ST. JOHNSBURY-While news about the economy lately is usually negative, some businesses are on an upward slope.The Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce held their business celebration to gain some insight as to where our economy is strongest. Over 21 local businesses and some of their employees attended the celebration

In a time of economic hardship these businesses had some positive things to say.  Representatives from Lyndon Institute and St. Johnsbury Academy gave summaries of their successful year.

St. Johnsbury Academy Headmaster Tom Levitt said, "The academy is in great shape. We've just added a forty million dollar new dorm for forty two boarding students. Our annual fund has gone up seven fold in the last ten years, nearing the six hundred thousand dollar mark for the first time in school history."

Rick Hilton from Lyndon Institute Headmaster says, "By my estimate we pump about seventeen million dollars a year into our local economy, ranging from salaries to purchases from local vendors, to visiting parents, food and lodging."

White Market owner Brian Bona won the Business Person of the Year Award.  He credited his business ethic to his late father, the founder of The White Market.  "My father was a big influence on me, I think of him every day I go to work. It's his thoughts that drive me to do a good job."

With success stories from first year business owners, and seemingly stable longstanding businesses, it seems that the local economy may outlast the recession.