[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 11850]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        2005 VERMONT SBA AWARDS

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today I call to the attention of the Senate 
several successful Vermont businesses being honored this year by the 
Small Business Administration, SBA. An outstanding group of Vermonters 
are being awarded 2005 Vermont Small Business Champion Awards, and the 
prestigious Vermont Small Business Person of the Year Award is being 
awarded to the owner and president of Four Seasons Garden Center, 
Oliver Gardner.
  It is a great pleasure to recognize the enterprises and business 
leaders who will receive Vermont Small Business Champion Awards: Karen 
and Brian Zecchinelli of the Wayside Restaurant, Family-Owned Business 
of the Year; Emily Kaminsky of Community Capital of Central Vermont, 
Financial Services Champion of the Year; Jean Elizabeth Temple of Jean 
Elizabeth's Soap Company, Home-Based Business Champion of the Year; 
Paula Cope of Cope & Associates, Small Business Woman of the Year; 
Claudia Clark of Moosewood Hollow, Vermont Microenterprise of the Year; 
Edward Walbridge of Walbridge Electric, Veteran Small Business Champion 
of the Year; and Linda Ingold of the Vermont Women's Business Center, 
Women in Business Champion of the Year.
  I would like to take a moment to draw special attention to my friend 
Oliver Gardner, the 2005 Vermont Small Business Person of the Year. His 
Four Seasons Garden Center in Williston is one of Vermont's great small 
business success stories, built on Yankee determination and responsible 
business practices. Gardner was selected for outstanding leadership 
related to his company's staying power, employee growth, increase in 
sales, innovative ingenuity, response to adversity, and contributions 
to the community.
  Following Gardner's purchase of Four Seasons in 1978, the company has 
seen steady growth. Employee numbers have risen from 50 to 98 during 
peak season, and annual revenues have increased from $800,000 in 1977, 
to $4 million, as of October 2004. Now, Four Seasons is considered one 
of Vermont's largest local gardening resources. When Gardner learned of 
the imminent arrival of Home Depot and Wal-Mart back in 1994, he 
implemented a dynamic plan to boost Four Seasons' competitive edge. The 
business expanded and relocated to a 10-acre lot less than a mile from 
the big-box stores in Williston. The plan was a stellar success and 
promoted increased sales at a time when many independent garden centers 
were closing due to pressure from chain store giants.
  Despite a progressive, 20-year spinal cord disease that restricts his 
mobility, Gardner has demonstrated extraordinary determination, 
persistence, and creativity. Also exceptional is Gardner's commitment 
to his goals for social and environmental responsibility in business. 
Four Seasons promotes gardening programs for the entire family and 
offers free access to its new facility to all organizations interested 
in gardening and a healthy environment.
  I congratulate Oliver and all of the 2005 winners, who are accepting 
their prestigious awards today in Burlington, for jobs well done.

                          ____________________