MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College’s Inlet Community Development Corporation (CDC) was honored with the 2025 Economic Impact Award from the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Business Excellence Awards at the Linwood Country Club on Tuesday, December 2.
The Inlet CDC was one of four nonprofit entities, along with the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation, the Ducktown Neighborhood Community Development Corporation and the Midtown Community Development Corporation, to be recognized for its collective contributions to the City’s economic vitality. Together, all four CDCs support business growth, strengthen neighborhoods and advance community development initiatives that promote long-term sustainability across Atlantic City.
"Being recognized by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber with the 2025 Economic Impact Award is a tremendous honor for the Inlet Community Development Corporation. This award affirms our commitment—together with Atlantic Cape Community College—to revitalizing the Inlet and supporting the residents, partners, and businesses who make this community so resilient. We are grateful for the Chamber’s acknowledgement of our collective efforts, and we look forward to continuing the work of creating meaningful opportunities and long-term growth for our neighborhood,” said Dr. Natalie Devonish, President, Inlet CDC.
Devonish expressed her gratefulness to the Chamber for the prestigious recognition alongside the three other organizations that are accomplishing remarkable and transformative work in the City’s communities. She also thanked the College for its unwavering support and belief in its mission; the College’s Board of Trustees and the Inlet CDC’s Advisory Board for their commitment, guidance and leadership; and community partners, such as the First Ward Civic Association, Bungalow Park Civic Association and the City of Atlantic City, for their collaboration and partnership.
“This award is not just a recognition of the Inlet CDC, but a testament to the power of collaboration. We are proud to share this honor with our fellow CDCs, who inspire us and stand alongside us in the shared mission of building healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities. On behalf of the entire Inlet CDC team, thank you for this extraordinary recognition. We remain committed to advancing meaningful economic and community development in the Inlet and beyond,” said Devonish.
The Inlet CDC is a 501(c)(3) that was established in mid-2023. The Inlet Revitalization Action Strategy includes many community-endorsed initiatives that have been identified as critical for improving outcomes for neighborhood residents and businesses.
The Inlet CDC’s plan is committed to:
- Housing rehabilitation by improving 10 existing homes so they meet current code enforcement requirements and Energy Star standards.
- A commercial rehabilitation and facade improvement program, overseen by the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA), to provide funds for local businesses in need of a “facelift” to make the Inlet commercial corridor vibrant for its residents and visitors.
- Homeownership Education and Assistance Program to provide educational and financial support for Inlet homeowners to maintain and sustain their homes.
- An Inlet-resident-led committee, with support from the Inlet CDC and ACIA, to oversee the issuing of five grants to Inlet businesses and microenterprises (a business with five or fewer employees) to help them purchase equipment, get business plan/development training and retail space improvements.
- Park and streetscape improvements, expanded arts and community programming events, Inlet marketing initiatives, clean and safe initiative and a full-time staff to help oversee the Inlet CDC itself.
Atlantic Cape supports the needs of Atlantic City’s residents and students. The College has been an intricate partner in the Atlantic City community and the Inlet Neighborhood, specifically. Atlantic Cape has maintained a strong and involved presence in the city since its inception and reaffirmed its commitment to the community in 1984 with the establishment of the Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City Campus. The Worthington Atlantic City Campus provides a wide range of services to support students’ educational goals.
Visit the following CDC websites for more information:
Inlet Community Development Corporation (ICDC) acinlet.org
Chelsea EDC chelseaedc.org
Ducktown CDC acducktown.com
Midtown CDC midtownacnj.org
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
