A St. Johnsbury hotel owner is drawing state recognition for a hiring model that taps workers with disabilities and other barriers to employment, a small-business practice that can widen labor force participation while helping employers fill persistent staffing gaps.
Canterbury Inn owner wins Vermont ADA award
Eric Bach, owner and operator of the Canterbury Inn on Cherry Street, received the 2026 Spirit of the ADA Award from the Vermont Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities. State officials presented the honor Wednesday at the inn, where they cited Bach’s use of workplace accommodations and “second-chance” hiring.
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The award matters beyond the plaque because inclusive hiring can lift employment among people who are often shut out of the labor market, reducing dependence on public support and expanding the pool of available workers for local businesses. In tighter labor markets, that can be especially valuable for hospitality operators that struggle with turnover and recruiting.
The committee said it chose this year’s winners from a record 19 nominations statewide, suggesting broader interest among Vermont employers in disability hiring and workplace accessibility. For investors and business owners, the message is that labor practices are increasingly part of a company’s operating story, not just its reputation story, particularly in service industries where staffing continuity affects margins and customer experience.
The Canterbury Inn recognition also fits a wider workforce narrative in Vermont, where employers and state partners are looking for ways to connect underused labor with open jobs. For Bach, the award may bring goodwill and a stronger local brand; for other employers, it raises the bar on accommodations and retention as a competitive advantage.
| Entity | Gains | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Canterbury Inn | ▲Community goodwill | ▼None directly |
| Workers with disabilities | ▲Job access | ▼Hiring barriers |
| Vermont employers | ▲Labor pool expansion | ▼Higher accommodation costs |
| Competing inns | ▲Pressure to improve practices | ▼Talent edge |
