BURLINGTON – The Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation (GBIC) presented its highest recognition award today to United States Senator Patrick J Leahy, at its 62^nd  Annual Meeting on June 16, 2016 at the Echo Leahy Center on the Burlington Waterfront.

Attended by approximately 300 members of the Northwest Vermont community, GBIC presented the 2016 C. Harry Behney Lifetime Economic Development Achievement Award our State’s Senior United State Senator and outstanding Vermont leader: to United States Senator Patrick J Leahy.  Given each year since 1995 in honor of past GBIC president C. Harry Behney, the Behney Award recognizes Vermont leaders for their significant contributions to advancing the economic well-being of the people of our community and promoting a climate that enhances the economic vitality of the state of Vermont.  GBIC is proud to award Senator Patrick J Leahy with the 2016 C. Harry Behney Lifetime Economic Development Achievement Award.

GBIC honors Senator Leahy for his many contributions to the people and the State of Vermont in supporting dynamic economic development, attracting investment and saving and growing jobs for Vermonters. In addition, Senator Leahy has been a leader in advancing entrepreneurship & innovation advancing opportunities for truly significant economic opportunities for Vermonters in our region and throughout Vermont.

Senator Leahy is the only person who has ever earned this prestigious recognition twice (2004 and 2016).

GBIC President Frank Cioffi said:  “GBIC thanks Senator Leahy for his many contributions to the people and the State of Vermont in the field of economic development.  Senator Leahy is an outstanding Vermont leader who always seeks to find answers, realistic solutions and resources to the challenges and opportunities facing our state.  Senator Leahy cares about improving the lives of working Vermonters and their families and he works hard every day to help our Vermont communities and our state improve our infrastructure and make our state the best place to live, work and raise a family.   We honor and thank Senator Leahy as one of Vermont’s most outstanding leaders and most tireless advocates for Vermonters and for Vermont.”