The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce held it’s annual installation dinner on November 13, 2008 at the newly reopened Hermitage Inn in Dover. Over 125 people came out for this yearly function.

Laura Sibilia, Executive Director of the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed attendees and introduced long time valley resident Cheryl Rothman as the newest member of it’s Board of Directors. Rothman joins Lisa Sullivan of Bartleby’s Books, Laurie Newton of Mount Snow Resort, Magnus Thorrson of the Gray Ghost Inn, Chris Cooke of Valley Cab, Randy Terk of Accupay Payroll, Bruce Korb of the Nordic Hills Lodge, Joe Krusewski of the Matterhorn Inn, Randy Capitani of the Deerfield Valley News, Sarah Shippee of Scott’s Clean Sweep, John Redd of SkiHome Realty and Tom Consolino of Wilmington. Outgoing board member, Karen Gallivan was thanked for her time and dedication on the board.

Sibilia spoke at length about progress in the valley over the past year, highlighting the Blueberry Festival and the Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival as well as the communities commitment to economic development.

The ten day long Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival in August combined events at businesses throughout the Deerfield Valley with “blue” themed activities. This festival was named one of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Events for the Summer of 2009.

The Chamber awarded Janet Boyd of Boyd Farm with the Chamber Person of the year award for her efforts and initiative with the Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival, and noted her continued involvement with the Deerfield Valley’s annual Make-A-Wish duck race Memorial Day weekend.

The Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival, held during the last weekend of September, showcased Vermont wineries & cheese makers, food vendors, local crafters & artists, and featured a number of wine pairing events. This well attended first year event also received the award as one of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Fall Events.

Arlene Palmiter presented the Ralph and Vern Howe Community Service Award came to Bruce Mullen of Wilmington. Mullen’s involvement in the Deerfield Valley Rotary, the chamber, the Tri-Town Economic Development Committee, his new election to the Wilmington Board of Selectman and his success in securing municipal parking in downtown Wilmington were cited as critical factors for his selection by the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce as the 2008 award winner. Mullen spoke about what a tremendous honor it was to receive this award after being in the valley for a few years.