This year’s competition for the highly anticipated Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award was impressive. All of the Vermont businesses who applied for this prestigious award were worthy but only three could be named as finalists. The finalists this year are The Foley Family of Companies of Rutland, Green Mountain Power of Colchester and Small Dog Electronics of Waitsfield. All three businesses exemplify the standards by which the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business Award nominees are judged.
One of these impressive finalists will be named the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year on Wednesday, May 25. The award presentation ceremony will kick off the 27th annual Vermont Business & Industry EXPO, organized by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Governor Peter Shumlin will present the award at 10 am in the foyer of the Sheraton Burlington Conference Center. 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.
This year’s finalists exemplify the resourcefulness, innovation and success that radiates from all corners of the state capturing the essence of Vermont business. All share in common a dedication to their employees, communities and Vermont’s natural environment. However, each tells a unique story of vision, commitment and growth.
Green Mountain Power is the second largest Vermont electric utility, providing electricity to 175,000 people and businesses. The company has been in operation for 108 years, transforming from a traditional utility to an industry leader in technology, environmental stewardship and commitment to its workforce.
The Foley Family of Companies started in 1879, when Michael Foley purchased Goodwin’s Laundry in Rutland, Vermont. The business grew over generations and eventually became Foley Laundry, a business still in operation today. The Foley family used the small operation to launch new business ideas and in 1973, the Foley Family of Companies was created. Today, the thriving business owns and operates The Party Store, Pistols & Roses, Foley Services and Foley Distributing.
Small Dog Electronics has been making a name for itself in the competitive electronic retail market since 1995. 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. The growth and sustainability illustrated by Small Dog Electronics speaks to the high company standards outlined in their mission statement. This business has a strong commitment to people, planet, and profit.
In an effort to recognize and honor Vermont’s best companies, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine 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. Commitment to the environment and dedication to employee relations are key components to receiving the award.
Join the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine as we unveil this year’s award recipient at the Vermont Business & Industry EXPO on Wednesday, May 25 at 10 am during the Opening Ceremonies.
Vermont Business Magazine is the state's most respected business publication. Since 1972, VBM has published statewide business news, economic and political news and commentary, business and individual profiles, data, analysis and statistics in a monthly magazine. For more than a decade it has published online and now reports daily through its industry-leading, free email newsletter. VBM also publishes three annual publications: Vermont Business & Manufacturers Directory; The Book of Lists; and Ask the Experts/Profiles. Along with the Deane Davis Award, VBM sponsors or co-sponsors the Centennial Business Awards, Best Places to Work in Vermont Awards, SBA Small Business Person of the Year Award, 5x5x5 Growth Awards, and the Rising Star Awards.www.vermontbiz.com
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest state-wide private, not-for-profit business organization, represents nearly every sector of the state's corporate/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.