Good fathers deserve

After many year’s serving hamburgers, fries and hot dogs at the annual Champlain Valley Fair, Al’s French Frys announced last week it will no longer staff a booth at the 10-day end-of-summer celebration.

Al’s will continue to operate its other locations, including its flagship restaurant in South Burlington.

“With the rising costs of doing business and our success opening in communities throughout the state, we realized we couldn’t be in multiple places at once,” Al’s owner Bill Bissonette said.

“This decision, while a tough one, is best for Al’s French Frys. The Champlain Valley Fair continues to be a big part of our hearts, and I look forward to returning as a fairgoer with my grandchildren this August.”

Jeff Bartley, marketing director of the Champlain Valley Exposition, said, “We are actively working with our concessionaires on filling the booths formerly occupied by Al’s French Frys and have a few new food options we look forward to (announcing) in the coming weeks.”

He worked in the mountain operations department while in high school and college.

“I am super stoked to go full circle and be part of the Bolton Valley team again,” he said. “I am proud to be here and look forward to doing my part to build on the positive momentum at BV.”

Minority-Owned Business of the Year

CQ Strategies, Burlington

Microenterprise of the Year

Vermont Gatherings, Essex Junction

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year

Parro’s Gun Shop, Waterbury

Woman-Owned Business of the Year

Junapr, Charlotte

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

QOR360, Burlington

The Vermont Department of Labor is offering $400,000 in funding for “WorkBased Learning and Training” internships. These grants are open to all Vermont employers. Applications will be accepted through June 30.

“Internships are a valuable way for students and other members of Vermont’s workforce to gain real-world experience and develop skills that will help them succeed in the workforce,” Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington said. “This program will help more Vermont employers offer quality internships to the benefit of students, businesses and the state’s economy.”

Employers can apply at https://labor.vermont.gov/workforce-development/grants.

Bolton Valley Resort has announced the appointment of Eric DesLauriers as mountain operations director. DesLauriers, the son of Bolton founder Ralph DesLauriers, spent the previous 15 years at Palisades Tahoe leading its freeride ski team. Eric will join his sister, CEO Lindsay DesLauriers, and brothers Rob and Adam on the management team.

In his new role, Eric will oversee all aspects of mountain operations, including ski patrol, lift operations, lift mechanics, grounds, vehicle and property maintenance, snowmaking, grooming, mountain bike trail crew, and mountain safety programs.

Business leaders from across Vermont gathered last Thursday in Burlington to celebrate Sen. Patrick Leahy’s career and contributions to the Vermont economy. Hosted by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the event provided an opportunity for business leaders to thank Leahy and his wife Marcelle for their impact on Vermont.

“There are a lot of things that we do not miss about Washington, but I do miss being an advocate for Vermont,” Leahy said. “That was one of the most satisfying and rewarding parts of serving as a United States Senator and what a majority of my staff worked on each and every day.”

On June 15, the U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate this year’s Vermont SBA award winners with cocktails and a reception at Zenbarn in Waterbury. Winners are:

Small Business Persons of the Year

Chris and Cortney Keene

Keene Perspectives, Hartford

Exporter of the Year

Advanced Conversion, Barre

Family-Owned Business of the Year

Boston Tailoring & Cleaners, St. Albans