RUTLAND—Greg Cox of Boardman Hill Farm, Vermont Farmers Food Center and Vermont Farmers Market was honored as the chamber’s 2016 Business Person of the Year at the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce annual meeting Nov. 15, at the Paramount Theatre. Cox has been a farmer for 40 years and in 2007 helped to transform the Vermont Farmers’ Market to a year round market. He is also one of the visionaries behind the Vermont Farmers Food Center, but in characteristic form, humbly denies the credit, saying, “It’s not just because of me; I can’t do this by myself.”
Cox also mentors new farmers at his Boardman Hill Farm, giving them space (free of charge) to learn how to produce food and guides them in the process.
Mary Cohen, executive director at the chamber, said, “Greg’s work is more than building equitable access to local food. It’s about collaboration, mentoring, creating opportunities and making local agriculture an economic driver in our region.”
Prior to presenting the 2016 Chamber Business Person of the Year award, Cohen gave a brief presentation of chamber accomplishments over the past year and its future plans, which included a focused on partnerships to grow the community. She also spoke about the new regional marketing initiative, called the “Killington Valley.”
The keynote speaker for the meeting was Rocket, producer of the “America’s Best Friend” video series. Rocket’s videos are fun, energetic and informative short clips promoting many great aspects throughout Rutland.
Photo courtesy of RRCC
Mary Cohen presents the 2016 Chamber Business Person of the Year award to Greg Cox at the RRCC annual meeting, Nov. 16, held at the Paramount Theatre.
