[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 182 (Thursday, November 14, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SKIRACK

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, Vermont, the Green Mountain State, is 
filled with outdoor enthusiasts: people who ski, snowboard, mountain 
bike, hike, and do so much more. Outdoor enthusiasts who live in 
Chittenden County or who have visited the area are likely to have 
perused the walls, shelves, and aisles of the Skirack in Burlington, 
VT. Today I want to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Skirack, a 
small business that has become a staple of downtown Burlington.
  Just a few blocks from its present location at the corner of Main and 
Pine Streets in downtown Burlington, the Skirack first opened its doors 
on November 22, 1969, driven by the vision of a group of University of 
Vermont students. The founders of the Skirack--Karen George, Zandy 
Wheeler, Spike Clayton, and John George-Wheeler--opened the shop with 
one goal in mind: to provide the finest outdoor goods and services. 
Over the next 50 years, their store has equipped Vermonters and 
visitors to our State with the essentials as they face the elements and 
reach new heights, both literal and figurative.
  Vermont has a proud and prominent legacy of outdoor recreation. 
Vermonters, or those who visit, can cross country ski, swim in Lake 
Champlain, mountain bike, or go on a trek through any of Vermont's 
magnificent forest trails. Contrary to the store's name, the Skirack 
has been Vermonters' one-stop shop for all of their outdoor 
recreational needs, regardless of the season.
  Since its inception, the Skirack has been the recipient of numerous 
honors and accolades. The store has been named the Snowsports Retailer 
of the Year and Nordic Retailer by Ski Industries of America. But 
recognition of the Skirack goes far beyond their snow sport inventory. 
For 5 years in a row, from 2013 through 2017, it was named one of 
America's best bike shops by the National Bicycle Dealers Association 
and in 2018 was named one of the 20 Best Running Shops in America by 
Gear Patrol.
  The Skirack has gone through many changes throughout its 50 years of 
operation. In 1974, Karen, Zandy, Spike, and John moved the Skirack 
from its small shop on Center Street to where it is currently located 
on Main Street in downtown Burlington. Over time, they were able to 
double the size of their store by expanding to the building next door. 
Then, in May 2011, they began a special partnership with Patagonia and 
opened a second store, Patagonia Burlington. And today, the Skirack 
employs more than 80 Vermonters.
  Vermont's economy depends on small businesses like the Skirack. Over 
the years, those small businesses have become the backbone of Vermont's 
economy. In 2018, the more than 77,000 small businesses made up 99 
percent of Vermont businesses--99 percent. In Vermont, almost 60 
percent of employees, over 158,000 Vermonters, are employed by a small 
business. I am proud that small businesses such as The Skirack, have 
not only been able to not only survive but thrive.
  With the holiday season approaching, it is important for Americans 
across the country to visit their hometown Main Street stores as they 
shop for friends and family. Holiday sales represent 20 percent of 
average annual sales across most industries and 30 percent or more for 
some businesses.
  Marcelle and I congratulate Karen, Zandy, Spike, and John on an 
incredible 50 years of operations at the Skirack. We wish them all the 
best of luck, and we hope for 50 more strong years.

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