Vermont s business community is comprised of a myriad of companies, both large and small that provide economic stability to the state. This community offers quality jobs, products and services to consumers in Vermont, the United States and world-wide and holds a strong grasp on employee well-being representative of the Vermont quality of life.
In an effort to recognize and honor Vermont s best companies, Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce created the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award in 1990. Named for the former Governor of Vermont, this annual award honors a Vermont business that shows an outstanding history of sustained growth while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique.
Many Vermont companies exemplify the standards by which the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award nominees are judged, but only three each year are distinguished as finalists for this 19 year old award. The three finalists for this year s Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award are: BioTek Instruments, Inc. of Winooski, National Life Group of Montpelier and Seventh Generation of Burlington.
One of these highly-qualified finalists will be named the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year on Wednesday, May 20, at the Vermont Business & Industry EXPO. Until that time, one of the most important traditions of the award will remain intact; the winner s identity is kept secret, even from the finalists, until the moment the award is presented.
The award presentation ceremony will kick off the 25th anniversary of the Vermont Business & Industry EXPO, organized by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, on Wednesday, May 20, at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center. Governor James Douglas will present the award at 10 a.m. in the foyer of the Conference Center. The recipient of the award will receive a Vermont granite plaque, handcrafted by Granite Industries of Barre. The winner s name will join the eighteen previously awarded Vermont businesses carved in stone on an impressive granite plaque created by Montpelier Graniteworks.
This year s finalists all share in common their commitment to their employees, communities and the local and global environment. A dedication to social responsibility is a fundamental theme in the mission statements of all three companies, while the trio still maintains a profitable bottom line. However, each tells a unique story of vision, commitment and growth. From a instrumentation company that operates five other international offices from Winooski, Vermont, to an insurance provider and financial planning resource that has maintained a solid business for well over a century in Montpelier, and to a company showing exponential sales growth of green household and personal care products in Burlington. This year s finalists exemplify the resourcefulness, innovation and success that radiates from all corners of this state and captures the essence of Vermont business.
BIOTEK INSTRUMENTS, INC.
Get a Better Reaction
Headquartered in Winooski, Vermont, BioTek Instruments, Inc. was founded in 1968. The privately held and family-run company develops instruments used to facilitate the drug recovery process and to aid the advancement of life science research. While rooted in Vermont, BioTek maintains a global presence and has opened offices in the United Kingdom, China, India, Singapore and Germany. This evolving company is committed to continued financial growth, the welfare of its employees and reducing the company s impact on the environment, making it a strong contender for this prestigious award.
From the very beginning, President and CEO Briar Alpert has held the interests of his employees as a top principle for the mission of the company. BioTek boasts an impressive retention rate with 20 percent of the workforce averaging over 20 years of service. Perhaps being family-run has helped this organization create and maintain a corporate culture that caters to the wellbeing of the employees. BioTek management offers an open-door policy for the staff, encouraging thoughts on policy adjustments to decrease costs or increase employee satisfaction. Due to employee feedback, one change came in regards to bonuses, originally designed to pay according to one s hourly rate. The change created a Bonus Pool that would pay a uniform amount to each person since every employee is considered an equal contributor to the company. Beyond looking out for the financial success and stability of the personnel, BioTek also promotes continued education by offering 100% tuition reimbursement. In order to be proactive with employee happiness, BioTek implemented the LEAN program that empowers employees to review current processes and determine themselves how the company can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Their commitment to the employees is apparent and so is their dedication to the community. Alpert leads his company by example, participating in many area associations and groups at various levels. He encourages all staff to participate in order to strengthen the bond with the local business community. Beyond the business world, the staff at BioTek is rewarded for participating in community events such as the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival and Everybody Wins! Vermont. Employees not only donate their personal time to the actual events and programs, but the company also hosts their own events to raise money and awareness for the community organizations they serve.
Listed in the top five principals of BioTek s mission statement is a pledge to reduce the company s overall impact on the environment. To hold to this promise, BioTek has created a team of employees dedicated to continually promoting employee involvement in greening up the company s procedures. The team coordinates with Efficiency Vermont and Chittenden Solid Waste District to ensure all avenues to green are fully utilized. Since the team was established, BioTek expanded their original recycling program and has seen a 40% decrease in garbage pick ups and a 50% increase in recycling volume. Reinforcing the practices of reuse and recycle, the company has switched to using post-consumer paper for printing and copying and compostable items such as plates and eating utensils. BioTek has already begun looking at the practices of its international operations and how it can apply the environmental safeguarding to those offices, proving that BioTek is thinking both locally and globally.
BioTek Instruments not only stands out for the stellar efforts to promote the wellbeing of the employees and for a commitment to reduce overall environmental impact. The company has also shown great strides in sales and growth over the last five years. Since 2004, BioTek has seen a 123 percent increase in total sales. In that same time, the company has produced a 51 percent increase in the number of employees. Additionally, the company already has plans to expand the Winooski headquarters by 7000 square feet to include a state-of-the-art laboratory. This expansion will secure BioTek s brand in the industry and reputation for producing cutting-edge, innovative instrumentation and techniques.
BioTek Instruments, Inc. embodies the principles of the award for which it was nominated. Impressive sales growth, environmental responsibility and commitment to employees and local community make BioTek a leader in its industry. These ideals not only match the criteria for the award but outline the principals of the company s mission statement. This dedication makes BioTek a fierce competitor for first place in the Deane C. Davis award race.
