BENNINGTON — The Better Bennington Corporation (BBC) hosted its annual meeting on Thursday, September 18, at Madison’s Brewing Company and Restaurant.
The meeting brought together board members, committee members, staff, downtown business owners representing sectors such as arts, retail, and nonprofits, as well as community members. Attendees included Jackie Matts from the Bennington Select Board.
Executive Director Jeanne Mintrone opened the evening by thanking all in attendance. BBC Board President Keith Carey, owner of Gamer’s Grotto, followed with welcoming remarks. Carey reflected on first being recruited to the BBC by former executive director John Shanahan 15–20 years ago. He also introduced newly appointed board members: Mikayla Fisette of VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, and James Martinez of Heritage Family Credit Union. In addition, several current board members were re-elected to three-year terms: Michael McDonough, Michael Keene, Mike Cutler, and Ahmad Yassir.
This year’s meeting also featured the inaugural presentation of the John Shanahan Downtown Dedication Award, which was awarded to John Shanahan and Bill Clark. The award was created to honor individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to downtown Bennington. Mintrone noted that Shanahan and Clark, both former BBC employees, “deserve this recognition and more.” While the inaugural award was presented directly to them, beginning next year the honor will be open to a vote by all BBC members and downtown businesses within the district.
Mintrone highlighted BBC’s achievements over the past year, including the success of signature events such as Mayfest, Harvest, and Thursday Night Live, as well as the launch of the new ArtsFest along the Riverwalk. “It was a wonderful opportunity to have one of our committees organize an event, with the staff supporting,” she said. “It was great seeing kids of all ages come downtown to do art in all different forms and mediums.”
Additional announcements included BBC’s new designation with the Main Street America Accreditation. Mintrone also recognized Vicki Lampron, who worked with the BBC Design Committee to produce and install the latest addition to downtown’s public art displays: 2D wooden Barn Quilts, which complement BBC’s ongoing partnership with the North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show (NBOSS) at the Downtown Riverwalk.
The BBC Promotions Committee was officially relaunched during the meeting. Upcoming initiatives include a Downtown Workshop Series and a new social media program aimed at promoting downtown Bennington as both a shopping district and a destination for arts and culture.
The current BBC Board includes: Keith Carey (President), Colleen McQuade (Vice President), Susan Plaisance (Secretary), Shelly Colvin (Treasurer), Michael McDonough (Design Committee Chair), Michael Keene (Economic Vitality Chair), Ahmad Yassir (Promotions Committee), Mike Cutler, Mike Madison, Joe Frey, Mikayla Fisette, and James Martinez.