Women connect with one another at the second annual luncheon. Photos courtesy of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber and Lorianna Weathers Photography.
Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Berkshire Bank, hosted over 130 attendees, mostly women, at the second annual Women In Leadership Luncheon at the Inn at Manchester’s Celebration Barn in Manchester, Vermont on Wednesday, May 17th.
The luncheon highlighted the many women leaders in the Southwestern region of Vermont, while creating connections, partnerships and networking opportunities with those in attendance. Lunch was provided by Zoey’s Deli with dessert provided by Fancy Pants Cakes.
Matt Harrington, executive director of the Chamber, welcomed the attendees speaking to the overwhelming support and engagement the chamber has received for this type of event, “With ticket sales 60% higher than last year, you have shown us the awesome power of women coming together to transform their communities.”
The Inn at Manchester’s owners Gabby and Brian Maggiotto were on hand to welcome the attendees. After a brief outline of the day's agenda from Harrington, Lori Kiely, the Vermont Regional President of Berkshire Bank, also welcomed the group of business, non-profit and community leaders, while renewing the Bank’s commitment to supporting women owners and operators. “Providing women with opportunities for financial, physical and emotional wellness is a priority of Berkshire Bank!” added Kiely.
Following the welcome, Ashley Austin, the new co-owner of the Northshire Bookstore and CEO of ALG, provided the keynote address. Austin started her firm specializing in intellectual property rights management for iconic musicians, entertainers and artist estates, by bringing a fresh approach that is unrivaled in the entertainment industry. Since launching the company in 2013, she has built her professional brand on a philosophy of integrity and an unyielding respect for artistry.
Her client roster includes legends such as Daryl Hall & John Oates, Iggy Pop, Bootsy Collins, The Blues Brothers and the estates of Sam Cooke, John Belushi and Dean Martin. During her twenty year career in the music business, she has had the privilege of working with icons including Michael Jackson, The Doors, Janis Joplin, Rick James and more.
A Vermont native, Austin and her husband Scott have called Manchester their home since 2017. She and her sisters Cathleen and Nicole Ihasz acquired the Northshire Bookstore in 2022, taking over management and operations of the store’s locations in Manchester and Saratoga Springs, NY, along with its robust e-commerce business at northshire.com.
Ashley Austin, the new co-owner of the Northshire Bookstore and CEO of ALG, provides the keynote address.
Presented at the conclusion of the luncheon the Chamber and Berkshire Bank handed out three awards.
The first award was the Young Woman in Leadership award given to a young woman between the ages of 21 and 40 for outstanding leadership and service and who is seen by her peers as a woman on the rise. This award went to Valerie Harrington of Coggins Auto Group. Before the names were announced, Matt Harrington led the crowd along with highlights of the person, “I’ve grown to know this young woman over the years and I am constantly impressed with her professionalism, intelligence, street smarts and her personableness. I’ve had the chance to watch her grow in her role at her company as well as the community.” Harrington added that Valerie had received the most nominations he had ever seen in any award ceremony at the Chamber, a testament to Valerie’s impact on the community.
The second award was given to the Woman of the Year for her outstanding leadership and service to her organization, community and career. This award went to Lani DePonte-Disorda of Pangaea, Prospect Coffee and Powers Market in North Bennington.
Harrington said, “This individual has become synonymous with her community and the help she and her husband offer continually. Whether running multiple community anchor businesses providing the community with fantastic food, coffee, cocktails, live music, art, local food, groceries, artisan products and community gathering space, or hosting events like the Village Block Party, where she offers up free burgers and hotdogs, she is a symbol of community heart. From weekly seasonal music series, to pop-ups for entrepreneurs where local chefs get access to a commercial kitchen, and neighbors get to taste new chef-driven creativity every week, this woman continues to grow and expand what community looks like.”
The third award was for Lifetime Achievement and was awarded to a woman who, throughout her lifetime, has made outstanding business/nonprofit leadership contributions to her community, while inspiring other women through mentorship and support. This award went to Lana Hauben who founded Manchester Designer Outlets. With her husband, she opened their very first building in the summer of 1985.
From small beginnings she would grow over the next four decades a truly authentic street boutique shopping experience that is second to none in the Northeast with many in the global industry calling their development a “legacy” center–a moniker of which she is most proud.
“Serving as the sole developer, owner and manager of Manchester Designer Outlets for over 30 years, her family-run business has always prided itself on not only offering customers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with an unmatched collection of brands, but also on working hard alongside our tenants, committed to partnership to ensure their success.” Harrington said moments before announcing Hauben as the Lifetime Achievement recipient.
At the conclusion of the luncheon each attendee was able to memorialize the event by taking home a tri-color flame pin in the shape and color of the luncheon’s logo which was at their place setting. Wrapped in a mesh gold bag, the tag to the pin read, "This pin is a symbol of your support for women in leadership roles and positions. More than just a luncheon, we encourage you to wear this pin frequently as a demonstration of your commitment and resolve for women leaders!"
Lori Kiely, the Vermont Regional President of Berkshire Bank, welcomes the group of business, non-profit and community women leaders, while renewing the Bank’s commitment to supporting women.
Berkshire Bank and the Chamber would like to thank the many supporting sponsors of this event including Coggins Auto Group, At Home Senior Care, Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning, Shires Young Professionals, the Bennington Banner & Manchester Journal, Silver Therapeutics, Northshire Bookstore, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, Old Mill Road Publishing, William C. Deveneau Attorney At Law.
The partners would also like to thank their vendors who made this luncheon possible including Zoey’s Deli and Fancy Pants Cakes for the lunch, Abuela’s Plant Boutique and Floral Design Studio for the floral arrangements, Tomasi’s Sports and Awards for the awards, and the Inn at Manchester for hosting.
An additional thank you to GNAT-TV for filming and distributing the event. The event coverage will air on GNAT-TV's Comcast Cable channels and GNAT-TV's website gnat-tv.org.
Over 130 attendees, mostly women, enjoyed an afternoon luncheon that inspired, celebrated and connected women.
