Tasha Wallis, Executive Director of the Vermont Retail Association (VRA), has announced the winners of the 2013 VRA Retailer of the Year Awards. According to Wallis, ‘More than 40,000 Vermonters are employed in retail-related businesses, making up approximately 16% of the entire work force. Given the retail sector’s critical importance to the state’s economy, VRA launched its Retailer of the Year Awards (ROYs) in 2009 to recognize excellence in the retail industry. With so many deserving candidates, this year’s selection was particularly challenging. In the end, though, our 2013 winners were clearly the best of the best.’
Formal presentation of the awards will take place at a luncheon on September 10th at Boyden Valley Winery in Cambridge.
2013 VRA RETAILER OF THE YEAR: Farm-Way, Bradford
Farm-Way has been owned and operated by the Metayer and Gallerani families since 1983. Originally situated in a restored Purina Mills building, the business sold bird feed, grain, livestock supplies, and a selection of merchandise. Responding to customer demands, over the years Farm-Way’s owners added clothing for work and recreation, footwear, gear, sporting goods, and housewares. Today, the business comprises 17 acres and maintains $4 million worth of inventory, including sought-after brands like Patagonia, Columbia, The North Face, Merrell, and many others. With 33 full-time and two-part time employees, it registers $10 million in annual sales. Through its website, www.vermontgear.com, Farm-Way serves customers throughout the U.S. and Canada and around the world.
An especially noteworthy accomplishment is Farm-Way’s 59.5 kilowatt solar array system, which supplies 43% of its power. The largest array of its type in Vermont at the time of its installation, it has inspired many other solar systems, some even larger than Farm-Way’s original.
Farm-Way is an official Vermont Attraction and has been named a Yankee Magazine Editor’s Choice.
‘Many thanks to all of our customers for their support over the years,’said Farm-Way owner Carol Metayer. We have appreciated them bringing their friends and families here to visit and all their feedback and encouragement. Also thanks to our incredible staff and to the Vermont Retail Association for its support and recognition.’
2013 VRA COMMUNITY GEM: Advance Music Center, Burlington
In 1992, Mike Trombley listened to the other side of his brain and left his career at a local design and engineering firm to buy half of Advance Music Center. A lifelong musician and 30-year member of the band, Quadra, Mike felt this was a chance to turn a hobby into a career. He has not looked back.
Advance Music Center was established in 1982 in Middlebury. The business moved to Church Street in Burlington in 1984, to lower Main Street in 1990, and then to its current location at 75 Maple Street in 1994. Mike bought out his partner in 1997 and has been diversifying and expanding the business ever since.
In 1998, Advance started its lesson program, which currently includes seven instructors and more than 200 students. 2001 brought the addition of Advance System Design, a division specializing in design, integration, and installation of intelligent audio/video solutions. In 2009, Advance bought MusiCraft, a Waitsfield company specializing in instrument sales, rentals, and repairs. Advance also has a full-service electronic and stringed instrument repair department. The company has 22 full- and part-time employees.
Advance Music is honored to have been the recipient of the Seven Days ‘Daysies’ award as the best local music store since the inception of that prestigious award.
2013 VRA Greentailer of the Year: Vermont Farm Table, Burlington
In 2008, Dustin Glasscoe observed that the furniture market was dominated by high-gloss, manufactured veneers and lacquer-finished hardwoods. He believed that warmer, cleaner, and more approachable furniture of balanced proportions could be built with hand-selected, reclaimed materials and non-toxic finishes. He started doing just that in his Shelburne garage. By 2011, with business flourishing, Vermont Farm Table moved to Burlington.
Dustin’s commitment to his original vision of sustainability and community values remains firm. Wood and material come from barns, silos, and aging facilities such as the old Waterbury Train Station. Roughly 50% of total sales are products made from reclaimed woods. The business supports family farms by sourcing its ‘new’ wood from them. All woods used are sustainably grown and harvested. Finishes are non-toxic and waste is reduced to a minimum.
VRA 8.16.2013