The Lake Champlain Chamber celebrated its 108th annual dinner on Wednesday, October 24. Four awards were presented recognizing businesses and business leaders for their accomplishments and contributions to our community. The Chamber also welcomed its incoming Chair of the Board of Directors, Don Baker and thanked outgoing Chair, Stephanie Taylor, with REM Development, for her service. Don Baker is the Vermont market President of KeyBank.
Awards were presented to:
Business of the Year – presented to Leonardo’s. This award is presented annually to a business that contributes to our economic vitality and is guided by the principles of community service and philanthropy. Founded almost 30 years ago, Leonardo’s is a family business that has grown to include three locations as well as newer products that bring their creativity and excellence to even more customers. They deliver fresh, quality products to their customers every day, supporting other Vermont businesses along the way. Leonardo’s has demonstrated a strong commitment to both their employees, and our community, supporting numerous community events and organizations.
Community Excellence Award – presented to Tony Pomerleau. This award is not given annually but is given when an individual’s commitment to bettering our community is exemplary. Mr. Pomerleau passed away earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to serve our community today and for many, many years into the future. His personal philanthropy, whether it was his commitment to low-income children, mobile home residents or the Burlington police force, was rooted in his own rise from poverty – an upbringing he never forgot no matter how successful a business person he became, always understanding that our individual well-being is dependent on our collective well-being. Presented to his son, Ernie Pomerleau.
Rising Star Award – presented to Lisa Campion with LMC Law. This award recognizes an up and coming leader who is engaged in activities for the betterment of our community. In addition to founding her own law firm in September of last year and growing her business to now employ four, Lisa Campion of LMC Law lends her expertise to several community organizations ranging from the Northern Vermont Board of Realtors Charitable Foundation to the State of Vermont 4-H Foundation. LMC Law has been a Chamber member since 2017.
A. Wayne Roberts Entrepreneurial Spirit Award – presented to Reconciled. This award recognizes Wayne Robert, President of the Chamber from 1994 to 2006. It is awarded to a Vermont business with a promising future, and one that will have a lasting, positive economic impact on our region. Founded in Burlington in 2015, Reconciled has grown to employ 15 people and serves entrepreneurs and small businesses in Vermont and beyond. They offer online bookkeeping and accounting services, leveraging current accounting software and online tools to effectively manage daily bookkeeping transactions and accounting work for their clients. Working closely with their clients, they provide the financial information necessary for businesses to grow without having to manage a part-time bookkeeper.
Were you seen? Check out the entire album of photos from the night on Facebook.Â
The Chamber also recognized the following companies for their generous support:
    
  
   
   
    
     
   
    
    