THE STATE OF VERMONT, USA

Finalist Destination Stewardship Award 2007

Vermont visitors and residents have a growing appreciation for the unique local businesses, historic architecture, rich cultural and social activities, and strong sense of community found in the state's downtowns. With help from the Vermont Downtown Programme, aggressive local revitalisation programmes are now in place in all of the state's major downtowns, making them a truly special place to visit.

Building on each community's history and historic buildings, these local efforts have successfully demonstrated how revitalisation of the individual assets of communities--distinctive historic architecture, rich cultural and social activities, and local ownership -- comes together to build unique and authentic identities. By linking community identity to economic development, the programme has boosted local economies and culture to benefit Vermonters and visitors alike