Each submission will be reviewed and judged based on such criteria as: likelihood of success, potential for job creation, impact on the local economy, leadership quality, and financial clarity.

The 2009 judging panel consists of the following 10 community members:

Fourth year of participation:

• Phil Steckler, vice president, director and affiliate manager of Country Business, Inc., in Brattleboro
• Dwight Williams, corporate banking officer at Key Bank in Brattleboro
• Ed Kunttu, corporate banking officer at Brattleboro Savings & Loan

Third year:

• Cheryl Bedard, vice president at Vermont Circuits in Brattleboro

Second year:

• Debbie Boyle, Chittenden Bank
• Jill Zachery, ROV Technologies
• Kevin Meyer, Mary Meyer Toys
• Ralph Meima, Marlboro College MBA Program

First year:

• Tammy Richards, Pieciak & Co., P.C.
• Michael Kearney, World Learning, Inc.

Note: The decisions of the judging panel are final.