Southwestern Vermont Chamber Honors 2026 Heart of The Shires Award Winners

Southwestern Vermont honors community leaders at 4th annual Heart of The Shires

Chris Gomez, the President and CEO of Heritage Family Credit Union, received the 2026 Heart of The Shires Award during a celebration held on November 5 at the Bennington Elks Carriage Barn.

The event, organized by the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, recognized Gomez for his leadership and service throughout the region.

The ceremony marked the fourth year of the Heart of The Shires program, an initiative established by the Chamber to honor individuals and organizations working in the nonprofit, civic, and social sectors. According to reporting from VermontBiz, the evening featured a refreshed cocktail and mixer-style format. This updated structure was intended to provide more opportunities for connection among the region’s community leaders and partners.

“Heart of The Shires is really about taking a moment to recognize the people who consistently show up for Southwestern Vermont,” Matt Harrington, CEO of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, said. He noted that regional communities depend on the time and talents of leaders, volunteers, and nonprofits.

Chamber presents awards to Sunrise Family Resource Center and Mikayla Fisette

The Chamber presented three distinct honors during the event. In addition to Gomez, the Sunrise Family Resource Center received the 2026 Community Leadership Award. This specific honor recognizes organizations that drive change through their mission and values. The Sunrise Family Resource Center was cited for its work supporting local families and strengthening the community, VermontBiz reported.

The final major award of the evening was the Lindy Lynch Volunteer of the Year Award. Mikayla Fisette was named the recipient, recognized for her consistent contributions to community organizations and regional initiatives. This award is named in honor of the late Lindy Lynch, a longtime Chamber volunteer and champion.

The following table lists the recipients of the primary awards for 2026:

Award Category	2026 Recipient
Heart of The Shires Award	Chris Gomez
Community Leadership Award	Sunrise Family Resource Center
Lindy Lynch Volunteer of the Year	Mikayla Fisette

The role of civic infrastructure

The Chamber’s celebration highlights the underlying social framework that supports the region’s economic and social stability. Harrington emphasized that volunteerism and civic leadership function as a vital part of a community’s infrastructure. He stated that whether through serving on a board or supporting families, these contributions are essential to the region’s strength.

The event was supported by several local entities, including Coggins Auto Group, which served as the presenting sponsor. Other contributors included EastRise Credit Union, Mission Care at Bennington, and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. Additional support was provided by Maple Leaf Real Estate, Prospect Street Writers House, Jays Bennington Artisan Market, Anytime Fitness, Abuela’s Floral Studio, and the Bennington Elks Lodge.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for regional success through business development, workforce initiatives, and community programming. The Heart of The Shires remains a central part of their effort to celebrate the “doers, helpers, connectors, and changemakers” within the Shires region.

Previous recipients of the Heart of The Shires Award include Lorna Mattern (2023), Jacklyn Matts (2024), and Thomas Dee (2025).