Vermont group presents annual awards

The Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association announced the winners of its Woodworker of the Year and Friend of the Industry awards.

The Vermont Woodworking School's Robert Fletcher won the 2010 Woodworker of the Year Award and Collin Miller of Sustainable Forest Futures was given the 2010 Friend of the Industry Award.

Robert Fletcher is the co-founder of the Vermont Woodworking School in Fairfax, Vt., and primary student mentor. He has been building custom furniture for more than 35 years and leads the school's efforts to produce the next generation of furniture makers.

Collin Miller is director of wood products initiatives for Sustainable Forest Futures. The organization promotes a competitive and sustainable forest economy in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and northern New York.

The Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association represents nearly 120 primary and secondary wood product companies and related businesses statewide that employ approximately 6,000 people. Its mission is to support the industry in Vermont and promote its long-term viability by expanding members' presence in the marketplace, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials, increasing workforce skill and acting as responsible employers and community members. For information, visit www.vermontwood.com.