Peter Blackmer, former human resources administrator at Southern Connecticut State University, has been named chief human resources officer at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

Prior to his tenure at SCSU, Blackmer served for many years at the University of Vermont, where he held a variety of positions, including human resources and labor relations liaison; director of labor and employee relations; and associate chief human relations officer.

Hotel owner Rachel Vandenberg (pictured) and nonprofit executive Carolyn Lawrence have been named recipients of this year's Stowe Area Excellence Awards by the Stowe Area Association.

Vandenberg, co-owner of Sun & Ski Inn and Suites, Stowe Bowl and Stowe Golf Park, was honored as Stowe Business Person of the Year. This award is presented annually to an SAA member in good standing who is involved in the community with town projects or sits on a town board, acts as an ambassador of Stowe and participates in the tourism industry.