Political Quotes

“Vermonters understand the value of hard work and perseverance, and we take pride in passing those values from generation to generation. Our communities thrive on family-owned businesses built on these values. They form the roots of success in our Green Mountain State, and it is those who own and operate them who are providing the leadership that will carry our State into the future. Today I want to recognize one exceptional Vermont family for the success of their multigenerational Vermont enterprise and their continued commitment to Vermont values. Founded in 1870, Allenholm Farm is Vermont's largest apple orchard. At its helm is Ray W. Allen, whose great-grandfather Rueben Allen planted the farm's first apple trees more than 150 years ago, and Ray's wife and partner, Pam. After graduating from the University of Vermont with a degree in agriculture, Ray returned to the family farm he had worked as a child, eventually purchasing it from his father in 1960. More than five decades of running the farm haven't slowed Ray down, and he can still be found fixing machinery, giving tours of the orchard, and loading delicious Vermont apples into trucks for shipment. Like many Vermont businessowners, Ray knows the value of diversification. In addition to the apples it sells to local grocery stores and cider makers, the farm harvests raspberries, blueberries, and cherries, some of which are sold to Vermont's world-renowned Alchemist Brewery.…”