BBA Welcomes Two New Board Members


Burlington, Vt. (November 13, 2023) – 

The Burlington Businesses Association (BBA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Board of Directors. In September, Rose Kenary and Joe Carton were elected to board seats.

Rose Kenary is the General Manager of Manhattan’s Pizza & Pub, on the corner of Church & Main. She has lived or worked Downtown for the entirety of her 12 years in Burlington and has extensive experience in both FOH and management roles at some of the city’s most popular breweries and bars. Recently, Rose has become a leader in promoting industry safety by connecting fellow downtown bars and restaurants with BBA and harm reduction resources. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Communications from the University of Vermont and lives in Downtown Burlington. 

Joe is a veteran of the Burlington and Vermont hospitality industry. He has worked in downtown Burlington for over 33 years initially, as the General Manager of the former Radisson/Wyndham Hotel (presently The Hilton Burlington), and then GM of the Courtyard Burlington Harbor and presently COO of Westport Hospitality operating Hotel Vermont and the Courtyard Burlington Harbor. Joe has been active in the Lake Champlain Chamber, Hello Burlington, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and several other local charities and organizations through the years. Joe lives in Williston with his wife, Bonnie, and has three adult children, who all reside in the Burlington area.

“We are lucky to have Rose and Joe join the Board of Directors,” said Kelly Devine, Executive Director of the BBA. “Rose’s leadership in engaging a too often overlooked sector adds even further value to the BBA’s work to support downtown staff at a critical time. Joe, a longtime Vermont hospitality industry and downtown Burlington leader, will provide a unique industry and historical perspective to the BBA’s work to serve Burlington businesses.”

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About the BBA: 

The Burlington Business Association, founded in 1978, is a non-profit, non-political membership organization with 200 business and nonprofit members. Our mission is to enhance and promote the economic vitality of Burlington, Vermont, and to assure that the City of Burlington continues as the cultural, social, political, educational, and economic center of northwestern Vermont.

Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund Launches to Support Small Businesses Affected by Record-Breaking Flooding

Kelly joins board of fund providing grants to Vermont’s small business owners impacted by July 10th’s flooding. 

The Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund is raising money to provide grants to Vermont’s small business owners impacted by July 10th’s flooding. These Vermonters are vital to our communities and we will do all we can to support them through this crisis. The Fund will provide grants in the range of $2,500-$10,000 to cover costs such as equipment replacement, supplies and help with clean-up. This will help bridge need until further support is available.

Partnering with Capstone Community Action, the board will ensure your donations are tax-deductible and are being distributed responsibly. Kelly Devine, BBA’s Executive Director, has joined the board and will be volunteering time to support the Fund.

Contributions can be made on behalf of Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund to Capstone Community Action via the link below. 

https://www.vtrecovery2023.com/

Read the announcement press release below:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund Launches to Support Small Businesses Affected by Record-Breaking Flooding

[Montpelier, July 13, 2023] – The devastating floods that struck our communities this week have left many small businesses and downtown centers in ruins. In response to this crisis, Todd Bailey, known for his successful efforts in providing grants to small businesses after Tropical Storm Irene, has organized new relief initiative. The Vermont Main Street Flood Relief Fund is commencing its fundraising campaign today, with the aim of extending financial assistance to those severely impacted by the recent flooding.

“Our previous endeavor in 2011 raised over $600,000, benefiting countless small businesses across Vermont,” stated Todd Bailey. “Given the scale of the current devastation, we anticipate an even greater need, and we are fully committed to aiding those in distress.”

The experienced board overseeing the Vermont Main Street Flood Relief Fund ensures that 100% of the tax-deductible funds raised will be directly allocated to those most in need. To donate to this Fund please go to vtrecovery2023.com where you will find more details and a link for contributions. 

