2008 Outstanding Business of the Year Award

Named after former Governor Deane C Davis (1900-1990) and co-sponsored by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and VermontBiz, the award is given to the Vermont company that embraces the unshakeable values that Davis brought to his office: enhancing the economy and championing the environment with the help of business and satisfied employees. Governor Deane C….

About the Event

Winners

Gallery

Contact

About this Event

Named after former Governor Deane C Davis (1900-1990) and co-sponsored by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and VermontBiz, the award is given to the Vermont company that embraces the unshakeable values that Davis brought to his office: enhancing the economy and championing the environment with the help of business and satisfied employees.

Governor Deane C. Davis (1900 – 1990)

In 1968, at the age of 68, when most people look forward to enjoyment of retirement, Deane C. Davis was elected governor. Governor Davis brought considerable experience to the governor’s office (1969-1973), gleaned over many years as a lawyer, corporate officer and company president. He was a strong advocate of a sound economy based in a protected environment.

Governor Davis was known as the “Environmental Governor” because of his strong support for Act 250, which was enacted during his administration. He also championed a vigorous economic development program that resulted in the creation of the highly successful regional economic development corporations.

Criteria

The Standards of Excellence are the criteria that will be used in judging the nominees for the Outstanding Business of the Year Award. The following questions should be used as guidelines and examples for companies as they prepare their submissions for nomination. Please note, this award is designated to a for-profit business as the judging committee will take the growth of sales into consideration. 

Demonstrated success by:

* Continued growth in number of employees and/or sales.
Does the company have a clear mission statement that allows sustainable growth for itself and its employees? Does the company’s goals and objectives create incentive for sustained growth? Does the company’s marketing strategy keep up with a constantly changing market place?

* Commitment of company resources, including employees to community projects.
Does the company have a community relations function at its corporate level? Does the company encourage employees to participate in community projects? Are company officers involved in community projects?

* Recognition of the environment as a natural and economic resource for Vermont.
Does company policy incorporate Vermont’s natural environment in the production or marketing of its product(s)? Is the company actively involved in the development of local, regional or state natural and economic environmental policies? 

* Creation of a positive work environment for all employees.
Does the company involve its employees in operational policy creation? Does the company create incentives for employee participation in company and community projects? Does the company’s human resources policies provide for meaningful and continuing employee evaluation?

Standards of Excellence:

The Outstanding Business of the Year Award is the prestigious recognition of a company in Vermont who has met the highest standards of excellence in the past year to improving its sales, the work environment for its employees, and its contribution of its resources to its community.

The honoree has demonstrated success through:

  • Continued growth in number of employees or sales
  • Commitment of company resources, including employees to community projects
  • Recognition of the environment as a natural and economic resource for Vermont
  • Creation of a positive work environment for all employees

The economic well-being of Vermont rests squarely on the success of its businesses, large and small, which provide jobs, products, and services to consumers in Vermont, across the United States and around the world. Many companies in Vermont fully exemplify the Outstanding Vermont Business Standards of Excellence. They have used these standards as a guideline to improve their business, their employees and their community. These standards are relevant to all businesses, small and large.

Meeting the highest standards of excellence is the direct cause of the success of any business. Even if the market is ready and consumers are willing, the ability to attain the highest standards of excellence combined with a clear, definable mission statement is vital to any company’s longevity.

Eligibility:

To be eligible the nominated business must have its corporate headquarters in Vermont for at least 10 years. Subsidiaries of international corporations may also be nominated if their U.S. headquarters are based in Vermont and if they operate largely autonomously. Please note, this award is designated to a for-profit business as the judging committee will take the growth of sales into consideration. 

General Information:

Anyone may nominate a business for the Outstanding Business of the Year Award. The nomination may be made by the business itself, a government agency, or interested individuals.

The screening committee may request additional information from nominators, references or the company itself for the judge’s consideration. All entries and supplementary materials will become the property of the VermontBiz and will not be returned. Decisions of the judging committee are final.

Because the Outstanding Business of the Year Award is designed to recognize the total commitment of a company, nominations should describe the entire scope of the company’s mission.

