Lawson’s a finalist for prestigious business award

June 5, 2021 | By Vermont Business Magazine

Lawson’s workers are excited to get out to Green Up in their neighborhood. Courtesy photo

Lawson’s FInest Liquids based in Waitsfield was named one of three finalists by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce for the 2020 Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award. 

The announcement was made Thursday and the other two contenders are Healthy Living Market of South Burlington and Union Mutual of Montpelier.

“All three businesses have shown great merit as finalists for the Deane C. Davis Award. Like Davis himself—former governor and environmentalist—each finalist reflects Vermont’s diverse nature and, at the same time, radiates a savvy business sense,” said John Boutin, publisher of Vermont Business Magazine.

“These finalists reflect the very best of Vermont business,” said Vermont Chamber president Betsy Bishop. “They have committed to sustainable growth, activated and supported their employees during a challenging year, and continue to honor and build upon what makes their state’s economy unique. Every year, they recognize exceptional businesses through the Deane C. Davis Award, and every year, I am newly impressed by the innovation and business excellence homegrown in Vermont. Congratulations to the 2020 finalists.”

The annual award honors a Vermont business that shows an outstanding history of sustained growth while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique. Named for the former governor of Vermont, the award was created 30 years ago by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce to recognize and honor the state’s best companies.

Nominated businesses must have been based in Vermont for at least 10 years. Other criteria for the award include growth in sales or employment, commitment of company resources and employees to community involvement, recognition of the environment as an important natural and economic resource, and addressing employee interests to create a positive work environment.

The selection committee for the award finalists included Bishop and Boutin along with Cassie Polhemus chief executive of the Vermont Economic Development Authority; Thomas Leavitt, president and chief executive of Northfield Savings Bank; and Nicole Junas Ravlin, president and chief executive officer of Junapr. 

A formal ceremony will take place later this month to announce the winner.

DEANE C. DAVIS OUTSTANDING VERMONT BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS

1990 WALLACE ENTERPRISES 

1991 C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS 

1992 MCKENZIE MEATS 

1993 PERRY RESTAURANT GROUP 

1994 GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS 

1995 VERMONT HEATING & VENTILATING 

1996 MACKMOLDING COMPANY 

1997 SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT 

1998 VERMONT COUNTRY STORE 

1999 CABOT CREAMERY 

2000 WAITSFIELD CHAMPLAIN VALLEY TELECOM 

2001 WILD APPLE GRAPHICS 

2002 NRG SYSTEMS 

2003 HUBBARDTON FORGE 

2004 IDX 

2005 KING ARTHUR FLOUR 

2006 RSG

2007 SYMQUEST GROUP INC.

2008 NATIONAL LIFE GROUP

2009 BIOTEK INSTRUMENTS INC.

2010 SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS

2011 FOLEY FAMILY OF COMPANIES

2012 GW PLASTICS, INC.

2013 DEALER.COM

2014 CHAMPLAIN CABLE

2015 PC CONSTRUCTION

2016 MARATHON HEALTH

2017 VERMONT MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP

2018 GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER

2019 CHROMA TECHNOLOGY CORP.