Vermont Business Magazine presented the Rising Stars, Class of 2018, at a special reception and dinner, Thursday evening, November 8, 2018. The ceremony took place at the Trader Dukes Hotel on Williston Road in South Burlington. Over 200 were nominated for this award that seeks our future leaders and 40 Vermonters under the age of 40 were selected.

Of the 40 honorees, there are 10 men and 30 women. There are 14 from Chittenden County, 7 from Bennington County, 6 from Rutland County, 6 from Washington County, 2 from Lamoille County, 1 from Franklin County, 1 from Grand Isle County, 1 from Caledonia County, 1 from Windham County, and 1 from Orleans County. The average age of the winners is 32 years old. The oldest is 39 and the youngest is 24 years old.

The judging was done by an independent panel of six judges, Dustin Degree, Director of Workforce Expansion, Office of Governor Phil Scott, Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce, Dr Elaine Young, Professor Digital and Social Media Marketing, Robert Stiller School of Business, Champlain College, Margi Swett, President, Vermont Trophy and Engraving, Bill Ackerman, owner, Green Mountain Marketing and Advertising and Kate Paine, owner, Standing Out Online.