BURLINGTON, VT Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) will present its 2008 Awards for Excellence in socially responsible business practices at a recognition dinner on the Northern Lights cruise boat on Lake Champlain on the evening of June 12, 2008, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
What: 7th Annual Terry Ehrich Awards; Dinner Cruise
Where: Northern Lights Cruise Boat, Burlington, VT
When: Thursday evening, June 12, 2008; 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Board at 5:45 p.m. at King Street Ferry Dock for 6:00 p.m. departure
Entertainment: Starline Rhythm Boys
Cost: $75 per person
To Register: Email [email protected], or call (802) 862-8347
The winner of the prestigious Terry Ehrich Award is Melinda Moulton, CEO of Main Street Landing Company of Burlington. Melinda has been involved in environmental and socially conscious redevelopment since 1983. Her commitment to protecting the natural and cultural environment of Vermont is embodied in Main Street Landings project for a 25-year incremental redevelopment of the Burlington waterfront. The projects newest addition, the Lake and College Building, was awarded Silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and houses a black box theater and cinema, offices, incubation opportunities for start-up businesses, and space for community gatherings. Melinda serves tirelessly on numerous Boards, including those of VPIRG, the Intervale Center, Opportunities Credit Union, Vermont Audubon, and VBSR.
The Small Company Leader of the Year Award will be presented to Nathaniel Group, a Vergennes-based electronics manufacturer. Nathaniel Groups commitment to the practice of open-book management means that employees participate daily in business decisions, and are considered partners in creating a business that uses financial, environmental, and human resources effectively for the long term. Nathaniel Group believes that a company that inspires its employees and partners to be as creative, as honest, and as thoughtful as possible will create long-term wealth in its community and for its stakeholders.
The Large Company Leader of the Year Award will be presented to King Arthur Flour of Norwich. Americas oldest flour company, King Arthur Flour is 100% employee-owned, creating an environment in which employees feel empowered, valued and respected. According to company spokesperson, Sarah McGinley-Smith, employee input and collaboration are vital parts of the companys success. King Arthur Flour has won numerous awards in recent years, including the Best Place to Work in Vermont Award, the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award, and Better Business Bureau Local Torch Award.
The prestigious Terry Ehrich Award was established in 2002 in honor of Terry Ehrich, of Hemmings Motor News in Bennington. In addition to running a successful business, Terry Ehrich was a founding member of VBSR, founder of the First Day Foundation for public schools, and a tireless advocate for public policies to protect the Vermont environment, workforce, and a sustainable economy. The Terry Ehrich Award is given annually to an individual demonstrating the characteristics for which Terry was so well knownsocially responsible business principles in action in the workplace, political, natural and social justice environments.
VBSR is a statewide business trade association representing the most innovative, fast-growing Vermont companies with over $4 billion in annual sales. Member companies represent the Vermont way of doing business showing respect for their employees, respect for their environment, and a commitment to an economy built upon multiple bottom lines. For more information about VBSR, visit www.vbsr.org.