WVIP radio host Conroy Alison, founder and CEO of the annual Merritone Outdoor Picnic and Family Fun Day announced recently that business entrepreneur Patricia "Miss Pat" Chin and her family - owners/operators of VP Records - will be the recipients of the forth annual 'Caribbean American Family of the Year Appreciation Award,' slated to take place at Lake Quassy, Middlebury, Connecticut on Sunday, July 12th 2009.

“My family and I are honored and blessed to be recognized and be a part of this annual event that has grown to mean so much to the community” family matriarch 'Miss Pat' Chin said.

"The Chin's are truly an institution in the music industry. They have served as and example to all immigrants, specifically those from the Caribbean. Miss Pat and her husband Vincent started in the music business in the late 50’s in Jamaica. Today, VP Records, a company which they started from humble beginnings after moving to the USA is the leading distributor of Caribbean music from artists like Sean Paul, Shaggy, Wayne Wonder, Elephant Man, Mavado, Tanto Metro & Devonte and others who have successfully represented Caribbean culture to a mainstream audience worldwide. The Chin's success proves that hard work, perseverance and determination can move mountains. Individually and collectively, the family has given a great deal to the Caribbean community. They have set a tremendous example for Jamaicans in the Diaspora and are richly deserving of this award" Allison said.

While Ms. Pat revels in the good fortune of her company, which has 7 offices (including a showroom for her successful clothing line Riddim Driven), and the creative input of her grandchildren whom she hopes will carry the family torch for generations to come, she has played a unique role as an entrepreneur, a manager, a producer, a CEO, an all season business woman, who acted as a midwife for every business venture of the VP enterprise. 

The family joins an elite list of past honorees of the Merritone Family Funday that includes philanthropist Vincent Ho-Sang, CEO of Caribbean Food Delight; broadcaster Jeff Barnes and TV host and founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, Irwine Clare. 

This year's 'Family fun day' will feature the 'Royal Caribbean Bakery Patty Eating Contest, Karaoke, 25 different rides for children and the "Tri-State Knockout Domino Competition" where teams compete for cash prizes compliments of Western Union.

Music will be provided by Merritone Disco featuring Winston and Trevor Blake alongside the award winning DJ Roy from Irie Jam Radio & Road International Disco, Supa Fridge, Glamor Wayne and Kulcha Touch with DJ Desu.