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 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
2010 SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS
2011 FOLEY FAMILY OF COMPANIES
2012 GW PLASTICS, INC.
2013 DEALER.COM
2014 CHAMPLAIN CABLE
2015 PC Construction
2016 Marathon Health
2017 Vermont Mutual Insurance Group
2018 Green Mountain Power
2019 Chroma Technology Corporation
2020 Lawson’s Finest Liquids
2021 Healthy Living
2022 Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group
2023 Bourne’s Energy
2024 Union Mutual
2025 Birnn Chocolates of Vermont
Winners
The Sweet Taste of Success: Birnn Chocolates Recognized As Outstanding Business of the Year
Award Presented at the Vermont Economic Conference
VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce Birnn Chocolates of Vermont as the recipient of the Outstanding Business of the Year Award. The award was presented on January 27 at the Vermont Economic Conference, the state’s premier economic gathering of business and policy leaders. Founded in 1915, Birnn Chocolates of Vermont represents more than a century of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and enduring commitment to doing business with integrity. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the company has grown into a nationally distributed brand while keeping its roots and its production firmly planted in Vermont.
Founded in 1915, Birnn Chocolates of Vermont represents more than a century of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and enduring commitment to doing business with integrity. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the company has grown into a nationally distributed brand while keeping its roots and its production firmly planted in Vermont.
“Birnn Chocolates of Vermont is deeply honored to be named Outstanding Business of the Year,” said Julia Birnn Fields, fourth generation owner. “Choosing to build and grow our business in Vermont was an intentional decision. It allows us to operate in a place where relationships matter and where businesses have the opportunity to make a real, positive impact. Today, every truffle we sell in all 50 states is made right here in South Burlington. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, including many employees who have been with us for decades, and the opportunity I have, as the fourth generation, to carry forward our family’s legacy of doing good, honest business while contributing meaningfully to Vermont’s economy.”
Photo: President and Owner Julia Birnn Fields accepts the 2025 Outstanding Business of the Year Award on behalf of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont. With family, Bill & Janet Birnn (left) and parents Jane & Jeff Birnn (right). Â VermontBiz photo.
Birnn Chocolates of Vermont exemplifies what it means to grow with purpose, balancing innovation and scale with deep respect for people, place, and community. The company is known not only for its premium truffles, but also for being a trusted employer, a reliable wholesale partner, and a business that has chosen to invest long-term in Vermont. “Birnn Chocolates of Vermont reflects the very best of Vermont business,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.Â
“For more than a century, this family-owned company has shown that you can grow, compete nationally, and stay deeply rooted in Vermont. Their commitment to quality, workforce stability, and local investment embodies what it looks like when businesses strengthen both the economy and the communities around them.” Katie Kittell, Publisher of VermontBiz, echoed that sentiment. “Outstanding Business of the Year honors companies that demonstrate leadership, resilience, and positive impact over time,” said Katie Kittell. “Birnn Chocolates of Vermont stands out for its longevity, its values, and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Their story is one that deserves to be celebrated statewide.”
For over 35 years, VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present the Outstanding Business of the Year award, recognizing Vermont companies that demonstrate excellence in business operations, community engagement, workforce investment, and long-term contribution to the state’s economy. Birnn Chocolates of Vermont will be formally recognized during the Vermont Economic Conference, where hundreds of business leaders from across the state will gather for insight, connection, and conversation about Vermont’s economic future.Â
About VermontBiz VermontBiz is the state’s most respected business publication. Since 1972, VermontBiz has published statewide business news, economic and political news and commentary, business and individual profiles, data, analysis, and statistics.
About the Vermont Chamber of Commerce The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the Vermont economy. Trusted by the businesses that make living, working, and thriving in Vermont possible, we prioritize collaboration and uphold the core values that define our state. As the preeminent not-for-profit business organization, we advocate, build community, and provide resources for businesses statewide.
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