Green Mountain Power, GW Plastics and Instrumart are vying for Vermont's most prestigious business award. One of these finalists will be named the Deane C Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year on Wednesday, May 22. The award presentation will kick off the 29th annual Vermont Chamber Business & Industry EXPO. 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.
Vermont’s business community is comprised of a multitude 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, maintaining an intense focus on employee and environmental 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 emulate the standards by which the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award nominees are judged, but only three are distinguished each year as finalists for this 23 year old award. The three finalists for this year’s Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award are: Green Mountain Power, GW Plastics, and Instrumart.
This year’s finalists exemplify the resourcefulness, innovation and success that represent the spirit of Vermont’s businesses. All share in common a dedication to their employees, communities and to Vermont as a natural resource. However, each company tells a unique story of vision and growth.
GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER
Green Mountain Power (GMP) is a local electricity utility in the state of Vermont focused on providing its customers with a balance of the most reliable, affordable, smart, and clean electricity, in an effort to be the best small utility in America. GMP is an investor-owned electric utility that has served Vermont since 1893.
In 2012, GMP more than doubled in size with the historic acquisition of Central Vermont Public Service. By combining resources, the merger created one stronger company with more efficient distribution of resources, equipment, and facilities throughout a more contiguous service territory. The company currently serves almost 260,000 customers in 202 Vermont towns in a 7,500 square mile service territory.
One of the key criteria for the Deane C. Davis award is an examination of progress, particularly in the year the award is designated. Not only did GMP complete a merger in 2012, but they also entered the final stretch of a major three-year project to incorporate Smart Grid technology throughout the system. Elements of the project included upgrading the electric distribution system with digital and fiber technology, resulting in increased reliability for customers and significant cost savings through operational efficiencies. These upgrades not only allow more small scale renewable generation onto the grid, but new meters provide customers with the information and tools to more closely manage their electric use, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint.
A commitment to community is essential in selecting a finalist for the Deane C. Davis award. GMP has put into action several programs that emulate this criterion. Rutland has been recently targeted as the headquarters for the new Energy Innovation Center, the focal point of a broad expansion of solar energy. In addition to this focus on revitalizing Rutland, GMP has a long tradition of community engagement and support. GMP is actively involved in the local communities it serves, and continues to expand upon the programs offered through the merger with CVPS. Programs include, Osprey Restoration, Gift-of-Life Marathon, Chittenden Reservoir Day, Fill-the-Cupboard Corporate Challenge, Pack the Paramount, and the Paul Sweeney Memorial Coat Drive.
GMP recognizes that employees are the key to the company’s success. GMP’s working environment is best described as ‘fast, fun, and friendly.’ GMP has been recognized as one of the ‘Best Places to Work’in Vermont for its stimulating and creative workplace with a focus on providing employees with opportunities for professional growth. The company’s value of transparency is reflected in an open workspace with no private offices. CEO Mary Powell is highly visible at a work station in the midst of employee traffic and conversations. She also has an active schedule of meeting with customers and GMP employees at company facilities around the state.
With a focus on innovation, customer service, commitment to employees, and pride in supporting the community, Green Mountain Power embodies the business excellence representative of the Deane C. Davis award, making them a strong contender in the race for this distinction.
GW PLASTICS
With its World Headquarters located in Bethel, Vermont GW Plastics has built a reputation as one of Vermont’s most respected employers and successful manufacturers. Recognized as a global industry leader in plastics manufacturing, GW’s focus is on high technology injection molding, tooling and contract manufacturing of precision thermoplastic and silicone components and assemblies for the world’s most successful companies.
GW Plastics was founded in Bethel, Vermont in 1955 by two early Plastics Pioneers, John Galvin and Odin Westgaard. After building GW into a successful business, they sold the company to Carborundum Corporation in 1973. Following a series of large-company M&A transactions in the 1980s, GW ultimately found itself owned by Standard Oil of Ohio which was later purchased by British Petroleum. In 1983, after years of large company neglect, a group of company managers and investors led by Vermont resident and plastics industry veteran Frederic (Fred) Riehl, purchased GW Plastics from BP and returned the company back to its Vermont roots. Had Fred Riehl and others not taken the personal financial risk to purchase GW it is unlikely the company would have remained a viable enterprise in Vermont. In 1998, Brenan (Ben) Riehl, who joined GW after a career with General Electric Plastics, became the President and CEO of GW assuring a smooth leadership transition, and ongoing commitment to Vermont.
During the last two decades, the company has expanded four times in Vermont, investing tens of millions of dollars in equipment, facilities and training while doubling its Vermont employment to more than 300 associates with over 900 associates worldwide. At the same time, GW expanded its market reach both nationally and globally with locations in the United States, Latin America and Asia while earning the trust of market leaders including Abbott Labs; Boston Scientific; Covidien, Idexx; Johnson & Johnson; Philips Healthcare; Robert Bosch and Takata.
