Symquest wins Deane Davis Business of the Year Award
South Burlington (May 21, 2008) - Vermont Governor James Douglas announced this morning at the kick-off of the Vermont Business & Industry Expo that SymQuest Group, Inc, of South Burlington is the winner of the coveted Deane C Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award.
Named for former Governor Deane C Davis, the award annually honors a Vermont business that proves an outstanding history of sustained growth, community involvement, environmentally responsible business practices and the creation of a positive work environment, while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique. The award is sponsored by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Founded in 1996, SymQuest employs 152 experienced professionals, who are committed to delivering legendary service quality in information and document management in Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.
Larry Sudbay, SymQuest's President and CEO spoke at the event, "We are so honored to have been selected for Vermont's most prestigious business award. SymQuest would like to thank Duane Marsh and everyone at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, along with John Boutin and his team at Vermont Business Magazine for the creation and perpetuation of the Deane C Davis Business of the Year Award.
"SymQuest Group is a growing technology services company that specializes in computer networking services and document solutions. Joining me to receive this award are Nicole Carignan, Executive Vice President & CFO; Joe Noonan, Vice President for Marketing & Sales; Joe Goodreau, Vice President for Service & Support; and Jeff Culkin, Major Account Sales Executive.
"We passionately believe in giving back to the communities where we are located, including New York, New Hampshire, Maine and our home state of Vermont. Our mission includes helping businesses and organizations realize phenomenal efficiencies in their computing environments with attention to making them greener by reducing power and recycling business materials. This is a milestone of granite that will serve to inspire our company and its employees to live up to the award's high standards of performance, ecology and community involvement. On behalf of our Board of Directors, Chairman Pat Robins, and our 152 employees at SymQuest Group, we would like to thank our clients who make what we are accomplishing possible. Onward and upward- the best is yet to be!"
Symquest was one of three exceptionally qualified finalists. The other two were Chroma Technology Corp of Rockingham, and Small Dog Electronics of Waitsfield.
The winner's identity was hidden, even from the finalists, until the moment the award was presented at the Expo's opening ceremonies at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center.
Symquest received a Vermont granite plaque, handcrafted by Granite Industries of Barre. Their name will join the 17 previously awarded Vermont businesses carved in stone on an impressive granite plaque created by Montpelier Graniteworks.
This year's finalists all share in common their commitment to their employees, communities and the local and global environment. A dedication to social responsibility is echoed in the mission statement of all three companies, while the trio still maintains a profitable bottom line.
However, all three tell a unique story of vision, commitment and growth. From a manufacturing company that generates 40 percent of their sales internationally from Rockingham, to an Apple specific electronics supplier and servicing company in Waitsfield, and to a South Burlington-based technology solutions provider in South Burlington. This year's finalists exemplify of the resourcefulness, innovation and success that radiates from all corners of this state and captures the essence of Vermont business.
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.