MIDDLEBURY — The Better Middlebury Partnership honored IPJ Real Estate of Middlebury as the Business of The Year at that organization’s annual meeting Tuesday night at American Flatbread. Jutta Miska received BMP’s Citizen of the Year designation.
Miska was honored because of her years of volunteer efforts with youth. As co-director of the Addison Central Teens Organization, she worked with local teens and community members to establish and develop the local teen center, 94 Main Street, in Middlebury.
After leaving ACT, Miska opened the consignment shop Buy Again Alley at 1 Frog Hollow Alley in Middlebury. The shop, an extension of the “Swap and Shop” program she spearheaded at Middlebury Union High School, is a place for teens to both buy clothes and work.
While most of her efforts are focused on youth, Miska has also volunteered on the Porter Medical Center Auxiliary board, the Turning Point of Addison County board and as an advocate for the United Way of Addison County.
IPJ Real Estate was also recognized by the BMP for its financial and volunteer support throughout the town. 
Over the past five years, the team at IPJ Real Estate has donated more than $4,000 to 10 different BMP events and has volunteered with organizations including the Middlebury Planning Commission; Neighbors, Together; EastView; the Sheldon Museum; the Town Hall Theater; St. Stephen’s and the Humane Society.
IPJ owner Amey Ryan is a leader in their efforts — she has served for a number of years on the BMP board, chairing and co-chairing the Vermont Chili Festival. In the coming year, Ryan will take over the role of vice president of the board. 
Ryan is also a board member for the Middlebury Lions Club and was part of the Economic Development Initiative Committee in town.
BMP works to build connections across the community by offering volunteer opportunities and supporting local businesses. Members of the organization plan and organize a number of events throughout the year, most notably the annual Vermont Chili Fest. 
In addition to honoring the award recipients, BMP elected an executive committee for the upcoming year. Serving on this year’s committee will be President Wendy Hirdler, Vice President Amey Ryan, Treasurer Megan Mandigo and Acting-Past-President Adrienne Illick MacIntyre. The position of secretary is vacant.
Finally, the BMP introduced new board members and approved their annual budget.