Submitted by tim
on
Vermont Business Magazine On October 25th the Lamoille Economic Development Corporation celebrated its 50th anniversary at is annual luncheon meeting held in the Community Center at Green Mountain Technology and Career Center. In addition to a spectacular lunch catered by Black Diamond BBQ in Morrisville there were several highlights that kept the audience of 104 engaged.
The Brooks–Potter Volunteer Service Award was given to Peg Demars in recognition of all the volunteer activities in which she has participated over the years. The award is given to “An individual or business that has set a superior example of volunteer service in our county.” Peg has certainly done that over the years with her work for the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, Lamoille Home Health and Hospice, the Lamoille Food Shelf, the Vermont Dairy Board, Lamoille County Mental Health as well as serving as a Justice of the Peace and on the Board of Civil Authority for Morristown. She has also been a faithful member of Holy Cross Church for 40 years and most Sundays will Peg and husband Sonny making coffee. Peg is always willing to lend a hand. The award was accepted on Peg’s behalf by daughter, Heather Decker as Peg and Sonny were traveling in Greece.
The HAManosh Lifetime Achievement Award was given jointly this year to Richard Dreissigacker and his wife Judy Geer. This is not an annual award as it is reserved to offer special honor as appropriate. It is awarded to “An individual who has spent their career making an enormous contribution to the economic development of Lamoille County and beyond.” As the co-founders of Concept 2 along with Dick’s brother, Peter, they have certainly done that. At the recent sculling World Championships 86% of contestants were using Concept 2 oars and, of course, the Concept 2 brand has become synonymous with rowing machines worldwide. They also recently purchased the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and turned it into a non profit providing healthy outdoor opportunities for kids and grownups alike. Judy also served on the Morristown School Board for 15 years and both Dick and Judy helped coach skiing at People’s Academy and helped to establish the ski trails at the school.- In recognition of its 50th anniversary the LEDC commissioned a video detailing its 50 year history and providing information on what it is doing today. The videographer was Irving Payne of Modaja Communications in Jeffersonville, script was written by Elisa Clancy of 3W Promotions of Hyde Park and the voiceover by Roland Lajoie of WLVB Radio in Morrisville.
- The Keynote Address was given by the Honorable Phil Scott, Governor of Vermont who talked at length about the workforce and other economic development needs of the state. The Governor also spoke from the heart about the need to bring politics at all levels of government back to the middle and how all of us need to stop the rhetoric of violence and division.
- Plaques of recognition for their six years of service to the LEDC Board were awarded to outgoing Board members John Kingston who is also the outgoing Board President, David Silverman (also a former LEDC Board President), Laurie Hammond and Allen Horsley.
- New Board members Mark Vandenburg, Greg Tatro, Rhonda Bennett and Jim Black were welcomed to the Board. This is the second time Jim has been on the Board having served previously from 2010 to 2016. The new LEDC Board President, Steve Clokey was also welcomed to his new position.
Source: LEDC 10.31.2018. The video also may be viewed here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8aYcPdydSk&t=10s