimulate job growth in areas identified for economic development in NJNG’s service territory. Since its inception in 1993, the program has assisted more than 270 businesses, accounting for over 3,400 new jobs in urban communities.

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. NJNG is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving nearly 450,000 customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties. This service area’s demographics and quality of life contribute greatly to NJNG’s growth. NJNG has been recognized by the American Gas Association for Best Practices in Routine Leak Repair. NJNG’s progress is a tribute to the dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make the company a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. More information about NJNG can be found on our Web site at njliving.com.