Political Quotes

“I rise today to recognize Dan Fraser, manager of Dan & Whit's General Store, who will be stepping down from his role. Dan & Whit's is a family-owned general store and the unofficial community center of my town, Norwich, VT. Dan & Whit's is a local institution, carrying products from coffee to nails, breakfast sandwiches to rubber gloves. As one employee stated, ``Dan & Whit's is the heartbeat of this community''--and I could not agree more. For decades, Dan Fraser has been an integral member of the Norwich community. Since he was in fourth grade, Dan has been working at the general store, named for his grandfather Dan Fraser, and has been a full-time employee since 1990. Dan's philanthropy and dedication to his community, whether it be on the Harford Town Selectboard or in special education, exemplifies what it means to be a community leader. Small businesses are the heart and soul of small towns and rural communities. Small businesses account for 99 percent of all businesses in Vermont, and our State serves as a model for the Nation, highlighting that local communities are at their best when small businesses are given the resources they need to thrive. Supporting our neighbors and supporting local businesses is the Vermont way. The town of Norwich is a better place because of Dan & Whit's. The COVID-19 pandemic made clear what Vermonters already knew: Small businesses and general stores are essential to our communities.…”