MIDDLEBURY — The Vermont Chamber of Commerce recently announced the selection of Stephen C. Terry of Middlebury as its 2014 Citizen of the Year. Terry’s contributions to Vermont will be celebrated at an awards dinner on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the Grand Maple Ballroom at the University of Vermont’s Davis Center.
Terry was selected by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce for the 51st Citizen of the Year Award for his extensive community involvement and continual devotion to the betterment of Vermont. A record number of letters of support from colleagues, friends and state leaders were submitted to supplement his nomination.
Terry has served in a wide range of state and community positions, ranging from being a legislative assistant to the late Sen. George D. Aiken, managing editor of the Rutland Herald, senior vice president for corporate affairs at Green Mountain Power and a member of the Governor of Vermont’s Council of Economic Advisors.
Mary Powell, president and CEO of Green Mountain Power, stated in a letter, “Steve’s hand and voice can be found in every issue important to Vermont, but most notably always at the critical intersection of the environment and the economy. Steve is a passionate guardian of the natural environment in Vermont, while always willing to deal with the polarity created by being equally concerned about the socio-economic wellbeing of the state and fostering a robust and meaningful economy and agricultural sector.” 
David Coates touched on Terry’s years serving on the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors. “It is quite an accomplishment to serve five different governors. I have seen how important his advice is to our governors and how they view Steve as a trusted advisor. He is someone who puts Vermont and Vermonters first. Anyone needing advice on state issues always calls Steve, as they know he will deliver it factually and honestly.” 
“Steve is a gifted communicator and an inspiration for civic engagement,” said Betsy Bishop, president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “His name fits right in with his 50 peers on the recipient list for this award. Steve has always preserved the legacy of past Vermont leaders by weaving their voices into current dialogues about the betterment of the state. He is the epitome of the Citizen of the Year; his accolades not defined by singular actions, but rather the longevity of his inherent commitment to the history and future of our state.”
Recent recipients of the Citizen of the Year award include U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, Antonio Pomerleau, Bill Stenger and Gov. James Douglas.  
To register to attend the awards dinner honoring Stephen Terry on Thursday, Nov. 13, visit www.VTChamber.com or contact Ellen Dube, director of events, at [email protected].