Lang Awards
Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Stars in Our Community at 94th Annual Dinner
November 9, 2004
BURLINGTON – The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce presented six awards at its 94th Annual Dinner, held Tuesday, November 9, at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington. The awards recognize some of the community’s most active members and its rising talent and leadership. The awards were presented in three categories: Community Excellence, Rising Star, and Business of the Year (Over 300 Employees, Under 300 Employees and Under 20 Employees).
The Rising Star award was presented to Liz Curry of Full Cycle Development Services, who has an extensive volunteer background with organizations focused on women in the building trades like City of Burlington Women in the Construction Trades Ordinance, Northern New England Tradeswomen and the Women’s Consortium for the Construction of Housing.
Two Community Excellence Awards were presented. The first to Staige Davis of Lang Associates, who has given generously of his time to such community keystones as the Vermont Mozart Festival, The Flynn Theatre and Vermont Public Radio. The second Community Excellence Award was given to Bill Schubart, of Resolution, Inc., whose leadership has benefited organizations like the Vermont Folklife Center, Circus Smirkus and the Vermont Business Roundtable.
For the first time ever, Business of the Year Awards were entities based on size and given to three different entities. The award for Business of the Year (Over 300 Employees) went to Saint Michael’s College, Marc vander Hayden, President. Saint Michael’s was recognized for its sponsorship of local organizations including Burlington City Arts, the Vermont Mozart Festival, the Lane Series, and the Vermont Youth Orchestra as well as its offering of cultural events for the community and summer athletic camps for children.
The award for Business of the Year (Under 300 Employees) went to the Symquest Group, Larry Sudbay and Pat Robbins, co-founders. Symquest is an exceptional employer and, in addition to direct compensation, employee benefits include bi-monthly brown bag lunches with the President and CEO to give and receive feedback on the organization and financial incentives to refer new employees to the company.
Finally, the award for Business of the Year (Under 20 Employees) went to Redstone, Doug Nedde and Larry Williams, owners. Redstone was recognized for its generosity of time, with principals serving as volunteers for organizations including the Humane Society of Chittenden County, Mobius, the UVM Alumni Association and the United Way. Redstone encourages its employees to be involved in the community at all levels—even if it’s on company time.
“Each year, it’s a challenge to choose our winners. Not only is the judging process extensive, but we’re dealing with more and more highly-qualified nominees every year,” said A. Wayne Roberts, Chamber President. “This event really gives the Chamber a window into all of the wonderful things individuals and organizations are doing for our community. We’re pleased to be able to open the evening up to our members, our legislators and the community at large so that everyone can see the hard work that’s being done by our friends, neighbors and colleagues.”
The dinner, emceed by Richard Tarrant, Chairman of IDX Systems, was a sold out event, with over 600 guests in attendance. It included remarks from outgoing Chamber Board Chairman Scott Carpenter of KeyBank and incoming Chair Mark Lords of the Synder Companies.
The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote and support the healthy environment and quality of life that makes the Lake Champlain Region of Vermont the ideal place to live, work, and do business.
