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, which was purchased by Gail and Mark Horne in 1974, has 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. Under the Hornes' leadership, 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 resolution highlights the store's commitment to community support and its role as a local hub, affectionately referred to as "The Heart of the Island." The Horne family's daughter, Wendy, is now part of the ownership team, continuing the legacy of the store. To celebrate this significant milestone, KBV held a special Customer Appreciation Day on September 21, 2024, featuring commemorative memorabilia and a limited edition ale created by a local brewery. The resolution concludes by directing the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to KBV, recognizing their contributions to the community over the past five decades.