GW is proud of the fact that it has been in the forefront of new technology development and manufacturing for transformational healthcare and automotive products such as minimally invasive medical devices and safety restraint systems.
In 2012, GW Plastics reaffirmed its commitment to Vermont, with a $3,500,000 state-of-the art addition to its Royalton, VT Silicones operation in response to increased customer demand. GW expects this expansion to result in high tech job opportunities for Vermonters. At the same time, GW partnered with a number of leading global medical device companies successfully launching several innovative, multi-million dollar programs in its Bethel and Royalton, Vermont locations positioning the company for continued growth in 2013.
Through standardization of facilities, equipment and quality systems at all locations worldwide, GW Plastics offers customers unsurpassed process consistency and cost-efficiency. GW Plastics' professional leadership team, continuity of ownership and long-tenured work force has built a world class company based on consistent performance, long term customer relationships, financial stewardship and workplace satisfaction.
GW Plastics takes its commitment to environmental sustainability seriously. Intrinsic benefits, as well as real financial savings, have led GW to embrace sound environmental stewardship in all of its locations. GW Plastics has completed a number of successful sustainability initiatives in the areas of Energy Reduction, Water Use Reduction and Waste Reduction and is a member of the Green Suppliers Network, a federally funded program to facilitate the establishment and implementation of "Lean and Clean" manufacturing techniques for manufacturers.
Commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and employee growth, makes GW Plastics a leader in its industry. These ideals not only match the criteria for the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business award but outline the principals of the company’s mission statement. Their dedication makes GW Plastics a fierce competitor in the race for this award.
INSTRUMART
Instrumart is a leading supplier of Test & Measurement instruments with headquarters in South Burlington, Vermont and a regional office in southern California. With a tagline, ‘there’s an engineer behind everything we sell,’and an engaging logo, Instrumart makes buying industrial and laboratory instruments personable. From Air Velocity Meters to Spectrophotometers and Refractometers, Instrumart engineers will connect customers with the right product for an application the first time, and back it up with lifetime technical support.
One of the key criteria associated with the Deane C. Davis Award is the commitment to community. Instrumart not only encourages employees to be active in community projects, but every employee is granted up to 40 hours per year for volunteer time. Instrumart employees devote their volunteering time to a variety of projects, including Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and the Ronald McDonald House. As a company they support several local non-profit initiatives, including Make-A-Wish Vermont, COTS, and several food shelf organizations.
Among other signs of quality business, Instrumart is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and have been awarded their highest rating (A+). They offer unlimited customer support via phone and email for as long as the product is owned, for free. With a staff that includes twenty Applications Engineers, Instrumart focuses on selling products they believe are a good value for their customers. Instrumart has been named to Inc. Magazine's list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States for three of the past four years. Vermont Business Magazine has named Instrumart one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont and one of Vermont's Top 5 Wholesale Businesses.
Instrumart has excelled in continued growth in numbers; both in employees and sales. Instrumart takes great pride in providing employees with high levels of autonomy and authority to make decisions that drive increased sales. Sales engineers are encouraged by a group sales commission program that encourages a collaborative approach to success.
Like any business, Instrumart has an impact on the environment, but they take action to minimize that impact. Virtually all packaging material received is recycled or reused. All cushioning, peanuts, and foam is sorted and reused which dramatically reduces the need to buy new material. Clean, undamaged boxes, are reused and the rest are recycled. Very little material from the Instrumart shipping and receiving operation goes to the landfill.
One Instrumart employee notes it is the, ‘best work environment I have ever experienced; at the core of our culture lies the instruction to do the right thing.’Management focuses on creating the best possible environment for employees, through 100% employer paid health & dental insurance, employer paid gym memberships, company lunches and family gatherings, tuition
assistance, and ice cream Fridays in the summer. In return, employees pass along the positive attitude by working hard to ensure the best possible experience for their customers. It is a continuous cycle of positive actions; one that has been incredibly successful for Instrumart.
Commitment to employees and the community translates directly to a productive work environment, satisfied customers, and the growth of sales. Instrumart is a strong contender in the race for this award as this commitment not only matches the criteria for the award, but outlines an outstanding business worthy of the Deane C. Davis distinction.
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, and 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.
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; National Life Group, South Burlington ‘2008; Biotek Instruments, Winooski ‘2009; Small Dog Electronics, Waitsfield ‘2010; The Foley Family of Companies, Rutland ‘2011.
THE 2012 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. These dedicated volunteers are held in high regard for their enthusiasm and strong commitment to the spirit of the Deane C. Davis Award.
Betsy Bishop, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
John Boutin, Vermont Business Magazine
Chris Graff, National Life Group
Sabina Haskell, FairPoint Communications
Alan Jones, Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom