2010 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

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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

2008 NATIONAL LIFE GROUP

2009 BIOTEK INSTRUMENTS INC

Winners

Small Dog Electronics
  Since 1995, Small Dog Electronics has made a name for itself in the competitive electronic retail market. Recognized by Apple as the most knowledgeable Apple retailer in the U.S., Small Dog is the only Apple Specialist and Authorized Apple reseller in Vermont. Founded by Don and Hapy Mayer, the company started with the modest duo and grew over the last sixteen years to a crew of nearly sixty people and almost as many office dogs. The growth and sustainability illustrated by Small Dog Electronics speaks to the high company standards outlined in their mission statement. There is a primary focus on, and commitment to, people, planet and profit.   The recent economic hardship took a toll on many Vermont retail stores, including the Apple retail company. However, a strong business sense and a commitment to their employees, community and environment allowed Small Dog Electronics to not only survive the downturn, but to rise to the top. Sales for the booming business stayed steady throughout uncertainty in 2008 and rebounded impressively in 2010, showing a growth of 24% over the last five fiscal years. Perhaps one of the secrets to their success is their dedication to the customer. The mission at Small Dog clearly expresses their intent to make each client a customer for life by creating long-lasting relationships based on superior customer service.   This bustling Apple specialist’s business has proven that financial growth and quality of life can go hand-in-hand in Vermont. While rapid growth is ideal, Small Dog is careful not to jeopardize the core values of their mission: sustainability, profitability and responsibility. Small Dog Electronics has increased its workforce by 35% since 2006, providing much needed jobs in Vermont. They maintain an ongoing commitment to their employees by creating an inviting workplace that encourages life-long positions. An open book policy invites employees to use their own creativity to expand their careers and the Small Dog business. The principles of the company culture focus on human-canine friendly work spaces, livable wages and the wellness of both human and canine life. The company offers employees an onsite fitness facility and an outdoor space for their four-legged friends to roam.   This pledge to supporting well-being and social responsibility is extended beyond the employees to the community. Each employee is encouraged to volunteer their time to community organizations; in fact, they are required to take one paid day off to perform community service. The company also matches up to $200 for charitable donations to specific charities ranging from Doctors Without Borders to the Puppy Mill Rescue and Vermont Foodbank.   Given the nature of its business, Small Dog is sensitive to the amount of electronic waste produced on a daily basis. The company is committed to recycling more than they sell, having a net positive effect on the environment. Small Dog’s eWaste event accepts electronic equipment from the community and has collected over 500 tons of eWaste in the last four years.   Small Dog Electronics is yet another Vermont company in a race against the big dogs like Apple Computer’s online store. The company is able to keep and build their customer base because of Vermont’s commitment to stay local.   The core values of the company appeal to the Vermont spirit and focus on community and environment while balancing a profitable bottom line. This company has risen to the top and easily stands among the top three businesses in Vermont.