Danforth Pewter has hired Matthew Parker as director of retail, Chief Executive Officer Bram Kleppner announced. The move is part of the metal maker’s overall strategy to achieve growth in new and existing markets and create manufacturing jobs locally. “We are stoked that Matt Parker is joining the team at Danforth. With Matt’s guidance, our stores can be more fun. We can help more people discover us. We can open more new stores in new areas, and we can be part of more festivals and events around the country,” Kleppner said.

TPW Real Estate Managing Broker, Alison Cummings, has been awarded the Realtor of the Year for the South Central VT Board of Realtors. Alison Cummings is the Managing Broker for TPW Real Estate’s Stratton office and is the 2018 President of the Vermont Association of Realtors. Ali’s list of professional achievements and community involvement is extensive and impressive. She volunteers for the Habitat Resale store, is a Lister for the Town of Windham and the Town of Windham Zoning Administrator. She was the SCVBR President in 2016 and currently is the SCVBR Government Affairs Liaison.

The Stern Center for Language and Learning welcomed nationally recognized literacy expert Dr Jane Ashby to its staff June 4, 2018. Dr Ashby is a widely published author and a leader in the field of education with a passion for working with students and collaborating with teachers. In her role as Senior Director of Education, Dr Ashby oversees and delivers professional learning for educators; she teaches her first course as a Stern Center team member, Reading and the Brain, July 16-20, which is sold out but will be offered again in the spring of 2019.

Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) State Director Linda Rossi this week announced Assistant Director Heather M. Gonyaw as VtSBDC’s 2018 Vermont State Star. Gonyaw joined the VtSBDC team in 2002 and has held several positions during that time. She currently serves as the assistant director of grants and finance. Gonyaw’s main focus is financial and grants management, process and operational management of the organization, and conference planning and logistics.