Meet Our Champion & Gold Members

Ben & Jerry’s was a founding member of VBSR and has remained a member since 1991. The company operates on a three-part mission that puts product, economic, and social goals on equal standing. Social mission campaigns focus on fighting for environmental and social justice, with the sweet spot landing where those areas overlap, such as climate change.

The company knows it’s going to take more than just the actions of individual businesses and people to fight climate change. Ben & Jerry’s Climate Change campaigns urge people to collectively call on elected leaders to support a rapid transition to the clean energy economy of the future.

Because if it’s melted, it’s ruined.

The goddess Ceres (see · reez) presides over the harvest and fertility of the earth. A statue of her stands atop the Vermont Statehouse as a testament to the state’s long history of agricultural stewardship. CeresMED considers it their responsibility to be environmentally conscious and maintain sustainable and organic practices for the planet and its people. They believe in the power of plants, plant-based medicine and herbal remedies for holistic health and well-being. CeresMED chooses to partner with organizations and people that echo these principles and stand with them as pioneers in the cannabis community.

Their staff-led Social Justice Committee reviews all of their practices including monitoring the entire supply chain to ensure that the vendors they work with share thier core values of sustainability, equity, and ethical responsibility. CeresMED is committed to identifying and building relationships with BIPOC, women-owned and other organizations that identify as marginalized communities, especially those who have been negatively impacted by cannabis criminalization.

Champlain is an independent and employee-owned asset management firm founded in 2004 with a mission to “Deliver Exceptional Investment Results and Develop Enduring Client Relationships.” We believe that companies that are truly planning for the future naturally incorporate many sustainability factors into their business model. At Champlain, we have a Sustainability Committee with a mission with a mission of identifying and assessing potential opportunities for enhancing the firm's environmental, social, and governance practices, including with respect to the firm's investment strategies and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as a Charitable Ventures Committee that oversees the firm's partnerships with many exceptional organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in Chittenden County and the greater Vermont community through high impact philanthropy in areas such as education/child care, substance abuse, homelessness, poverty, elder care, and the arts.

The Bellows Falls based Chroma Technology Corp. is not just a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the photonics industry but has an almost 30 year legacy of living and breathing VBSR’s mission through their commitment to social justice, employee ownership, serving their communities and cultivation of a people-first workplace. Paul Millman, who co-founded Chroma in 1991 and recently retired, received VBSR’s Terry Ehrich Award for Excellence in Socially Responsible Business in 2016 to honor his commitment to sustainable businesses practices and vision for sharing equity & profits among employees.

Chroma believes that a strong socially responsible company can only be built on the foundation of a successful, profitable business. Chroma has developed a strong and loyal customer base by providing exceptional customer service and using cutting edge technology to manufacture some of the most advanced optical filters in the world. Consistent profitability has been the return on the investment in their workforce and dedication to meeting the needs of the scientific and technical communities they serve.

We believe that our responsibility to do good work extends beyond our office walls, and this value permeates our office culture. As a firm, we are proud to run a successful corporate fundraising campaign each year for the United Way, an initiative that our whole firm rallies enthusiastically behind. Our internal Committee for Social Responsibility helps ensure our firm’s positive environmental and social impact; as a result of their efforts, our office is solar powered, composts organic waste, and we make contributions to some 50 community sponsorships each year. In addition, many of our attorneys hold board leadership positions with organizations throughout the state. We deeply believe in the important roles that our professionals play outside the office and encourage their participation in broader community conversations.

As a founding member of VBSR, Gardener’s Supply not only believes that social, environmental, and human policies are essential for a regenerative economy but that a business has the responsibility to drive change with their own business practices and platform. Gardener’s Supply makes this change through community action, employee volunteerism, sourcing sustainable products and building healthy soil.

With food security being a crucial need in Vermont during COVID-19, the company’s employee-owners are combating food waste and hunger in their communities through a variety of gleaning and donation programs. All of their four locations have company gardens where they grow, harvest and donate fresh vegetables to local food shelves. Each employee-owner is gifted eight hours of volunteer time for work in community gardens or local non-profits and schools.

