House concurrent resolution honoring Nicholas Monte, Bennington County’s chocolatier extraordinaire

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Seth Bongartz and 10 co-sponsors

The bill formally recognizes Nicholas Monte’s lifelong contributions to Vermont chocolate entrepreneurship and community philanthropy with symbolic, non-regulatory acknowledgment.

Adopted in concurrence

Summary of H.C.R. 294 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

H.C.R. 294 is a House concurrent resolution honoring Nicholas Monte, a longtime chocolatier from Bennington County.

The resolution recognizes Monte’s life and career, including his evolution from store operator to renowned local chocolatier and community contributor.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution does not enact new law or create regulatory changes. Instead, it formally acknowledges and honors Nicholas Monte for his contributions to the Vermont community and the chocolate confectionery field.

It documents Monte’s biographical milestones and achievements, including:

Opening the Village Peddler gift store in East Arlington (1988) and introducing chocolate there.
Expanding into the chocolate business with the Village Chocolate Shoppe (VCS) in Bennington (2002).
Completing a formal candy school program at Gannon University through Retail Confectioners International (RCI) in 2002.
Establishing the Chocolatorium, a chocolate exhibit and experiential space.
Hosting annual events and fundraising activities, notably in 2004 and over more than a decade of participation at the Eastern States Exposition.
Creating the world’s largest peanut butter cup fundraising effort in 2013 for Project Against Violent Encounters.
Receiving RCI recognition for Easter-themed ideas (awards in 2001 and 2024).
Active involvement in the Lions Club and family collaboration with his wife Judy and children Denise, Sherry, and Ken.

The resolution specifies that the Secretary of State should transmit copies of the resolution to Nicholas Monte, the Village Chocolate Shoppe, and the Village Peddler.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiary: Nicholas Monte and his business affiliates (Village Chocolate Shoppe and Village Peddler).

Local community and Vermont residents who recognize Monte’s contributions to regional culture, tourism (e.g., Chocolatorium), and charitable fundraising.

No changes to regulations, funding allocations, or state programs are attached to this concurrent resolution.

Procedural and timeline details

Sponsorship: Introduced by multiple Representatives (Morrissey, Cooper, Corcoran, Durfee, Greer, Hunter, James, Nigro, Pinsonault) and Senators (Bongartz, Plunkett). Co-sponsors include additional lawmakers.

Last recorded action: May 14, 2026 – On Consent Calendar, indicating passage through both chambers without substantive opposition or debate.

The Secretary of State is directed to send copies of the resolution to Nick Monte and his related businesses.

Practical impact

Symbolic recognition by Vermont’s General Assembly, enhancing public awareness of Monte’s lifelong contributions to local entrepreneurship, culinary arts, and community philanthropy.

Potential positive publicity for the Village Chocolate Shoppe and related Vermont chocolate culture.

No regulatory, fiscal, or statutory changes are incurred by this resolution.