Photo: First place winners The Richards Group with the B2B Cup alongside Matt Harrington of the Chamber (Left) and Kait Zwagerman Tyler and Adam Koffman (Right) of the Manchester Business Association. Photo courtesy of Vermont.com
Vermont Business Magazine More than 70 business and community leaders from across Southwestern Vermont gathered on Wednesday, June 17, at The Golf Club at Equinox for the 2026 B2B Golf Classic, the annual fundraising partnership between the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Manchester Business Association.
Celebrating its eighth year, the B2B Golf Classic has become one of the region's premier business networking and fundraising events, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community organizations from both the Northshire and Southshire for a day of golf, relationship-building, and regional collaboration.
Participants enjoyed lunch on the Dormy Grill deck before an 18-hole scramble tournament, networking opportunities throughout the day, contests, an online auction, and the popular 19th Hole Reception with food, cocktails, and awards. Beyond the competition, the event serves as an important fundraiser supporting the year-round work of both organizations, including economic development, business advocacy, tourism promotion, leadership initiatives, community events, and member programming.
"The B2B Golf Classic continues to prove that some of the most important conversations happen outside the boardroom," said Matt Harrington, CEO of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber. "At a time when many people feel disconnected, events like this bring us together around what matters - relationships, community, and a shared commitment to the future of Southwestern Vermont. It is always inspiring to see business leaders from different industries and communities spending a day together, building connections, supporting two great organizations, and celebrating the region we all care about."
Twenty teams participated in this year's tournament representing organizations from throughout the region, including Union South, Union Underground, Suburban Propane, Coggins Auto Group, The Richards Group, The Bank of Bennington, Oliver Automotive Group, Kimpton Taconic Hotel, Wise Oak, Hildene, Mount Anthony Country Club, Jack Miller Contractors, Wells Builders, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, LeBlanc's Auto Recycling & Repair, Manchester Business Association, K. Lynch, SERVPRO, and Stratton Mountain Resort.
Tournament Winners
First Place – The Richards Group (Chris Antonez, Connor Simmonds, Ben Doucette, and Eddy Lewicki)
Prize: Equinox Golf Resort Foursome
Score: 58
Second Place – Oliver Automotive Group (Jose Oliver, Chris Hardina, Glen Novak, and Brad Hill)
Prize: Mount Anthony Country Club Foursome
Score: 64
Third Place – Hildene (Jeff Golden, Wade Thompson, and Jim Lorusso)
Prize: Tickets to the 2026 Taconic Music Summer Festival
Score: 64
Contest Winners
Longest Drive (Men) - Chris Antonez, The Richards Group
Longest Drive (Women) - Laurie Purdy, LeBlanc's Auto Recycling & Repair
Closest to the Pin (Men) - Chris Antonez, The Richards Group
Putting Green Contest - Maru Leon, Mount Anthony Country Club
Most Honest Team (Last Place) - Kevin Lynch, Harold, Buzz, and Rusty of Team K. Lynch
Players also had the opportunity to compete for the event's Hole-in-One Challenge sponsored by Oliver Automotive Group, featuring a choice of a 2026 Ford Maverick or 2026 Subaru Outback.
"The success of this event reflects the collaborative spirit that makes our region special," said Adam Koffman, interim Co-Executive Director of the Manchester Business Association. "Businesses and organizations from across Southwestern Vermont continue to show up, support one another, and invest in the future of our communities. The B2B Golf Classic is a wonderful example of what can happen when organizations work together toward a common goal."
"The MBA is proud to partner with the Chamber on an event that has become a tradition for so many businesses throughout the region," said Kait Zwagerman Tyler, interim Co-Executive Director of the Manchester Business Association. "Whether someone comes for the golf, the networking, the fundraising, or simply to spend time with colleagues and friends, the day creates meaningful connections that extend well beyond the course."
The organizations also recognized the many sponsors whose support helped make the event possible:
Title Sponsors included Union South and Union Underground.
Additional sponsors included Oliver Automotive Group, TPW Real Estate, SERVPRO, Hoffman Car Wash, Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester, Polar Beverages, Charity Golf International, HUB International, Vermont News & Media, Green Mountain Media Group, Vermont.com, Suburban Propane, The Richards Group, Cocard Anderson Properties, Mount Anthony Country Club, GVH Studio, Inc., and Henry's Market.
The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Manchester Business Association extend their sincere appreciation to all sponsors, golfers, volunteers, prize donors, and community partners who contributed to another successful year.
Planning is already underway for the 2027 B2B Golf Classic in the Southshire.
About the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce promotes, leads, and advocates for its members to maintain and enhance a healthy business climate and quality of life throughout The Shires of Southwestern Vermont region. Learn more at www.swvtchamber.com
About the Manchester Business Association
The Manchester Business Association promotes economic vitality in Manchester and the surrounding communities through strategic marketing, signature events, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives. Representing a vibrant network of more than 150 member businesses - and growing - the MBA works to strengthen the local economy, foster meaningful connections, and enhance the region's reputation as a premier place to live, work, visit, and do business. Learn more at manchestervermont.com
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Vermont Business Magazine