Michael is a Bennington native and retired architect. He served on the steering committee which led to the formation of the Better Bennington Corporation. He is a long-time Board member and chair of the Design Committee and has served two terms as Board President. Michael was a 1998 charter gubernatorial appointment to the Vermont Downtown Development Board and continues to serve. He chairs Bennington’s Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions and serves on the Vermont District 8 Act 250 Environmental Commission.
He is a former Bennington Assistant Town Manager, interim Community Development Director, and interim director of the BBC. He has served as president of the Park-McCullough House Association and has coached basketball and worked in athletic administration on the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. He resides in Bennington with his wife Sandy.

“It has been a privilege to serve with a broad group of people who are deeply committed to Bennington, our Downtown, and it’s success.”

Keith is the owner and operator of Gamers' Grotto on Main Street.  He also serves on the Economic Vitality Committee of the Better Bennington Corporation.  His expertise and experience in on-line gaming relates well to the on-line retail competition that will continue to challenge downtowns in the coming years. 

Colleen McQuade, president of the Cannabis Retailers Association of Vermont and owner of Juniper Lane Cannabis, holds a Master's Degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. With a diverse background that includes working for medical cannabis companies, wholesaling functional glass art, and working with traumatized communities she has become a vocal advocate for the healing power of cannabis. Locally, McQuade has also made significant contributions by supporting the arts, music, environment, and community through partnerships with Lake Paran, Vermont Art Exchange, and Queer Connect. Her passion for creating a welcoming community space is evident as she aims to provide education and promote the benefits of cannabis at Juniper Lane. Supported by her Main Street neighbors and the Bennington community, McQuade is eager to make a positive impact in the world of cannabis retail and the Bennington community. 

Shelley Colvin was born and raised in Bennington and graduated from MAUHS. She currently resides in Shaftsbury with her teenage daughter. She was employed by Chittenden Bank for 22 years and held the title of Market Manager/AVP. In 2010 Chittenden Bank was acquired by Peoples United Bank. Since the acquisition she has held the role of Market Manager/VP, overseeing six branches. She has now been in banking for 34 years.  Her role as a Market Manager is to grow the business by acquiring new and retaining existing customers, consumer and small business lending, providing an exceptional customer experience, and acquiring and retaining talent.

She is an active member of the Bennington community. She also serves as Secretary of the Charles Cooper and Elizabeth Kelley Scholarship Fund. She has served as Treasurer of the Bennington County Meals Program, Treasurer of the Bennington County Coalition of the Homeless, and Treasurer of Bennington Project Independence. She volunteers for community events, such as Relay for Life, the Epilepsy Foundation radio auction, United Way Day of Caring, and Garlic Town. She strongly believe that it is up to each of us as citizens to become involved in the communities we serve to make them a place in which we are proud to call home.

Susan Plaisance moved to Vermont in 1991.  She and her husband, Steve, have 2 children, both of whom attended Bennington schools, participated in numerous sports and activities, and are now attending college.  For the past 13 years Susan has been with the Bennington Banner.  She is the Account Manager for both the Banner and Manchester Journal.  Susan has served on the Boards of the Manchester & the Mountains Regional Chamber of Commerce, The United Way, and Generations Day Care.  

Michael is past president of the Board of Directors of the Better Bennington Corporation and current vice president; past member of the Bennington Select Board; member since 2012 of the Vermont Economic Progress Council and vice chair, member of the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone team and Bennington Regional Economic Development Group. Michael also serves as vice president of the Center for Communication in Medicine and past board member of the American Lung Association of Vermont. 

Mike works at CAT-TV, our local community media station, as the Production Manager. Mike is also a freelance videographer and photographer with a passion for cars and weddings. His freelance work has taken him all over the country for auto shows, new vehicle launch programs, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and more. Mike is humbled to be a 2018 Rising Star in Vermont, a four-time Telly Award winner, and a 2021 SYP non-profit member of the year. When he is not busy at work you can probably find him on the stage for a Bennington Community Theatre or Dorset Players production! 

Ahmad is a graduate of Bennington College (’20). With a background in art and international teaching, he has a passion for community development and creative, project-oriented work. Ahmad's role involves contributing to the revitalization of Southern Vermont by visually curating the region’s attractions, events, and media. He takes pride in launching impactful campaigns for Vermont News and Media and clients, as well as collaborating with various community organizations and stakeholders.

Joe comes to the table with a plethora of corporate sales, marketing and graphic design experience. His appetite for finding the perfect typography and/or color palette to create something unique; fuels his love for graphic design. Fresh out of college he worked for a non-profit at the collegiate level as an SID. In his mid-20’s he pursued his childhood dream as a singer/songwriter. He was featured on national television and opened for several Grammy nominated artists on tour. Through all that he managed to squeeze in seven years of navigating the rough seas of the telecom sales world to refine his sales skills. He now resides in his 1930’s Vermont home that’s in an endless state of renovation with his wife, Sara, and their four children.

Michael (Mike) Madison, his wife Betsy and their two children are long time Bennington residents, loved by all that know them.  Mike grew up and attended schools in the area, before moving to Florida, with his now wife, where he was trained in the brewing trade and management. After several years and a great career in Florida, the couple returned to town to be closer to family while raising their own, again showing how strong Mikes values, sense of family and community are.

Mike, his brother, and parents, had a vision to revitalize downtown by bringing a much-needed restaurant to the area. In 1996 they created, built, opened and continue to run Madison Brewing Company Pub & Restaurant, the most popular place in Bennington, VT for craft beer and mouth-watering food. In 2021, against stacked odds due to COVID-19 forced shut-downs, Mike and his family opened The 421 Craft Bar and Kitchen which is full of positive symbolism for the local economy, much like Mike stands for himself.

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Mike has deep rooted ties to the community and the downtown area. It is clear that Mike has an affinity for Bennington. In addition to Mike’s commitment to the ever-deserving patrons that frequent the restaurants, he is also respectful, outgoing, business savvy, and offers a warm welcome to his friends and community wherever he is. He is an asset to anything he is involved with.

Stephen Hall has been a chef for 20 years. He and his wife, Liz, opened up Angry Egg 1 in Manchester, CT, in 2018. In 2022, Steve and Liz accomplished their original dream, which was to open a restaurant in Southern VT. They were blessed to have Bennington, VT welcome Angry Egg 2 and support their dream. The Angry Egg 1 & 2 strive to be different from other restaurants and it shows the moment you walk through the door! From the staff to the food- The Angry Egg is a place where guests feel at home. Steve and Liz hope guests embrace the local energy as the restaurants feature local artists on the walls and local products on their plates. 

Nicole Bozeman is the owner of The Local and Company in downtown Bennington. She moved here from Texas two years ago to pursue her dream of living in Vermont and owning her own business. She has a passion for revitalization, whether that is refinishing old furniture, remodeling and redecorating spaces or buying and sprucing up businesses. In the relatively short time, she has been in Bennington, she has fallen in love with the community and has a strong desire to help it grow and flourish.