Brigitte Ritchie, Vice President, State Director of Public Affairs & Community Relations for Citizens Bank in Vermont was named the Vermont Bankers Association’s 2009 recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Banker Award. The award was presented during the annual banquet at the recently held Vermont & New Hampshire Bankers Association annual conference at the Stoweflake Resort in Stowe, Vermont.

John Abry, a licensed real estate broker REMAX North Professionals, has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales.

A CDPE is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and the foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners. Through comprehensive training and experience, John is now able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today's market, specifically short sales.