A new tradition was started at the Annual Burke Fall Festival when the Burke Area Chamber of Commerce awarded its first ever Citizen of the Year award to local resident, Joe Kasprzak. Chamber President, Tim Tierney surprised Kasprzak with the award in recognition of “30 years of exemplary dedication, volunteerism and support for the community of Burke, Vermont” as the plaque reads. In front of a cheering crowd and on behalf of the Chamber and the entire community, Tierney thanked Kasprzak for “for all his community efforts, volunteerism and leadership with the Destination Development Initiative.”
Kasprzak has lived in Burke for 30 years and in that time has been an inspirational source of positive energy for the community. He is actively involved in the Chamber and several years ago founded the Burke Area Destination Development Committee and subsequent Initiative which works to promote responsible tourism growth in the Burke Area. Kasprzak was instrumental in bringing the extremely successful New England Mountain Bike Festival (NEMBAfest) to Burke. He also volunteers his time and resources to many local organizations including the Burke Senior Meal Site and as a past board member of Kingdom Trails and the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce. Kasprzak also played a vital role with the Burke Mountain School Program which teaches our area youth the joy of hitting the slopes. No doubt, many local residents first learned to ski in part because of his efforts during his many years working at Burke Mountain Resort.
About receiving the award, Kasprzak said “Much of the recent success of the Burke Area can be attributed to the deliberate efforts of the Burke Area Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, private landowners, and involved community members. We are fortunate to have both unique natural resources and wonderful caring people who make up our community. I am honored to be singled out as Citizen of the Year and applaud the efforts of the many who are truly making the difference." Immediately after accepting the award, Kasprzak tucked it away and returned to the fall festival food booth to dish out beans and slaw.