Accompanying Materials:

The online nomination form allows you to submit up to three supporting documents to your online nomination. Supporting documents are optional. Please submit as much background material as you feel necessary to support the statement. Additional materials may include, but are not limited to samples of company policies, mission statements, company annual reports, employee newsletters, program evaluation forms. If you are unable to submit accompanying materials online you may mail them to: VermontBiz, 365 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT 05403.

Confidential Information:

In order for the Selection Committee to properly evaluate each application, it is helpful for us to have relevant information requested (sales figures and employee count). This information is CONFIDENTIAL and will not be shared with anyone other than the Selection Committee. Copies will be destroyed following the selection. Please include this information with your application.

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS

1990 WALLACE ENTERPRISES 

1991 C & S WHOLESALEGROCERS 

1992 MCKENZIE MEATS 

1993 PERRY RESTAURANT GROUP 

1994 GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS 

1995 VERMONT HEATING & VENTILATING 

1996 MACKMOLDING COMPANY 

1997 SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT 

1998 VERMONT COUNTRY STORE 

1999 CABOT CREAMERY 

2000 WAITSFIELD CHAMPLAIN VALLEY TELECOM 

2001 WILD APPLE GRAPHICS 

2002 NRG SYSTEMS 

2003 HUBBARDTON FORGE 

2004 IDX 

2005 KING ARTHUR FLOUR 

2006 RSG

2007 SYMQUEST GROUP INC

Winners

National Life Group
  A long time institution in Vermont, National Life Group has called Vermont home since 1848. This deeply-rooted company provides insurance, annuities, mutual funds and financial planning services. Currently, the company is lead by a Board of Directors allowing the business to be uniquely connected to the interests of the community. National Life Group emulates the spirit of this award; in fact, Deane C. Davis worked at the company for nearly 30 years, serving as President for 17 of those years. During his time there, Davis instilled his beliefs in the importance of community involvement, employee satisfaction and attention to the environment. These beliefs have been carried through to this day, landing National Life Group in the top three Vermont businesses of the year.   This rock-solid company has proven its ability to evolve with the changing economy over the last century and a half. National Life’s dynamic qualities have allowed sales growth to continue steadily. Over the last five years, the business has seen a 21 percent increase in overall sales. Even more impressive, there was a 53 percent increase in 2008, a time when the financial industry was becoming increasingly uncertain. With a rise in sales must come an increase in workforce and National Life grew this by 17 percent since 2004. The skill to change with the current economic environment fueled National Life’s decision to purchase Citizens’ Advisors socially responsible mutual funds. This move solidified National Life’s commitment to strengthening the company and ensuring longevity.   National Life understands that the success of any company depends on the strength of its workforce, and therefore places great importance on the welfare of its employees. From open communication involving focus groups and regular meetings, to the promotion of wellness programs and a full calendar of events, National Life aims to promote the happiness of its employees. This commitment to job satisfaction is proven in the career longevity of the staff. Many people have several family members working at the company, one person even claiming 11 members of their family over three generations. Fostering a healthy work environment is crucial but the company’s caring reach stretches beyond the front doors. National Life enacted a company policy addressing community service to make it easier for its employees to volunteer their time during regular work hours. On the company level, National Life donated a large sum to the creation of the cancer treatment center at the Central Vermont Hospital and helped rebuild the Barre Opera House. In 1992, when Montpelier was devastated by major flooding, National Life offered local business owners $1000 to help with repairs and donated food every day to workers rebuilding the area.   National Life has established a commitment to growth and a vow to its workforce and the community but also a dedication to the environment. When Deane C. Davis was president of the company, he oversaw the construction of the new building ensuring it met all environmentally-friendly standards at the time. Since then, National Life has made certain that the building is continually updated in accordance with evolving criteria. In 2008, the business installed over 400 solar panels and their recycling volume hit 68 percent. If the 50 year old building obtains the LEED certification they have applied for, it would be the oldest building in the nation to claim that status. National Life also promotes a transportation program, offering incentives to employees that carpool, use public transportation or work from home. A commitment to environmental awareness does not stop with the building and employees; National Life is an active member of the Vermont Green Building Network and a partner in the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership.   National Life Group has an acute awareness of the Vermont quality of life that balances a savvy business sense with well-being, environmental and social responsibility. Undoubtedly, National Life Group meets the criteria of the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year award and outlines itself as a strong contender in this trio of business excellence.