Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce select the three finalists for the Deane C Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award: Dealer.com, High Mowing Organic Seeds and PC Construction.
One of these impressive finalists will be named the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year on Wednesday, May 21 in an awards presentation ceremony that kicks off the 30th annual Vermont Chamber Business & Industry EXPO. Governor Peter Shumlin will announce the award winner at 10 am in the foyer of the Sheraton Burlington Conference Center.
This year’s finalists exemplify the resourcefulness, innovation and success of Vermont’s statewide businesses. They all share a dedication to their employees, communities and Vermont’s natural environment. Each represents a unique story of vision, commitment and growth.
Dealer.com. Dealer.com is an 800-person company with bi-coastal offices serving 40 percent of the auto industry’s marketing needs, made possible through a culture rich in openness, wellness, development, community engagement, and individuality. In 1997, Dealer.com founders-- inspired by technology-- set out to make the car buying process better, faster and simpler. At the end of 2013, Dealer.com merged with Dealertrack Technologies representing a culmination of 15 years of expansion and innovation for the Burlington-based company and gave Vermont a shining moment as an incubator for technology companies. Dealer.com believes that positive change comes from being a positive role model and contributor to the places in which they live and work. With Silver and Gold LEED certified buildings and a 216-panel solar panel array on their roof, their commitment to the planet is on the forefront. The company’s unique commitment to culture, with a focus on health and wellness, makes it one of the most desirable places to work.
High Mowing Organic Seeds. What began as a small organic seed company in 1996 growing 28 varieties has grown into a thriving business that grows and sells over 650 certified organic, non-GMO heirloom, open-pollinated and hybrid varieties of vegetable, fruit, herb and flower seed. Over the past five years, the number of employees has almost tripled to 39 full time employees who work with home gardeners, commercial growers, and other seed companies in High Mowing’s hands-on mission to support sustainable agriculture and a healthy food system. Through their donation program, High Mowing supports educational events at community gardens, schools, churches, food banks, summer camps, and disaster relief organizations. In 2013, High Mowing donated 15,000 lbs of produce and 60,000 seed packets. The produce from those seeds made up 20% of all the Vermont grown produce distributed last year by VT Food Bank. High Mowing Organic Seeds strives for continued growth to enable further innovative investments for spreading a sustainable agriculture mission.
PC Construction. PC Construction is a 100% employee-owned construction company specializing in general contracting, construction management and design-build services. The company manages projects up and down the East Coast and in the southeastern United States from its corporate headquarters in South Burlington and regional offices in Portland, Maine and North Carolina. The company’s success over the past 55 years is due to its 900+ employee-owners and their dedication to excellent work, customer service that exceed expectations, and a safety program with results that ranks the company in the top 2% of contractors nationally. PC Construction protects the environment through their work and supports the community through active participation and support for causes and organizations that make a difference. PC Construction embodies the business excellence representative of the Deane C. Davis award.
To recognize and honor Vermont’s best companies, the Vermont Chamber 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 and Vermont Business Magazine as we unveil this year’s award recipient at the Vermont Chamber Business & Industry EXPO on Wednesday, May 21 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.
The largest statewide, private, not-for-profit business organization, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce represents nearly every sector of the state’s corporate and hospitality community. Its mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.
