Top Stories for Tuesday January 16, 2007

Middlebury Is Experiencing A Building Boom
By Dale Piper
   Despite recent news that the housing industry has taken a hit, the town of Middlebury is going through a period of growth in terms of housing starts.  According to Fred Dunnington, Middlebury's Planning and Zoning officer, the town has permitted 500 units during the last two years.  This is up astronomically from previous years which normally saw only 20 or so.  All permits do not necessarily result in projects, but a significant number are currently underway.  Dunnington said that these projects are a result of a few specific market forces.  There is an increased interest in living in town, sometimes because folks are tired of commuting to Middlebury jobs, sometimes because of an increased interest in being able to walk to destinations for economic or health reasons.  Another factor driving the market is the number of older residents interested in communities or complexes that can provide assisted living and other amenities needed in an aging population.
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Addison County Chamber Of Commerce Hires New Executive Director

    James Daily of Porter Medical Center, president of the Addison County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of Andrew Mayer of Anthem, Arizona as the chamber's new Executive Director. Andrew will begin his duties on February 1st.
    Andrew is a 1981 graduate of Middlebury College with a degree in American Studies. He served as Membership Sales Representative and Manager of Entrepreneurial Programs at the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce in Denver, Colorado. There he planned, promoted and staged 40 educational programs per year, as well as planned business to business trade shows, golf tournaments, and annual membership meetings.
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Middlebury College Honors Local Citizens For Community Service

    Middlebury College President Ronald D. Liebowitz presented Middlebury College Citizens' Medals to four residents of Addison County at a ceremony and dinner at the college on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The medal recipients, who were recognized for their contributions to the community, are Fletcher “Buster” Brush, Lucien Paquette, and Christine and Michael Steier.
    A custom initiated by the college in its bicentennial year, the medals are given to residents of Addison County whose service to the community has been sustained and distinguished. Members of the college community submitted nominations for the 2006 Citizens' Medals, and Liebowitz and a committee of faculty and staff selected the winners.
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