Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), the statewide, nonprofit business association with a mission to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact, celebrated the2023 recipients for four awards honoring Vermont leaders in social equity, environmental responsibility, and sustainable economic development. The 21st Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony and Dinner was held October 5 at Zenbarn in Waterbury Center.
VBSR honored five awardees who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership advancing VBSR’s vision of a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet:
- Jed Davis, Vice President, Strategic Engagement and Sustainability Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Co-operative with the VBSR Terry Ehrich Award for Lifetime Achievement,
- BETA Technologies with the VBSR Innovation and Inspiration Award – Large Organization,
- Bee the Change with the VBSR Innovation and Inspiration Award – Small Organization,
- Aly Richards, CEO, Let’s Grow Kids with the VBSR Young Changemaker Award, and
- Rainbow Bridge Community Center with the VBSR Bridge Award.
Awardees were selected for their achievements in championing new ideas and initiatives, leading by example, and developing successful socially responsible organizational models. Awards will be given during the 21st Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony and Dinner.
“For more than 30 years, VBSR has been transforming what business looks like, how it works, and who benefits. Our members are changemakers and innovators, with impact reaching beyond the marketplace to advance leading-edge policy and practices, bolster communities, shape the Vermont brand, and fuel the social responsibility movement,” said VBSR’s Executive Director, Roxanne Vought. “The Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony and Dinner is a moment to celebrate the inspiring leaders among us who exemplify VBSR’s vision.”
All are encouraged to save the date and attend this beloved annual event, celebrating outstanding advancements in social equity, environmental responsibility, and sustainable economic development with inspiring remarks from the awardees, delicious food and drink from VBSR members, and networking at the community favorite, Zenbarn in Waterbury Center.
About the VBSR Awards Categories
The VBSR Terry Ehrich Award for Lifetime Achievement honors an outstanding individual in honor of Terry Ehrich, late owner of Hemmings Motor News and a founding member of VBSR’s Board of Directors. The award is given annually to a person exemplifying Terry’s commitment to community, the environment, progressive public policy, and the workplace. Previous Terry Ehrich Awardees include Jen Kimmich of The Alchemist, Ted Castle of Rhino Foods, and Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s.
The VBSR Innovation and Inspiration Award is given to a Vermont social enterprise who has accomplished an innovative and/or inspirational achievement with social or environmental impact.
The VBSR Young Changemaker Award recognizes an individual under age 40 who has led the formation of a socially responsible enterprise that uses the power of business to advance innovative solutions to society’s challenges.
On occasion, VBSR is inspired to create a one-time award based on exceptional achievements or circumstances. This year the VBSR Bridge Award was created to acknowledge the exemplary efforts of the Rainbow Bridge Community Center in Barre, Vermont, which has facilitated healing, recovery and restoration in a community devastated by recent flooding.
Story originally published by Vermont Biz on October 28, 2023.