The Lake Champlain Chamber will celebrate its 113th year at a celebration gala on Thursday, April 4. More than 300 attendees are expected at the event to be held at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain. Four awards will be presented to businesses and business leaders to recognize their accomplishments and contributions to our community.
Awards:
Business of the Year: Bytes.co
This annual award recognizes a business that exemplifies the hard work and commitment necessary to succeed despite the risks and challenges in business. Starting as a one-man operation in 2010, Bytes.co has grown into a full-service website design and digital marketing agency of highly skilled web designers, developers and digital marketing specialists. With a nationwide presence, and a team strategically positioned throughout the United States, including Austin, Tampa, San Diego, Asheville, Boston, Rochester and of course Burlington, Vermont. They believe in hard work, dedication, and getting the job done right – delivering high-end websites and digital marketing strategies to their clients.
Community Impact Award: Sara Holbrook Community Center
This award is presented to an organization that has demonstrated consistent, meaningful impact in their community. Sara Holbrook Community Center (SHCC) is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to serving the youth and families of Chittenden County, Vermont, since 1937. With a mission to support opportunities that help children and youth explore their identities and potential, SHCC offers a diverse range of programs tailored to the evolving needs of the community. SHCC serves approximately 200 students daily, with a strong emphasis on building community, celebrating diversity, supporting the holistic development of each child, amplifying youth voices and promoting the importance of fun and play in childhood.
Emerging Leader Award: Kelsey VonDerLinn
This award recognizes an emerging leader who combines professional success with community leadership. Kelsey VonDerLinn is the Director of Sales and Guest Services at ECHO, Leahy Center in Burlington. After graduating from University of Vermont, she decided to stay in Vermont to start building her roots in the greater Burlington area. Kelsey has been at ECHO for seven years and continues to enjoy forming strong community connections through various work projects and by pursuing educational opportunities like Leadership Champlain. She is currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Burlington Young Professionals Board and the Secretary of the Vermont Attractions Association Board.
A.Wayne Roberts Business Award: Wasted*
The A. Wayne Roberts Business Award honors a new business that demonstrates growth, job creation and ingenuity. Wasted* provides potties with purpose – they bring sustainability to sanitation and prove that human waste is actually a valuable resource. Wasted*’s vision is to catalyze circular sanitation and change the way people think about waste. Their products are designed for humans and nature. The business serves the greater Burlington and Boston areas, and also offers an Offgrid toilet, which is a waterless, odorless toilet adaptable to any environment. In their approach to work and life, Wasted* is guided by their values of biophilia, reverence and fun.
The Chamber also thanks Northfield Savings Bank, MVP Health Care, Sheehey Furlong & Behm, REM Development, David Seaver Photography and Joe Ferris Art for their generous support of the event.