The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) –www.ibpa-online.org– announced over the weekend the winners in the prestigious IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award program, now in its thirtieth year. This year’s esteemed indie book award program recognized excellence in books published during calendar year 2017. From close to 1,500 entries, one gold winner was named in each of fifty-four categories. Silver winners were also named in each category.

USA Risk Group, a leading independent captive management firm, announced today that David Spratt has joined the firm as Senior Vice President to serve as a subject matter expert to clients and prospects. Spratt comes with a wealth of experience having spent his career in and around the insurance industry in a variety of consultant and Chief Financial Officer roles.

Wake Robin, Vermont’s first Life Plan Community, has announced that Meagan Buckley has joined the Wake Robin team as Director of Health Services. In her new role, Buckley will be overseeing all aspects of operation at Linden Health Center, Wake Robin’s skilled nursing facility.

Members of the School Nutrition Association (SNA) have spoken, casting their ballots for the top leadership positions for the organization that works to ensure all children have access to healthful school meals and nutrition education. Burlington School District (BSD) is pleased to announce that Director of Food Service Doug Davis has been selected to serve as President-Elect of the Board of Directors of this national organization.

The Vermont Association of Insurance Professionals is pleased to announce that Paula Clark, AIS, API, AINS, CIIP, DAE of Vermont Mutual Insurance Group recently received the Certified Leadership Program (CLP) designation. Earning the Certified Leadership Professional (CLP) designation offers tangible evidence of leadership skills development necessary for professional growth, according to the International Association of Insurance Professionals, the organization that awards the designation.