Amid this country's financial woes, the State Department decided there was a pressing need for U.S. embassies to have $5 million of fine crystal from which to pour, toast and imbibe their liquids. With the blessing of Secretary of State John F. Kerry and heavy lobbying to Mr. Kerry from Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont Democrat, the State Department awarded Vermont-based Simon Pearce (note the Vermont connection) a five-year contract. For $5 million, Simon Pearce will manufacture the majority of the 20 different styles of "handcrafted" crystal glasses and barware in its Quechee, Vt., facility. More [ECS]