NATIONAL LIFE GROUP
Community. Strength. Commitment.
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.
SEVENTH GENERATION
Building a Regeneration Nation
From its mission and slogan to its corporate culture, Seventh Generation exudes environmental dedication and social responsibility. The company produces household and personal care products that help protect human health and the environment. In business for just over 20 years, Seventh Generation has successfully branded itself as an authentic, earth-friendly and healthy solution for individuals and businesses looking to do their part in global preservation. One of the first companies to declare themselves socially responsible, this company has built a corporate culture that expects idealism, passion and dedication from its employees, suppliers and partners. Known for branching out from traditional corporate practices, Seventh Generation employees are energized and fulfilled as members of an intentional community. This Burlington-based company is using its own brand to move the world forward towards a more sustainable and just future.
Jeffrey Hollander, President, can claim an impressive financial strategy that has resulted in exponential sales growth. A fiscal snapshot of the last five years shows that sales at Seventh Generation have ballooned with 2008 alone showing a 50 percent increase. National and international recognition has certainly helped shine the spotlight on this budding business. In 2008, the Better World Shopping Guide, an acclaimed buying resource, named Seventh Generation the Number One Best Company on Earth. Seventh Generation joined the ranks of leaders such as Patagonia, Clif Bar and Tom s of Maine, companies that are judged on many key points such as human rights, the environment, animal protection and community involvement. Along with their swelling sales comes an expanding workforce to bolster the growth. Seventh Generation went from 33 employees in 2004 to employing 98 people by the end of 2008. Additional office space was constructed to accommodate the new members of the team. In line with the brand of the company, the office space draws in natural sunlight to highlight the open area and will likely qualify for the LEED certification for which the company has applied.
Strong sales growth and team expansion has not altered the corporate culture of this company. Seventh Generation has been able to maintain a close-knit community among its workforce despite the rapid growth. The company encourages continued education and employee initiative. Seventh Generation offers a robust benefits package to ensure the wellbeing of its employees including 100 percent paid heath insurance and weekly chair massages. Employees may also take advantage of a paid sabbatical program and receive financial incentives for reducing their carbon footprint. Creating a healthy workplace that fosters a balanced life style and open communication are shared expectations for the company. This nurturing environment has merged the employees with a common understanding that one s actions can impact the local and global community.
Seventh Generation asserts that businesses can have the most powerful impact on social change and, therefore, claims a notable record of corporate giving. Ten percent of pretax profits are donated annually to community and environmentally-oriented organizations. Annual giving is strengthened by personal time donated. Employees are incentivized to volunteer for community organizations by being encouraged to donate their time during work hours. Some of the groups benefiting from this personal attention are Mobius, the Chittenden County Emergency Food Shelf and the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival. In addition, many employees sit on local boards for non-profits such as Recycle North, VBSR and Transitional Services for Youth and Family.
The company derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquis that states In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations. This message puts the onus back on the employees, suppliers and partners to each do their part to lesson their environmental impact. Through an impressive business record, commitment to social responsibility and a dedication to its employees, Seventh Generation effortlessly positioned itself as a finalist for the Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year.
DEANE C. DAVIS: THE MAN BEHIND THE AWARD
All three businesses have shown great merit as finalists for the Deane C. Davis Award. Like Davis himself former governor, president of National Life of Vermont, environmentalist, founder of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce each finalist reflects Vermont s diverse nature and, at the same time, radiates a savvy business sense.
The criteria for this Award include:
Growth in sales or employment.
Commitment of company resources for participation in community projects.
Encouragement of employees to be involved in community events.
Recognition of the importance of the environment to the state as a natural and economic resource.
Addressing employee concerns/needs to create a positive work environment for all employees.
Major accomplishment(s) in the past year in any or all of the criteria.
Nominated businesses must have been based in Vermont for at least 10 years.
Former Deane C. Davis Award winners include: Wallace Enterprises, Williston - 1990; C&S Wholesale Grocers, Brattleboro - 1991; John McKenzie Packing Company, Burlington - 1992; Perry Restaurant Group, Shelburne - 1993; Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Waterbury - 1994; Vermont Heating & Ventilating, Colchester - 1995; Mack Molding Inc., Arlington - 1996; Smugglers Notch Resort, Jeffersonville - 1997; Vermont Country Store, Manchester Center - 1998; Cabot Creamery, Montpelier - 1999; Waitsfield & Champlain Valley Telecom, Waitsfield - 2000; Wild Apple Graphics, Woodstock 2001; NRG Systems, Inc., Hinesburg 2002; Hubbardton Forge, Castleton 2003; IDX Systems Corp 2004; King Arthur Flour, Norwich 2005; Resource Systems Group, White River Junction 2006; Symquest, South Burlington - 2007.
THE 2008 DEANE C. DAVIS AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine sincerely thank the members of this year s Selection Committee. The Committee meets behind closed doors to review the award nominations. This year, the Committee engaged in a candid and spirited discussion that lasted through the afternoon. These dedicated volunteers are held in high regard for their enthusiasm and strong commitment to the spirit of the Deane C. Davis Award.
John Boutin, Vermont Business Magazine
Suzanne Grenier, Northfield Savings Bank
Alan Jones, Waitsfield & Champlain Valley Telecom
Jim Keyes, Berkshire Bank
Michael Seaver, Chittenden Bank, a division of People s United Bank
Larry Sudbay, Symquest
Bill Sayre, Duncan Hermanson
Chris Carrigan, Vermont Chamber of Commerce