The West Brattleboro Association (WBA) announced the Community Leader of the Year recipients during its annual Holiday Party on Thursday, December 11, at The New England House. The winners of this 4th annual award are Bill and Judy Daley, owners of the Vermont Country Deli as well as the associated, brand new Market next door.
After living for ten years in Central Vermont, the Daleys came to Brattleboro to purchase the ever-popular delicatessen in 2007. Bill grew up in Cleveland and met Judy, who grew up in Brattleboro, at Miami University (Ohio). She is the daughter of Sylvia and (the late) John Hunter who was president of the Vermont National Bank. Since buying the deli seven years ago, together the Daleys have made it thrive even more, adding many features including a quick-stop facility with extra parking next door. The new market is in the process of becoming an official Vermont Ambassador Welcome Center, and will be adding an ATM in January. Both Bill and Judy work full time in their Deli.
When presented with the award, the Daleys said they were humbled at the honor and rather than it being about themselves they would like it to be more about the community and all the wonderful West Brattleboro projects that are adding to the area’s positive qualities. To wit, at their Grand Opening celebration earlier in the day (by coincidence), they sponsored a raffle fundraiser for the purchase of a new groomer for the ski hill at Living Memorial Park. Their goal (much like that of the WBA) is to help portray the qualities that make West Brattleboro the ‘Gateway to Vermont.’
The Vermont Country Deli Market is open every day from 7:30 AM-7:30 PM. The Daleys say they are excited for the opportunity to serve the immediate needs of the community. The hope is for customers to stop in and easily find last minute items to complete or create a meal. The Market carries locally sourced staple grocery items and produce when available along with milk from Thomas’s dairy, meat and eggs from Black River Produce, and ice cream from Walpole creamery. In addition, a section of the store is designated for community and statewide information. It is also a popular tourist destination.
In addition to good food and fun and presentation of the Community Leader award, the Association’s board president Michael Bosworth gave a brief “state of the Association” report. Previous Community Leader winners have been the Rasheds (nursery), the staff and board of the Brattleboro Housing Authority, and Todd Darrah of the Chelsea Royal Diner, each for their many contributions to our community.
The West Brattleboro Association exists “to promote the thoughtful and effective evolution of the community of West Brattleboro as a place that is safe, healthy, attractive, and prosperous.” Our vision includes: a village center that is safe and walk-able and that provides all the products, services, and social opportunities needed daily by its residents; a Marlboro Road that takes full advantage as a “Gateway to Vermont”, marketing the best in local products and goods and services for the Vermont lifestyle; and an environment where small businesses of all kinds can sprout and put down roots… businesses such as The Vermont Country Deli Market.
The next business meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2015. Come see what we’re up to!
