The House concurrent resolution No. R-57 congratulates Keelers Bay Variety Store (KBV) in South Hero on the 50th anniversary of the Horne family's ownership. The store was purchased by Gail and Mark Horne in 1974, and under their leadership, it transformed from a small grocery store into a full-service general store offering a bakery, craft beers, spirits, an in-store butchery, and gasoline sales. KBV has gained a reputation for excellent customer service and has received several accolades, including the Grocer of the Year award from the Vermont Grocers Association in 2000 and the Business of the Year designation from the Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation in 2017.
The anniversary celebration took place on September 21, 2024, during a special Customer Appreciation Day, where commemorative memorabilia was sold. The store is known for its strong community ties and support for local nonprofit organizations, earning it the nickname "The Heart of the Island." The resolution acknowledges the Horne family's contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to KBV in recognition of this significant milestone.