Sigal Rocklin, Fred Bashara, Patti Clark, Cindy Roberts win Vermont Hospitality Awards

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Chamber of Commerce announces the recipients of its annual Hospitality Awards, the award ceremony will take place at the 35th Annual Vermont Tourism Summit on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

“These awards celebrate our hospitality and tourism industry’s vast contributions to the economy and acknowledge these award winners as stand-out achievers within Vermont,” said Ronda Berns, Vice President of Tourism for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, who will be presenting the awards. “These are the individuals who exemplify the Vermont brand,” she added.

The 2018 Vermont Chamber Chef of the Year is Sigal Rocklin of the Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant in Manchester. This award recognizes an individual with a proven history of supporting Vermont’s agricultural economy, using local food and products.

Sigal has a passion for local food which is evident in the strong farm-to-table kitchen that she has created through her close relationships with the local farmers and producers. Creating inspiring seasonal menus using local ingredients, creativity and encouraging her team to be moved by the Vermont seasons is her specialty. She has grace and a calm manner consistently engaging all those who work with her.

The 2018 Vermont Chamber Restaurateur of the Year is Fred Bashara lll of J. Morgan's Steakhouse at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier. This award honors restaurateurs who continue to demonstrate excellence in restaurant operations and management.

J. Morgan’s Steakhouse kitchen is efficient, immaculate, high quality and fun. The longevity of their staff prove that they are a champion of enabling staff to progress from entry-level to manager positions. They have won multiple awards for quality and service, being a true community partner with outreach that includes area soup kitchens, local churches, homeless shelters, downtown festivals and many in-kind local donations of both food and labor.

The 2018 Vermont Chamber Borden E. Avery Innkeeper of the Year is Patti Clark of the
Green Mountain Inn in Stowe.
This award is designed specifically for individuals who continue to demonstrate excellence in the operation and management of a Vermont bed and breakfast, inn, hotel or resort.

Being the #1 property in Stowe on TripAdvisor for six years is a good indication of just how hard Patti works to keep a 200-year-old inn up-to-date and viable. Her dedication to the inn and her team shows you it’s more than just a job. She works closely with every aspect and every employee. Her kindness is extended to anyone who needs her assistance – she understands what her guests need and want, and she puts those and the needs of the inn’s employees above her own. No job is beneath her and she does it all with the necessary team player mentality.

The 2018 Vermont Chamber Tourism Partner of the Year is Cindy Roberts with the Vermont Welcome Centers. This award is for an individual who is a leader in supporting and promoting the hospitality industry in Vermont.

Vermont is strong because of the devotion of people like Cindy. Her dedication to Vermont and how it is presented to visitors through Welcome Centers is impressive. She understands that Vermont businesses depend on her team and the centers to represent their businesses in the best possible way. Her work ethic and commitment to both her job and the state of Vermont is remarkable ensuring that visitors get our marketing messages when they visit.

Source: Vermont Chamber of Commerce 4.6.2018