Members of the Vermont Main Street Flood Relief Fund Advisory Board include:

  • Todd Bailey, Executive Director, Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont
  • Mike Pieciak, State Treasurer
  • Sue Minter, Executive Director, Capstone Community Action
  • Erin Sigrist, President, Vermont Retailers and Grocers Association
  • Patti Komline, Manager, Government Relations, Downs Rachlin Martin
  • Kelly Devine, Executive Director, Burlington Business Association
  • Brian Maggiotto, Owner, Inn at Manchester

Mike Pieciak, State Treasurer, expressed his confidence in the generosity of Vermonters, stating, “This effort represents Vermont’s collective commitment to support our local small businesses and downtowns. As we address the aftermath of this historic flooding, I know Vermonters will rise to the occasion with unwavering generosity to restore the heart of our communities. Like after Tropical Storm Irene, I’m confident we’ll come together to build a more resilient future for our state and our economy.”

Vermont’s small businesses have a substantial need given the severe nature of the flooding. There’s a significant amount of work that will be required to be completed for most to be able to reopen. The difficulty people face is exacerbated by the fact that many are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Capstone Community Action in Barre, VT, a member of the statewide Community Action Network, has agreed to receive donations and administer the disbursement of funds to small businesses. Sue Minter, Executive Director of Capstone, adds, “It has been absolutely heart-wrenching to learn about the nature and extent of the flood damage to the small business community. It’s clear that we face a long road to recovery, but I know Vermonters will continue to help in whatever ways they can to ensure our communities thrive. We have done this before and we will do it again, because we are (still) Vermont Strong.” 

The Vermont Main Street Flood Relief Fund is dedicated to providing direct financial aid to Vermont small businesses for the purpose of rebuilding and recovering from damage and losses suffered due to the recent flooding. The grant application process will commence in the following week, allowing businesses to apply for assistance. Applications will be available next week online at vtrecovery2023.com.

For press inquiries or further information, please contact:

Patti Komline

Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund

802-828-7399

[email protected]

Brews with The BBA – New Summer Event Series

Register for our October 12th Brews with the BBA HERE

We’re launching a new summer event series called Brews with the BBA. We’ll be at Halvorson’s on Church Street every 2nd Thursday of the month from 5-7pm. This event will be free to all BBA members.

Join us on July 13th, 5-7PM, for our first Brews with The BBA at Halvorson’s on Church Street!

Enjoy drinks, light appetizers, and live music with BBA members and friends. This event is part of our casual event series and is free for all members.

Jack Caron will be performing from 6:30-9:00 pm. Donations will be collected for the performance, and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Howard Center Street Outreach team.

Registration is now open!

Free for Members, $10 for non-members.

For more information or registration assistance please contact Colin Hilliard- [email protected].

Save the date for future Brews with the BBA:

August 10th

October 12th

November 16th

December 14th

Housing Happy Hour @ HULA

Join us Thursday 5/25 from 4 – 6pm for an inside look at the South End Innovation District Proposal

Hula and the BBA will host a social hour at Hula to share information about a critical zoning change. See the plans for the pedestrian-friendly, environmentally-conscious, mixed-use project envisioned for terribly underutilized surface parking lots in the South End. Neighbors in the area are opposing a zoning proposal that the Planning Commission unanimously approved following robust community input.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE FIGHT FOR MORE HOUSING

We are in a housing crisis, but the status quo won’t change unless we work together and call for more homes in Burlington. This proposal has reached a critical juncture and will be voted on by the City Council soon. Join us to learn the different ways you can help turn the tide.

Interested in staying up to date with this process? Sign up for our project newsletter here: https://forms.gle/vscFwLxvJa7fPZ2t6

Housing Happy Hour @ HULA – light snacks, cash bar

Thursday 5/25 from 4 – 6pm

Let us know you’re coming

Coffee With Kelly

Join us next Tuesday, May 16th at 9:30 AM for our first Coffee with Kelly in 2023! To kick off the return of our monthly virtual member meetings, Executive Director Kelly Devine will be joined by special guest, Dave Farrington to give updates and answer questions on all things CityPlace.

This event is FREE and open to all members, just register for the Zoom link.