Gardener’s Supply shows support for the community and future generations by donating 8% of its profits to school gardens, community gardens and more. The company shows that through gardening, people learn compassion for the planet and one another, adopt healthy eating practices, understand the value of science, and learn critical skills like patience and responsibility. Through various funding streams, Gardener’s Supply helps non-profit organizations and schools connect educators and families, provide garden grants and gardening-related curricula, and cultivate a community of practice.

Gardener’s Supply believes that gardeners have an important part in combating climate change as it’s been proven that building healthy soil is directly related to a sustainable environment. Garden patches of healthy soil can store huge amounts of carbon meaning that each of us can play a key role in building healthy soil as we hope to leave future generations with a healthy planet.

“Gardener’s Supply Company is thrilled to support VBSR as a Champion member. As a founding member of VBSR, we believe in innovative social, environmental and human policies that help Vermont thrive and become more sustainable. VBSR is aligned with Gardener’s Supply values and well connected with policy makers and business leaders throughout the state and beyond. We are so pleased with the partnership and look forward to what is ahead in 2021.” – Cindy Turcot, President, Gardener’s Supply

Powering Vermont homes and businesses with energy that’s 90% carbon free and 60% renewable, Green Mountain Power is focused on providing clean, reliable, cost-effective power, while also offering the latest in innovations like battery storage to help customers cut carbon and costs. GMP is committed to having a 100% renewable energy supply by 2030, and using energy as a force for good. In 2014, GMP was the first utility in the world to become a B Corp and continues its commitment to the community, employees, and the planet by helping to grow local renewable generation, offering convenient programs that help cut costs for all customers, and partnering with communities to make the grid more resilient in the face of more severe storms due to climate change.

Since 1970, King Arthur Baking Company has been sharing the joy of baking. A certified B Corp headquartered in Vermont, King Arthur is the ultimate baking resource, providing the highest quality ingredients for the most delicious baked goods, while inspiring connections through baking. As a 100% employee-owned company, we believe in the power of baking to make a difference for our employee-owners, the larger baking community, and the planet. From cultivating a workplace that embraces differences and prioritizes trust to teaching children across the country how to bake bread from scratch to partnering with farmers and suppliers who share our vision for a greener planet, we strive to be a force for good in all that we do.

Waitsfield, Vermont's Lawson’s Finest not only aims for the highest quality standards in their beer production but achieves this goal by leading with their values and by building genuine personal interactions. Lawson’s Finest embodies what it means to use business as a platform for good and a generator of social change by valuing their employees, customers, community, and environment.

The Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program (SIP) works to support thriving communities where people take good care of each other, protect and enjoy the natural world, and bring more fun to life. The program features six initiatives focused on cultivating a people-first work place, supporting local communities, greening the planet, and bringing people together to play and innovate.

The Lawson’s Finest commitment to making a difference in Vermont begins at home, where they strive to be an employer of choice by providing generous livable wages and comprehensive paid benefits to their staff. The brewery boosts economic vitality in Vermont by generating year-round tourism, sourcing from local businesses, and through guest donations to their Sunshine Fund, which supports non-profit organizations focused on healthy communities and natural resource protection.

In addition to charitable giving, the brewery puts their money where their values are. They are committed to continual innovation and investment in efficiency, taking steps to minimize their impact in a resource-intensive manufacturing business. Lawson’s Finest is proud to be a founding partner of the VT Brewshed Alliance and a member of the pioneer VT Green Brewery Cohort. From the planning and building their Waitsfield, Vermont taproom to selecting the most efficient brewing, packaging, and process equipment available (even when it requires more investment), Lawson’s Finest continues its deep commitment to people, planet and prosperity.

“Social responsibility is at the core of important business decisions that we make at Lawson’s Finest. Whether selecting suppliers from among Vermont’s many talented artisans and businesses, to supporting equity, diversity and inclusion, or generating our energy from sustainable sources. We recognize the important impacts that our business can make on the social, economic and natural landscape of our state. We are delighted to be a VBSR Champion member which brings together like-minded Vermont companies who aim to operate in a socially-responsible manner, give back to their communities, and share a vision built on sustainability, equity, and prosperity for all Vermonters.” – Sean Lawson, Lawson’s Finest Liquids

National Life Group is a mission-driven, purpose-filled company that has been keeping its promises since 1848. But it’s not your grandfather’s insurance company. It’s dedicated to a cause bigger than itself: To do good in the communities where it does business.

