BURLINGTON, Vt. (April 20, 2026) – The Lake Champlain Chamber successfully hosted its sold out 115th Annual Gala on Thursday, April 16 at ECHO, bringing together over 300 business leaders and community members to celebrate the outstanding achievements of local businesses, organizations, and individuals. The evening was a resounding success, highlighting the vital contributions that drive Northwest Vermont’s thriving economy forward.
The Gala recognized the following distinguished award recipients:
Business of the Year: VHV Company – VHV Company is a 100% employee-owned mechanical contractor headquartered in Winooski with over 75 years of experience serving commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across Vermont and New Hampshire. Specializing in HVACR, plumbing, piping, sheet metal fabrication, design, and building automation, VHV delivers high-quality construction, service, and maintenance solutions with a strong focus on innovation, safety, and workforce development. Through its nationally recognized apprenticeship programs and commitment to employee ownership, VHV is dedicated to building people, strengthening communities, and delivering long-term value for its clients and employee-owners. “We’re honored to be recognized by the Lake Champlain Chamber,” said VHV Company President and CEO Tom Dacres. “As a locally operated, employee-owned company, this recognition means a lot to our team and reinforces our commitment to building people, projects, and strong communities here in Vermont.”
Non-Profit of the Year: Special Olympics Vermont – Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that works year-round to foster the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by using the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities. The organization provides athletes with continuous opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other athletes, and the community. “Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to us at Special Olympics Vermont,” said Sarah McCaffrey, president and CEO of Special Olympics Vermont. “It reflects the spirit of our athletes, the dedication of our volunteers, and the commitment of our sponsors and partners who make this work possible. We are proud of the strength of our community and look forward to continuing to grow inclusion across the state.”
Leader of the Year: Cairn Cross – For the past 26 years Cairn Cross has been the co-founder and managing director of FreshTracks Capital. During his career, Cross has raised more than $76 million across six funds, led or co-led investments in 65 portfolio companies, and served on 15 portfolio company boards across a wide range of industries. A committed contributor to Vermont’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, he served as Founding Entrepreneur in Residence at Windham Grows, and has taught entrepreneurship and venture finance at UVM. “I see this award not as a recognition of what I have done in the past but rather a challenge to do more and to do better in my continued endeavors,” said Cross.
Emerging Leader of the Year: Michele Karode – Michele Karode is an operational leader, educator, and strategic connector serving as the manager of outreach operations in the University of Vermont’s Office of Engagement and the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships. With more than a decade of experience in program management, educational leadership, and community partnership development, Karode is deeply committed to strengthening Vermont’s workforce and communities. Karode is known for bringing organizations together across sectors to advance innovative solutions for rural challenges. She is a graduate of Leadership Champlain and currently serves on the Leadership Champlain Advisory Board. “This recognition reflects the shared commitment of leaders across our state who work every day to strengthen our communities through partnership,” commented Karode. “I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, mentors, and team for their support and for helping shape my leadership along the way.”
“Our Annual Gala serves as a celebration of the collective spirit that defines our region,” said Lake Champlain Chamber President and CEO Cathy Davis. “It is a privilege to honor this year’s exceptional award recipients alongside the diverse organizations and leaders who ensure our home remains a world-class place to live and do business.”
The Gala is also a vital fundraiser for the Chamber, supporting its ongoing efforts to foster economic opportunities for all Vermonters. Attendees enjoyed an evening of networking, celebration, and inspiration, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to creating opportunities for the region.
The Lake Champlain Chamber extends its deepest gratitude to its leading Gala sponsors: Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, Northfield Savings Bank, REM Development, and Sheehey Furlong & Behm, for their generous support, which made the event possible.