Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Fall 2016 | 23 Executive Director’s Awards (Presented by Cindy Locke) Legislator of the Year Senator Rich Westman worked very hard last year achieving some legislation from the Senate and House regarding matching funds being available to VAST for fundraising for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in 2016 and 2017. Through his diligent and hard work, he was able to have approved a $400,000 match in 2017 and a $1 million dollar match in 2017. This will help us raise the money we need to continue constructing the trail. Currently, VTrans is looking at other opportunities and ways of assisting VAST. Public Official of the Year The person receiving this award has been in his position of Secretary of Transportation since this past spring. Prior to that, he was Deputy Secretary and worked his way up the ranks at VTrans. I met Chris Cole 13 years ago while we were both in a program called Leadership Champlain. Since taking on his job as leader for VTrans, Chris has undertaken an important initiative to help VAST with the completion of the rail trail. Along with Senator Rich Westman, he guaranteed matching funds of $400,000 this year and $1 million next year to be matched by our LVRT capital campaign fundraising. In addition to that, Chris has his top-level team working with us to plan a way for VTrans to take on a much higher level of responsibility for the construction of the LVRT, which would fast-track this project. Award of Excellence #1 The first VAST Award of Excellence is going to someone that through his quiet strength has been traversing tragedy and turning it into a learning tool for himself, his family and all of the VAST family. He called me last spring to tell me the story of himself and his son-in-law who went out one day to ride together and enjoy the day. His grandson had just been born and was only nine days old. He thought a ride would be a great way for the two men to relax and enjoy sometime together. The day ended with an accident. It was not Rick’s fault, but his message to all of us is clear. I hope if you have not seen Rick’s message via video or had a chance to talk with him, that you do so. The video is on our website and is very powerful. In addition to making this video with the help of others, he also now is an active member of the Vermont Governor’s Snowmobile Council and the VAST Safety and Youth Committee. Please help me give a warm welcome to Rick Kaminski to receive his award of excellence. Award of Excellence #2 My second VAST Award of Excellence is going to someone that, since the beginning of my time here at VAST, took on a leadership role with me and helped me to understand and navigate the complexity of this organization. I came here with years of association and operations experience, but as you all know VAST is a very unique organization. This person always made me feel like my questions or concerns were valid and he stood by me as I navigated the first two years here. He is an incredible leader. He is honest to the bone. He has spent many years volunteering for VAST in many capacities. He also is funny and just plain cares about VAST and all of us! I would be pleased and honored if VAST President Tim Mills would stand up to receive his Award of Excellence. President’s Awards (Presented by Tim Mills) Director of the Year This year’s recipient for the Director of the Year Award goes to someone who has unique qualities that I admire greatly. He is humble, even tempered and has an ability to control his emotions during stressful situations. This past year this director really stepped up to the plate in a time of great need. His county was on the verge of loosing a club and trail system. With the help of the VAST staff, a local business and select other people, he rallied the troops, acted as mediator and was able to assist in restructuring the club to keep it together. The territory of this club is a main corridor, from the GMNF to points west, approximately 17 miles. We all know how important these sections of trail are and how hard it would have been to reopen it. This year’s Director of the Year Award goes to Merritt Budd. VAST AWARDS