BURLINGTON, Vt. (Monday, April 6, 2015) – The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Convention Bureau, and the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation (GBIC) announced Monday that they will host the Tenth Annual Taste of Vermont Reception in Washington, DC, with honored guest Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), on Thursday, May 7, 2015.
More than 50 Vermont businesses will be represented at the reception, and many are traveling to Washington for this special event. Representatives of Vermont’s premier hotels, resorts and attractions, and more than 60 Vermont food and beverage makers will have the opportunity to meet with food buyers, writers, meeting planners and others – all in an effort to bring more business to Vermont.
The Taste of Vermont Reception will be held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, in the Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. This special event is by invitation only, and the guest list will include U.S. Senators and Representatives; federal government officials; Vermont government officials; Vermont Convention Bureau members; Washington-based specialty food buyers; travel and food reporters; and meeting planners.
“This event is a great opportunity for Vermont businesses and for the state as a whole,” said Alan Hebert, chair of the Vermont Convention Bureau’s Board of Directors. “By showcasing a wide variety of what Vermont has to offer, we can get people enthusiastic and engaged about bringing their meetings to Vermont or in buying Vermont-made products.”
Leahy said: “For ten years, tasting has led to believing, and this highly anticipated event wins people over every time. Through seeing and tasting and talking with Vermonters, they confirm first-hand that the Vermont brand means quality. Across the nation and beyond, there is growing interest in our small state’s expanding variety of fine products, made with pride, skill and a tradition of excellence. It’s the perfect crossroads for Vermont businesses to showcase our diverse and unique economy, in the heart of the nation’s capital.”
The Taste of Vermont Reception will showcase the diversity of Vermont food and beverage products. Everything from coffee, snacks, microbrew beers and ciders and spirits, handcrafted chocolate, and artisan cheese to ice cream, meats, and, of course, pure Vermont maple syrup will be represented at the event, truly giving attendees a real “Taste of Vermont.”
Many national associations have headquarters in Washington, which makes the location especially beneficial to the representatives of Vermont’s hotels and resorts attending this special event. Vermont premier hotels, resorts and attractions will network with meeting planners – who will learn more about why Vermont is such a popular four-season meeting destination. The effect of meetings and conventions on the state’s economy is profound, having a positive economic impact on attractions, transportation, gifts, restaurants and other area businesses.
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