KeyBank has announced that Brigitte Ritchie has been named director of community relations and public affairs for the Vermont District. She is responsible for Key’s charitable giving in Vermont and providing a strong community presence and positive image for Key in Vermont. Ritchie is based in Key’s Vermont District headquarters office at 149 Bank Street in Burlington.

On Thursday, April 5, in front of a sold out crowd of over 430 business leaders, the Burlington Business Association (BBA) announced the two newest appointments to its Board of Directors. Kathleen Shirling, of People’s United Bank, and Zandy Wheeler, of the SkiRack, were both in attendance at the BBA Dinner and Annual Meeting, where the appointment became official.

Rick MiIliken, General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington has announced that Katelynn Audette has been honored as 2011 Manager of the Year at the hotel’s annual awards ceremony. Audette is the manager of Trader Duke’s Restaurant and has been employed at the hotel in various positions since 2005.

Criteria for the selection included maintaining a high level of standards for guest service, ensuring overall food quality, staffing, training and restaurant operations.

Freeman French Freeman has hired Brian Leet of Montpelier as Project Architect. Brian joins the firm with 15 years of design and project management experience in Vermont and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has a passion for sustainable design and has worked on several high-profile LEED-certified projects including UVM’s Aiken Center and the NRG Systems headquarters in Hinesburg, Vermont. At FFF Brian will join the design team working on the Vermont Aviation Center in South Burlington and a new office building for the Vermont School Boards Insurance Trust in Barre, Vermont.

Basin Harbor Club welcomed two additions to their professional staff this winter. Rodney Rehwinkel joins the resort as Executive Chef, and PGA Professional Paul Meunier will head up the golf program. Both men bring over 30 years of experience in their respective fields to Basin Harbor Club.

Carol Carruth was awarded the Legendary Service Award for consistently delivering a level of service above and beyond customer’s expectations at Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms & Custom Closets in Williston, Vermont. Carol Carruth has been part of the Otter Creek team for five years in the role of Sales and Design for the Custom Closet Division. Carol is affectionately referred to by her coworkers as the ‘closet diva' for her masterful work in closet design and custom storage solutions.

Mia Lanpher has been promoted to Massage Manager for Stowe Village Massage, located on Depot Street. In this capacity, Mia will oversee the staff of trained, certified massage therapists whose number one priority is to help guests reinvigorate in body as well as spirit.

The Addison County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a change in ownership of Almost Home Market in Bristol. The new owners are Beth Marr and Gary Smith, residents of Vergennes and Bristol, respectively. Gary, a long-time Bristol resident, is an excellent chef, gardener and wine buyer. Beth is a southern transplant, now living in Vergennes, and brings 20+ years of wedding planning and conference sales experience influenced by her flair for southern hospitality. Both Beth and Gary have worked in the hospitality arena for more than 20 years and both are in love with great food.