Celebration to be Held October 2 at The Essex Resort & Spa
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), the statewide, nonprofit business association working to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact, has announced the 2025 recipients of three awards honoring Vermont leaders in social equity, environmental responsibility, and sustainable economic development.
The winners will be celebrated at the 24th Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony and Dinner on Thursday, October 2, 5-8:30 p.m., at The Farmhouse at The Essex Resort & Spa.
VBSR will honor three awardees who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership advancing VBSR’s vision of a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet:
Ellen Kahler, Executive Director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), will receive the VBSR Terry Ehrich Award for Lifetime Achievement. For the past 20 years, Ellen has led VSJF with vision and purpose, launching transformative initiatives such as Vermont Farm to Plate, DeltaClimeVT, the Vermont Forest Products Program, and a robust business management coaching program. Her leadership has mobilized millions of dollars in grant and investment capital for Vermont businesses, shaped public policy, and supported countless values-led entrepreneurs. Ellen’s impact spans agriculture, forest products, energy, and workforce development—making her a cornerstone of Vermont’s socially responsible business ecosystem.
Vermont Green FC will receive the VBSR Innovation and Inspiration Award. Vermont Green FC is a values-led soccer club that mobilizes fans for environmental justice and social inclusion. In just a few seasons, the team has become a model for using sport as a vehicle for change—choosing vendors and partners aligned with their mission, and inspiring joy and advocacy across Vermont. The club’s commitment to people, planet, and prosperity sets a new standard for sports organizations nationwide.
Sam Bellavance, Founder & Executive Director of Sunset Lake CBD, Sunset Lake Cannabis, and Lake Effect Vermont, will receive the VBSR Young Changemaker Award. Sam led the transformation of a family dairy farm into a climate-neutral, regenerative hemp enterprise offering living-wage jobs. His work exemplifies innovation in Vermont’s agricultural sector, embracing new partnerships and sustainable practices. Through his leadership, Sam has built inclusive, values-driven businesses that reflect the future of socially responsible entrepreneurship.
Awardees were selected for their achievements in championing new ideas and initiatives, leading by example, and developing successful socially responsible organizational models.
All are encouraged to register for the popular annual awards dinner. There will be inspiring remarks from the awardees, delicious food and drink, and networking. Registration is open at www.vbsrawards.org.
About the VBSR Awards Categories
The VBSR Terry Ehrich Award for Lifetime Achievement honors an outstanding individual in honor of Terry Ehrich, late owner of Hemmings Motor News and a founding member of VBSR’s Board of Directors. The award is given annually to a person exemplifying Terry’s commitment to community, the environment, progressive public policy, and the workplace. Previous Terry Ehrich Awardees include Jen Kimmich of The Alchemist, Ted Castle of Rhino Foods, and Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s.
The VBSR Innovation and Inspiration Award is given to a Vermont social enterprise which has accomplished an innovative and/or inspirational achievement with social or environmental impact.
The VBSR Young Changemaker Award recognizes an individual under age 40 who has led the formation of a socially responsible enterprise that uses the power of business to advance innovative solutions to society’s challenges.
VBSR 2025 Awards Ceremony and Dinner Sponsors
This year’s event has been made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.
- Sunrise Sponsor: Google
- Luminary Sponsors: Norwich Solar, VermontBiz
- Host: The Essex Resort & Spa
About VBSR
VBSR is a statewide, non-profit business association with a mission to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact. VBSR’s 600 member businesses and organizations strive toward a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet through shared learning, community building, and collective action. Learn more or join the cause at www.vbsr.org.
BURLINGTON, VT, Sept. 8, 2025 -- Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
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