From hosting a music festival on its back lawn to benefit cancer patients, making donations through the National Life Group Foundation, encouraging its employees to take 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually, and more, National Life strives to put its values of Do good. Be good. Make good. into practice every day.

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867 and the largest independent bank headquartered in Vermont, not only has a legacy of servicing the community but remains deeply engaged to this day. In 2018, donations totaled more than $600,000 to local nonprofits and they proudly donate 10% of their annual earnings to Vermont communities.  This tremendous support helps Vermont communities prosper, thrive and make powerful change.  Not only does Northfield Savings Bank have a mission, but so do their employees.  Last year, Northfield Savings Bank’s employees volunteered more than 5,000 hours for over 100 local organizations.

Since its founding in 1968, PF+C and its employees have been committed to positive social impact in our community through various efforts, including volunteering, charitable work, and service on local non-profit boards. In addition, PF+C has been a law firm leader in environmental stewardship and awareness. For example, in 2008, PF+C became the first law firm in Vermont to join the American Bar Association/EPA Law Office Climate Challenge, which prompted law offices to conserve energy and resources as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, PF+C continually strives to improve its internal operations to reduce our environmental impact, including installing modern energy-efficient lighting, implementing composting and recycling programs, and purchasing environmentally friendly office supplies. Externally, we also serve numerous clients focused on the environment, renewable energy, and climate policy. We are proud to serve clients in these areas, as well as clients in other sectors, including employment and labor, tax law, property and development, commercial leases, commercial transactions, litigation, insurance and captive insurance, and business immigration. We are also proud of our unique workplace, where we continue to evolve as a supportive, family friendly, inclusive, and environmentally conscious organization.

For more than 25 years we’ve been formulating plant-based products that are safe and that work. Really well. Based in Vermont, we’re proud to be a B Corporation. B Corps are certified to be better for workers, better for communities and better for the environment. Join us in nurturing the health of the next seven generations.

We believe our products are healthy solutions for the air, surfaces, fabrics, pets and people within your home–and for the community and environment outside of it. As a pioneer in corporate responsibility, we want our products to make a difference—from their development through to their production, purchase, use, and disposal.  We are always evaluating how to reduce their environmental impact, increase performance and safety, and create a more sustainable supply chain. We believe it is our responsibility to set a course for a more mindful way of doing business, where companies act as partners with other stakeholders to create a brighter future for the whole planet.

Our culture is intentional, and we value it deeply. We celebrate open and honest communication, hard work, creativity, cross-functional collaboration, high energy, good play, deep networking and acknowledging that we’ll each make mistakes and learn from them. We’re a local company made up of individuals who care about the people and places that surround us.

We feel a huge responsibility to succeed – in order to honor our triple bottom line commitments to people (our co-owners/employees and their families, our customers and residents of the communities where we do business), planet (our proud roots and local stomping grounds in both Vermont and the Hudson Valley, and the broader globe, given climate change) and profit (providing capital to grow, revenue to empower and share among our employees and a reasonable return to our investors).

In addition to crafting delicious, world-renowned beer, The Alchemist is committed to the environment, its employees and the community at large. As a certified B Corporation, The Alchemist is a recognized leader in waste reduction, responsible water use, and innovative technologies that minimize their environmental impact.

The Alchemist is committed to their employees’ health & wellbeing, and this is demonstrated through their benefits program, which includes employer-paid health insurance, paid parental leave, child-care subsidies, a 10% 401k match and a wellness program that includes fitness, stretching and meditation classes. The Alchemist takes pride in being an inclusive workplace, employing Vermonters with intellectual and physical disabilities, and demonstrating a commitment to gender equity at all levels of the organization. Through the youth-focused Alchemist Foundation, they invest in long-term partnerships with many community organizations.

In 2020, The Alchemist released a plan to dismantle racism in their community by focusing on three areas of strategic interest –- working to ensure anti-racist education in public schools, strengthening their brand position within the multicultural marketplace, and establishing Vermont as a welcoming place for Black, Indigenous and people of color.

