Two from Brattleboro Chosen as Vermont Business Magazine's Rising Stars

    BRATTLEBORO, VT, October 30, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Luke Stafford and James Valente, both businessmen in Brattleboro, have been chosen for Vermont Business Magazine's Rising Stars of 2016. Stafford, founder and Chief of Mondo Mediaworks, Inc. and Valente, Managing Partner of Costello, Valente & Gentry, P.C. are the only 2 honorees from Windham County, Vermont.

Out of 140 nominees, a panel of judges selected 40 young professionals in Vermont under the age of 40. The 2016 Rising Star Graduating class consists of 20 men and 20 women whose commitment to their place of employment and communities are significant and largely valued.

"Mondo Mediawork's mission has always been to support the community's economy and growth through job creation and economic stimulation. To know that we are being acknowledged for this is really rewarding", says Stafford. "I am truly honored to accept this award among these other outstanding 39 Rising Stars."

"I am honored to receive the Rising Star award because I think it recognizes the growth of our firm, in terms of both people and expertise within the last few years," said Valente. "I hope we can continue to grow and serve our clients because when we are able to help them seek justice, under very trying circumstances, it's extremely rewarding."

The Rising Star Graduates of 2016 will be honored at a ceremony on November 10, 2016 in South Burlington, Vermont.

About Luke Stafford
Luke Stafford owns Mondo Mediaworks, Inc., a digital marketing agency specializing in content development for the web. His love for Vermont began on a snowboarding trip to Stratton as a kid. He later earned a BA in Journalism at Saint Michael's College. After landing in Brattleboro with his wife, an artist, he worked in the marketing department at Mount Snow until 2009. He then founded Mondo, and in the six years since it has grown into a 16-person shop. The company's Values Statement is to build its surrounding community through economic development. Stafford also sits on the board of SeVEDS (Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies).

About James Valente
James Valente practices law with Costello, Valente & Gentry, P.C. in Vermont, New Hampshire, and at the Federal level. He specializes in the trial of civil, criminal, and family cases. Valente has been with the firm since 2006--just after college. He undertook a four year clerkship under the supervision of Thomas W. Costello, and was admitted in 2011. Since that time, he has taken over management of the firm as President and managing partner, and the firm has grown to five lawyers, serving individual and corporate clients throughout New England.

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