Last week’s BBA Dinner & Awards was a ‘Night of Enchantment” at the Hilton Burlington. This year’s event celebrated 40 years of the Burlington Business Association’s contributions to our city’s economic vitality. More importantly the dinner was an opportunity to recognize a very deserving group of local businesses and people.
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Honored with the Tim Halvorson, the Business person the year award winner was Tom Leavitt of Northfield Savings Bank. A native of Burlington, Tom’s career includes not only being a successful businessperson, but a contributor to the Burlington community. Tom was introduced by the award’s namesake, Tim Halvorson, who once again had the crowd roaring with laughter during his remarks.
Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman was honored as Business of the Year for its decades of history, service and community engagement. The award was accepted by Brian Boardman and BBA Board Member Leslee MacKenzie.
For architectural excellence, we recognized City Market for its ambitious construction of their new Flynn Avenue location in the South End. The project is the largest expansion yet for the Burlington born co-op. The cutting edge design from Freeman, French & Freeman Architects provides functionality while meeting City Market’s principles of environmental sustainability.
Lastly, this year’s dinner included a special recognition for the late Antonio Pomerleau, a legendary businessman and philanthropist whose career spanned over 70 years in local real estate. His charitable contributions can be found throughout the city, including the Pomerleau Family YMCA and the Burlington Police Department’s station at one North Ave.
On hand to introduce this years group of honorees was Mayor Weinberger and Governor Scott, both of whom addressed the packed house inside the Hilton’s Adirondack Ballroom.
This year’s “Night of Enchantment”, combined a cirque du soleil theme with a masquerade to give our guests an unforgettable night. The event included surprise performances from professional hoop and silk performers who entertained the crowd with a unique show to match the ambitious decorations. The event is planned and executed annually by BBA’s phenomenal Dinner Committee, made up of volunteer members who dedicate significant time and energy to the event.
As part of 2018 Dinner and Awards the BBA held a raffle, with support from Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry and WCAX, to support the Howard Center’s Street Outreach Team. The grand prize was a Rolex watch package valued at over $8000.
The BBA would like to thank everyone who made this year’s event possible, including our presenting sponsor, People’s United Bank, our dinner sponsors, the Hilton Burlington, our volunteers and our guests for helping to make the dinner such a wonderful event.