At its 65th Annual Meeting on June 19, 2019 at the Echo Leahy Center on the Burlington Waterfront, the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation (GBIC) presented its highest recognition award to the Publishers of Seven Days. Attended by approximately 300 members of the Northwest Vermont community, GBIC presented the 2019 C. Harry Behney Economic Development Achievement Award to the Publishers of Seven Days: Paula Routly, Pamela Polston, Cathy Resmer, Colby Roberts and Don Eggert. Given each year since 1995 in honor of past GBIC president C. Harry Behney, the Behney Award recognizes Vermont leaders for their significant contributions to advancing the economic wellbeing of the people of our community and promoting a climate that enhances the economic vitality of the state of Vermont. GBIC is proud to award the Publishers of Seven Days with the 2019 C. Harry Behney Economic Development Achievement Award.
GBIC President Frank Cioffi said: “GBIC has given this recognition to the Publishers for their vision and commitment in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship through the creation and ongoing promotion of the Tech Jam, and for their thoughtful and inspiring leadership in shining light on the opiate epidemic facing our region and state. The Tech Jam has helped create and reinforce our region’s and state’s brand as a technology economic hub. And their work on the opiate epidemic has been a catalyst to help Vermonters come together as a community to find meaningful ways to address the challenges of addiction. Their work has been a catalyst in forging positive social and economic change for Vermonters.”
At the meeting, Cynosure & GBIC presented the 2019 Bob Skiff Community Improvement Award to University of Vermont President Tom Sullivan. The Skiff Award was created to acknowledge those people who make dynamic contributions to the betterment of our community and our state. GBIC President Frank Cioffi said: “History will remember Tom Sullivan as one of UVM’s best Presidents and most thoughtful leaders. Tom’s outstanding leadership and hard work has helped UVM advance in the forefront in higher education in our country. We thank Tom for all he has done for Vermonters, our state and for UVM.”
Merase Niyonsaba was awarded the 2019 Ernest Pomerleau Scholarship. Merase Niyonsaba was born in Tanzania and moved to the United States in 2004. Now living in Winooski, he is a recent graduate of Rice Memorial High School class of 2019. This coming fall, Merase will be attending the University of Southern Maine in Portland with studies focused on business with a concentration in marketing. Merase has been a member of the Rice varsity soccer team, and enjoys basketball, spending time outdoors and helping others. Merase has been a Boys and Girls Club member since 2011 and will be working for the club this summer. Merase has shown leadership through his actions, scholarship in his achievements, and character in his aspirations. GBIC is very proud to award Merase Niyonsaba with the 2019 Ernest A Pomerleau Outstanding Young Vermonter Scholarship. GBIC Treasurer Ernie Pomerleau said: “Merase is truly an inspiration to all of us. We are so proud of his accomplishments and we know that he will continue to succeed in all of his aspirations in life.”
GBIC and Cynosure proudly recognizes these three exceptional Vermonters.