HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02 Trailblazer Award for Bill and Sally Hanlon
PROCLAMATION NO. 2, SERIES OF 2021
IN RECOGNITION OF VAIL’S TRAILBLAZER AWARD RECIPIENTS
SALLY AND BILL HANLON
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail celebrated its 50th birthday of incorporation as a municipality
on August 23, 2016 with numerous festivities taking place, including the debut of the Vail
Trailblazer Award Program, a civic recognition whereby the Vail Town Council acknowledges an
individual/s that exemplifies the spirit and fortitude in making Vail a great community through
selfless contributions of time and talent which have made a lasting impact; and
WHEREAS, newlyweds Bill and Sally Hanlon moved from Boston to Crested Butte to Vail
Colorado, in pursuit of their ski town dream, arriving in November 1966 to open the Nu Gnu
nightclub in the lowest level of Vail’s Clock Tower Building; while hosting at the busy Clock
Tower Restaurant, and then opened The Emporium gift shop in 1968, and by 1970, their first
shop had evolved to become Wild Bill’s Emporium (now in its 53rd year on Wall Street), and in
coming years, Bill and Sally also opened Vail Village Travel Agency (established in 1976, still
operating as Talbot Travel), then Vail Boot and Shoe (opened 1982, still operating in its original
Meadow Drive location) and Bridge Street Antiques (1982-85); and
WHEREAS, one of the Hanlon’s early priorities was taking action on their vision and
commitment to education and the establishment of schools in Vail to accommodate the growing
community, while Sally joined with Joe Staufer to lobby and help lead the charge to open a
school in Vail, persuading the community and Eagle County School District to support a
neighborhood school with the opening of Red Sandstone Elementary in 1976, and both
continued their commitment to education by spending a combined 22 years as members of the
board of a second Vail school, Vail Mountain School; and
WHEREAS, the Hanlon’s were also very dedicated to civic and community involvement;
Sally’s leadership served both local government and with the ski company, when she served 10
years on the Vail town liquor licensing authority and on the board of the first Vail Local
Marketing District, as well as serving as a member of the Vail Resort Association. Bill served on
the Vail’s Planning Commission and Design Review boards for several years in the 1970s and
supported the creation of a pedestrian core, and returned to serve the board in the 2000s; his
talents and leadership were also seen with his role on the first Vail Religious Foundation which
built the Interfaith Chapel; and he was an active supporter of the Vail Jazz Foundation helping to
recruit the inner-city Washington Prep High School Jazz and Marching band from south LA to
perform at Vail’s America Days; and finally, Bill was an instrumental organizer of the Jerry Ford
Invitational golf tournament, an event that provided a great opportunity to share the town they
love with Betty and Jerry Ford, with whom they became close friends; and
WHEREAS, the Hanlons have never been tempted to leave their treasured Vail Village
home, one where they have raised their family, daughter Meg and son Joe, and enjoy their
grandchildren, and have often shared with newcomers to Vail, as the couple’s style and charm,
integrity and steadfast pioneering effort over the decades has helped create Vail as the “finest
ski town in the world”; the Hanlons were the early believers and investors in the Vail community
and over fifty years later have become long-time prominent business owners and amazing
alpine skiing ambassadors, a beloved couple who is admired by many who have met them
along the way; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Vail,
that the sixth recipients of the Vail Trailblazer Award are Sally and Bill Hanlon, two pioneers of
early Vail who have demonstrated over the past 50 years their courage, leadership, vision and
commitment to enhance Vail’s social, recreational, cultural, educational and environmental
values that define this community, this is our tribute to both of you as we extend our sincerest
appreciation for your passion and contributions to the betterment of the Town of Vail and
broader community.
Dated this 16th day of March 2021.
Vail Town Council Attest:
____________________________ _________________________
Dave Chapin, Mayor Tammy Nagel, Town Clerk