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ESE Trustee Martha Seifert with the Vermont Building Award.

Above, L to R: ESE Trustee Ken Hastings, ESE Trustee and former Vt. Senator Robert Starr, ESE Trustee Roger Allbee, Marion Seifert, Vt. Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts, ESE Trustee Kathy Nisun, ESE Chairman David Henry, ESE Trustee Marianne Davidson and ESE President & CEO Gene Cassidy.

MARTHA SEIFERT RECEIVES VERMONT BUILDING AWARD AT THE BIG E

Saturday, September 20, was Vermont Day at The Big E, and Martha Seifert of Middlebury, Vt., was presented with the Vermont Building Award in front of the award’s namesake on the Avenue of States at Eastern States Exposition (ESE). She earned this recognition through her involvement with the organization and outstanding efforts to promote the state of Vermont.

It is tradition that the Vermont Building Award be presented to an individual that encourages interaction between the ESE Board of Trustees, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. The recipient must develop strategies, activities and funding to promote and preserve the Vermont Building at ESE and support the Green Mountain State.

Many ESE Trustees traveled from their home state to its flagship building on the Avenue of States for the occasion. Distinguished guests included ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy; ESE Chairman of the Board David Henry; Director of the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension, Fitzroy “Roy” Beckford; UVM 4-H Educator, Melinda Birch; UVM 4-H Educator, Martha Manning; and more. Other attendees included Vermont vendors; Seifert’s mother, Marion Seifert; her brother, Cliff Seifert; and sister-in-law, Kim Wuestefeld.

The award was presented by the Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Anson Tebbetts; ESE Trustee Roger Allbee; and former senator and current ESE Trustee Robert Starr.

“Martha is a longtime trustee and chair,” said Tebbetts. “She is also a 4-H educator for Addison County through the University of Vermont Extension, and she assists 4-H youths right here at The Big E. On behalf of the trustees, we are pleased to present Martha with this award.”

“I’m very humbled,” said Seifert. “Thank you, everyone, for your support. I don’t think I deserve this. I enjoy what I do in my 4-H world, both here and generally helping the kids. It’s a wonderful experience, and I am honored to get this great award.”

The Vermont Building is just one of six replica state houses along the Avenue of States. Each offers the public a glimpse into what its state has to offer tourists—from delicious food to jaw-dropping views to quality products to unforgettable experiences. Visit them at The Big E now through September 28 by purchasing your Fair admission tickets online at TheBigE.com today!