Burlington Business Association Announces 2009 Business Award Winners

The Burlington Business Association (BBA) has announced this year s winners for their prestigious awards that honor significant contributions to Burlington. Each year the BBA s Board of Directors and its members nominate and select the winners.
The Hall Block at 210 College St. Burlington will receive the 2008 Architectural Excellence Award in honor of Hertzel N. Pasackow for its significant contribution to the physical and architectural quality of Burlington. The project consists of a historical renovation of the Hall Block, a five story, Class A, multi-tenant office and retail building located at 210 College St. in downtown Burlington.
SKIRACK will receive the 2008 Burlington Business Award for exemplary business practices, contributions to the community, promotion of a positive image for Burlington, and business success. The Burlington Business Award was established in 2002, originally as the Small Business Award.
This year the BBA will honor Tim Halvorson with a special recognition at the Annual Dinner. Halvorson is retiring from the BBA Board of Directors this year after eight years of service. He was Chair of the Board of Directors and is currently Secretary and Past Chair. In addition, Tim has given significantly to Burlington s Downtown including serving as Chair of the Church Street Marketplace Commission and service on the Board of Directors of Committee for Temporary Shelter (COTS). According to BBA Executive Director Kelly Devine, Tim is a true Burlington Superhero. Over the years he has given a great deal of himself to support Burlington s economic vitality and the health and welfare of the entire community. The BBA has been lucky to have Tim serve for many years; and on behalf the entire Burlington Business Community we want to honor his contributions.
Tim and Kristen Halvorson
After 30 years, the BBA is making a change to one of its awards. The Nathan Harris Award will be retired this year and its 30 recipients honored at the Annual Dinner. The Nathan Harris Award was established in 1979 in memory of Nate Harris, owner of Nate's Mens Clothiers, and a founding member of BBA. The award s winners represent a long list of folks that have helped to make Burlington the great city it is today.
The Hertzel N. Pasackow Award was established in 1986 in memory of Hertzel N. Pasackow, owner of the Mayfair on upper Church Street, and founding member of both BBA and the Church Street Marketplace Commission. This year the BBA has changed the name of the award to the Architectural Excellence Award in honor of Hertzel N. Pasackow so that the award name will better reflect the award s purpose.
The public is invited to attend the BBA Annual Dinner to celebrate and applaud these significant contributors to the economic vitality of Burlington.
The theme for this year s dinner is Celebrating Downtown Superheroes. Devine said, We have a uniquely vibrant economy in downtown Burlington and the BBA wants to celebrate some of the people and places that help to make it so great. Featured guests include Governor Jim Douglas and Mayor Bob Kiss.
The dinner will be held at the Hilton Burlington from 5:30 PM 9:00 PM on Thursday, April 9th. Tickets are $60 per person, and may be reserved by calling 863-1175 or emailing [email protected]. For more information visit the BBA website: www.bbavt.org.