Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce today announced Dealer.com as the winner of the prestigious and highly anticipated Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award.
Presented by Governor Shumlin at the opening ceremonies of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Business and Industry EXPO, 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. The award, named for the former governor of Vermont, was created 24 years ago by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce to recognize and honor the state's best companies.
"Fifteen years ago we started Dealer.com, it's been a big journey and a lot of things have happened recently," said Mike Lane, Co-Founder and COO of the Burlington-based software company that serves the auto retail industry, primarily local dealers. "When we started 15 years ago there were a lot of challenges to doing a tech company in Vermont. Vermont wasn't known for that. We were known for tourism, Ben & Jerry's and listening to Phish. But today, the landscape is changing rapidly."
Dealer started out selling used cars under the trade name Earthycars in 1994, Lane said, and that led to developing software for car dealers. The company moved to Pine Street in Burlington and eventually took over the vacant plant of a former plastics manufacturer. Dealer has 800 employees and has added an office in California. Most recently, it was acquired for $1 billion by Dealertrack Technologies in December 2013. Lane said they're still expanding in Burlington, and, "We currently have 20 job openings, in case anyone is looking."
"We are proud to have Dealer.com as the recipient of the 2013 Deane C Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award," said John Boutin, publisher of Vermont Business Magazine. "They truly are deserving of this honor and join 23 other Vermont companies to be recognized over the years as one of the best in Vermont."
Mike Lane, Co-Founder and COO of Dealer.com, accepts the Deane Davis Award, as Vermont Business Magazine Publisher John Boutin holds the granite plaque. VBM photos. V
Founded in 1996 to make the car buying process better, faster and simpler, Dealer.com now has 800 employees, bi-coastal offices and serves 40 percent of the auto industry's marketing needs. The Burlington-based company merged with Dealertrack Technologies in December 2013, representing a culmination of 15 years of expansion and innovation and giving 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, the company's commitment to the planet is on the forefront. Dealer.com's unique commitment to culture, with a focus on health and wellness, makes it one of the best places to work, as listed by Vermont Business Magazine and Outside Magazine.
This year's finalists also included High Mowing Organic Seeds and PC Construction. Both also exemplify the resourcefulness, innovation and success of Vermont's statewide businesses and share a dedication to their employees, communities and Vermont's natural environment. Each represents a unique story of vision, commitment and growth.
About Vermont Business Magazine
Vermont Business Magazine is the state's most respected business publication. Since 1972, Vermont Business Magazine has published statewide business news, economic and political news and commentary, business and individual profiles, data, analysis and statistics.
About The Vermont Chamber
The largest statewide, private, not-for-profit business organization, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce represents every sector of the state's business community. Its mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.
Burlington, VT (May 21, 2014) – Vermont Business Magazine