Tuesday, May 16th at 9:30 AM via Zoom

REGISTER FOR ZOOM LINK

Sail into Summer – 2023 BBA Waterfront FAM Tour

Join the BBA on May 31st for the return of the Waterfront FAM(iliarization) Tour to kick off the summer season on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III!

Bring your sunglasses and enjoy complimentary snacks, a cash bar, and relaxed networking with BBA members. Take an afternoon to learn what our waterfront businesses have in store for their Summer Season while enjoying an afternoon tour of Lake Champlain. Register Now!

For more information or registration assistance please contact Event Coordinator Lexie Wheeler – [email protected]

Come Sail into Summer with the BBA aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III!

1 College Street, Burlington

May 31st, 4PM

Tickets: $20 for Members, $ 30 for Non-Members

Registration includes light appetizers.

Register Today!

Special Thanks to our Host & Sponsor

BBA Welcomes Slate of New Board Members

The Burlington Businesses Association (BBA) is pleased to announce the addition of a slate of members to the Board of Directors. In December of 2022, Lisa Kingsbury and Peter Dysart were elected to board seats.

Lisa Kingsbury, University of Vermont

Kingsbury is the Associate Director of Planning at the University of Vermont. In this role, Kingsbury oversees the overall land use planning and regulatory processes and space planning management for UVM as well as serving as UVM’s liaison with community and institutional groups and municipalities specific to land use. Prior to joining the staff at UVM, Kingsbury was the Director/Public Relations at Paul Kaza Associates in South Burlington and Director of Marketing for Forest City Development in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Peter Dysart, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer

Dysart is an attorney at the Burlington-based law firm of Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer. Their practice focuses on regulatory compliance, commercial transactions, general corporate matters, and captive insurance. Dysart routinely advises banks and credit unions on contract and governance issues, as well as compliance and commercial lending matters. He also assists companies in the formation and ongoing representation of all types of captive insurance companies and other alternative risk-financing vehicles.

Prior to joining Primmer, Dysart served as a law clerk to the Honorable Peter W. Hall of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He also served as a law clerk to the Vermont Superior Court before that.

“We are thrilled to have Lisa and Peter join the Board of Directors,” said Kelly Devine, Executive Director of the BBA. “Lisa has shown herself to be a knowledgeable and engaged community leader. Peter, a Vermont native who recently moved back “home”, will provide legal support and a unique perspective to the BBA’s work to serve Burlington businesses.

In 2022, The BBA also welcomed three new board members:

Michael Casella, Casella Waste Systems

Casella brings broad experience in both the private and public sectors, particularly in the field of Waste and Recycling. Casella is a recipient of the Waste360 – 40 under 40 award for his work in the industry. The Waste360 “40 under 40” awards program recognizes inspiring and innovative professionals under the age of 40 whose work in waste, recycling, and organics has made a significant contribution to the industry. 

Ryan Nick, JL Davis Realty

After graduating from Boston College, Nick has worked at J.L. Davis in an ever-expanding role that includes sales & leasing, marketing, property management, human resources, and tenant & community relations. Working with national, regional, and local clients, Nick has a unique understanding of Vermont’s identity and sense of community. In addition, Nick served as the project manager for the Stoney Hill Properties mixed-use development in Bristol, VT, where he led efforts to secure a $500,000 grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission.

Jack WallaceBurlington Harbor Marina

Wallace has over 35 years of real estate development, construction, and management experience, which began shortly after he graduated from Middlebury College in 1982 with a BA in Geography. In his time since then, Wallace has been involved in the development and building of numerous residential, commercial, hospitality, medical, and government projects in Vermont, including the Marriott Courtyard – Burlington Harbor Hotel and Hotel Vermont. He has also assisted in the completion of group hotel projects in Wyoming, Idaho, and Portland, ME. Mr. Wallace opened the Burlington Harbor Marina in 2019 with Charles DesLauriers and currently provides asset management and oversight of the daily operations.

“The BBA is fortunate to have such a strong slate of members for its Board of Directors. Ours is a working board. We rely on the support of our board members to help us deliver on important mission”, said BBA Executive Director Kelly Devine.

