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LCRCC Presents: 107th Annual Dinner and Cocktail Reception

LCRCC Presents: 107th Annual Dinner and Cocktail Reception

 

On October 19, the Lake Champlain Chamber celebrated its 107th Annual Dinner and Cocktail Reception at the Hilton Hotel Burlington. Over 450 guests were able to experience some of the local arts and music culture, courtesy of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and Burlington City Arts. A string trio welcomed guests, the BCA presented an art activity which later was unveiled and donated to COTS, and works of Lee Garrison decorated the entry to the Annual Dinner.

The theme for the evening, Lake Champlain Connected, illustrated the value our member businesses add to our community and the enormous web of Chamber connections with its 1,500 members, representing various industries and demographic locations. Al Gobeille was our emcee, and honored guests – Governor Phil Scott, Congressman Peter Welch, and Mayor Miro Weinberger – spoke about the importance of community and a thriving economy. Four awards recognized businesses and business leaders for their accomplishments and contributions to our community. The Chamber also welcomed its incoming Chair of the Board of Directors, Stephanie Taylor, and thanked outgoing Chair, Tom Clavelle, of Engelberth Construction, for his service. Stephanie Taylor is Vice President of REM Development.

 

2017 Awards:

 

Business of the Year: Burton

This annual award recognizes a business that contributed to our economic vitality and engages in community service and philanthropy. Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards out of his Vermont barn back in 1977. Burton served a pivotal role in growing snowboarding from a backyard hobby to a world-class sport while creating local jobs from their world headquarters in Burlington. The Chill Foundation, founded by Jake and Donna Carpenter, has helped more than 20,000 kids learn to enjoy the outdoors while building life skills, Burton regularly contributes to local community organizations while striving to be an employer of choice. Burton has been a member of the Lake Champlain Chamber since 1992.

Rising Star Award: Jessie Swétel, Vermont Trophy & Engraving

This award recognizes an up and coming leader who is engaged in activities for the betterment of our community. A 2010 graduate of the University of Vermont, Jessie is the General Manager and an owner of Vermont Trophy & Engraving. She serves as an Ambassador for the Chamber and is involved in numerous community organizations. Vermont Trophy & Engraving has been a member of the Lake Champlain Chamber since 1996.

Wayne Roberts Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Foam Brewers

This award recognizes longtime Chamber President, Wayne Roberts’, dedication to the Chamber. It is awarded to a Vermont business with a promising future and strong commitment to our community. An eclectic group of industry professionals with a shared appreciation for brewing, science, art and culture started with Foam Brewers in 2016. Since opening their doors, Foam Brewers has been names one of the country’s best new breweries by Beer Advocate, and one of the 10 best in the world by the website Rate Beer. 2017 saw them expand their footprint to an annex in Hinesburg in order to meet production demands. Foam Brewers has been a member of the Lake Champlain Chamber since 2016.

Free Press Media Digital Edge Award: Reading Plus

Free Press Media presents this award, in consultation with the Chamber, to a company that is on the leading edge in the digital space. Reading Plus is the leading producer of silent reading assessments and remediation solutions, offering unique, patented products, technology, and implementation strategies that build the foundation for academic, vocational, and real-world success. Headquartered in Winooski, Reading Plus is dedicated to producing research-based products that help students of all ages become better silent readers and independent learners. Reading Plus has been a member of the Lake Champlain Chamber since 2010.

The Chamber also recognized the following companies for their generous support of the dinner:

 

The Lake Champlain Chamber is the largest business advocacy organization in the state. The Chamber puts everything into place to help our members grow their businesses: providing innovative member services and programs, promoting our region and making it an even better place to do business. To learn more about the Chamber, visit lccvermont.org/chamber.