BBA Announces New Board Leadership

The Burlington Businesses Association (BBA) is pleased to announce two new changes in leadership positions of its Board of Directors. Chelsea Condos is the BBA’s new Chair of the Board and Christian Kuzia is the board’s new Vice-Chair. 

Chelsea Condos, is a senior tax manager at Gallagher and Flynn. She first joined the BBA board in 2017,  is a South Burlington native, and is a seasoned tax accountant who returned to Vermont recently after spending 13 years working for KPMG in Atlanta and Boston. Condos has broad experience working with companies in the real estate industry including inbound international real estate investment funds, multinational construction companies, and real estate developers. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration/accounting with a specialty in tax accounting. In addition to her role on the Board of the BBA she is a member of the AICPA and the Vermont Society of CPAs. She lives in the Mayfair neighborhood of South Burlington with her husband and two children.

Christian Kuzia, incoming Vice-Chair of the Board,  works for Westport Hospitality, and is the general manager of the Courtyard Burlington Harbor Hotel. He joined BBA’s Board in 2021. Born and raised in Vermont, Kuzia has held multiple hospitality and restaurant industry positions over the past 20 years. He is a graduate of the food and beverage management program from the New England Culinary Institute and began his career with Westport overseeing the food and beverage operation at the Courtyard Burlington Harbor. He has also managed Westport’s extended stay property, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, in Williston. Kuzia has previously served on the board of directors for the Vermont Convention Bureau, The Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, and is currently a chair of the board of directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont. He resides in Colchester with his wife Jodi and their two sons, Caleb and Camden.

The BBA also extends its gratitude to Shireen Hart, BBA’s outgoing Chair of the Board. Shireen first joined the board in 2015 and will stay on as Secretary through 2025.  

“We are fortunate to have Chelsea and Christian taking on these leadership roles,” said Kelly Devine, Executive Director. ”Their professional experiences, tight ties to the community, and vision for Burlington will be invaluable for the future of the BBA.  We are also especially appreciative of Shireen’s leadership through the pandemic and thankful for her years of service to the BBA and Burlington.”

BBA Winter Social Event Raises Over $750 for Elmwood Shelter Pod Supplies

The Burlington Business Association (BBA) is pleased to announce that in partnership with JSkis it raised over $750 for the Elmwood Shelter Pods at its recent “Winter in Vermont” Winter Social. 

At the BBA’s Winter Social Event, BBA and host sponsor JSkis included a fundraiser to benefit the Elmwood Shelter Community. Participants entered a raffle, with donated prizes that included a pair of JSkis and products from JSkis, Ski the East, and Homeport. The raffle raised $775 which will be used to purchase supplies for outfitting the shelter community from local businesses.

The Elmwood Shelter Community opened this month and provides temporary housing and services for our neighbors experiencing houselessness. 

The Burlington Business Association, founded in 1978, is a non-profit, non-political membership organization with over 240 business and non-profit members. Our mission is to enhance and promote Burlington, Vermont’s economic vitality and assure that the City of Burlington continues as the cultural, social, political, educational, and economic center of northwestern Vermont.

Chad Hutchins, Winner of the Pair of JSkis

Ski Into Winter – BBA Winter Social 2023

Winter in Vermont

Join the BBA on February 16th for our 2023 Winter Social at J Skis Headquarters!

Enjoy warm seats by the fireplace while networking with BBA members and friends. All attendees enjoy one free drink ticket with a cash bar and light appetizers. This event is $30 for BBA members and $45 for non-members, but space is limited so reserve your company’s spots now. You won’t want to miss this event! REGISTER TODAY

BBA Members will enjoy 30% off J Skis and Ski the East merchandise the entire night of the event!*

Come Ski into Winter at J Skis!
247 Main Street, Burlington
February 16th, 5PM
Tickets: $30 for Members, $45 for Non-Members

Registration includes 1 free drink ticket and light appetizers.

  REGISTER TODAY 

Special Thanks to Our Host

J Skis