“We are so proud to have been able to build this business in Vermont, and to use our voice to advocate for policies that help Vermont’s people and environment. Our employees, our customers and our neighbors all benefit from our triple bottom line commitments.” –- Jen Kimmich, co-founder and CEO of the Alchemist Brewery and board chair of the Alchemist Foundation. In 2018, VBSR awarded Jen Kimmich the Terry Ehrich Award for Lifetime Achievement

Burlington-based TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design is a local firm whose influence can be seen citywide as well as nationally and internationally. The firm’s body of work exemplifies how a built environment can transform how we work, live, play, and learn in a way that inspires us to be our best, expresses who we are, and uses the earth’s resources wisely.

By working closely with clients and demonstrating the benefits of sustainable design, the firm strives to consistently deliver beautiful, high-performing buildings that illustrate how sustainability enhances people’s lives. And with greenhouse gas emissions from buildings driving global warming, the firm has joined with more than 750 other architecture firms nationwide to meet the challenge set forth by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to achieve carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030. The firm’s Sustainability Plan, issued early in 2020, outlines its proud commitment and the steps in advancing its practice to meet this goal.

Beyond offering good buildings, TruexCullins is a firm that considers service to the community and its employees an integral part of its social responsibility mission. Partnering with mission-driven organizations such as 52 Kids Foundation in Uganda and the Edge of Seven in Nepal; with like-minded advocacy groups like VBSR, AIA VT, and Vermont Superintendents Association; and supporting non-profits like King Street Center, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way with both time and corporate giving are baked into the culture of the firm; and so is supporting their own. The leadership works hard to maintain an employee-centered workplace where individuals are valued and have access to resources and opportunities to develop their careers, pursue enriching lives, and share in the success of the firm. Regular review of practices and benefit structures have ensured continual alignment and kept the firm focused on employees feeling successful, valued, and at the center of the firm’s success.

Sharing our design expertise at conferences locally, regionally, and nationally and advocating for public policies in support of sustainability and the built environment are priorities for TruexCullins. Currently, partners and associates hold Board positions on environmental and socially responsible organizations, including VBSR, AIA Vermont, and the National Board of the Construction Specifications Institute.
From designing community spaces like the Church Street Marketplace to volunteer work on non-profit boards, the firm has been a positive force in the public realm over its 54-year history.

“For 54 years, TruexCullins has provided sustainable design solutions, supported community organizations, and fostered an employee-centered workplace. We believe strongly in the power of socially responsible businesses to make our society more just and minimize our environmental footprint. VBSR is an excellent way for like-minded businesses to join their voices together and maximize their impact in advocating for changes that benefit people and the planet. As a long-time member, TruexCullins is honored to support the important work of VBSR as a Champion Member, which will help amplify our shared vision of a better world for people, the planet, and our community’s prosperity.” – David Epstein, Managing Principal, TruexCullins

Union Mutual owes its success largely to its stable, values-led approach to business that supports its workers and families, the Vermont community, and promotes environmental sustainability. Union Mutual believes that when a company invests in its employees and families, not only are quality jobs created but communities thrive. The company’s robust benefits package supports employee wellness, flexibility, and families, and Union Mutual prides itself on its culture of fun that promotes work-life balance. The result of this investment is a well-retained, easily recruited, healthy and happy workforce.

Consciously crafted in Vermont’s green mountains, Vermont Creamery’s line of fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter, and culinary creams have won hundreds of national and international awards. In their 36th year of business, Vermont Creamery supports a network of family farms, promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. Their pledged obligation to positively affecting their employees and families is put into action by providing a strong starting wage and benefit package including production wages starting at $17/hr. The company is 100% cow-powered through Green Mountain Power. B Corp Certified in 2014, Vermont Creamery is part of a community of businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. For more information, visit www.vermontcreamery.com.

VEIC is a sustainable energy company on a mission to generate the energy solutions the world needs. For over 30 years VEIC has been working with governments, utilities, foundations and businesses across North America to develop and deploy clean-energy services that provide immediate and lasting change. VEIC has expertise in energy efficiency, building decarbonization, transportation electrification, and breakthrough methods for a clean and flexible grid. We design innovative solutions that meet clients’ goals, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. VEIC is nationally recognized for originating programs that optimize energy use, reduce energy burdens for low-income customers, and advance emerging technologies. In addition to its full-service consulting business, VEIC administers three large-scale sustainable energy programs: Efficiency Vermont, Efficiency Smart, and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU).

The small Vermont company Vermont Family Farms, founded in 2018, is an aggregator of pasture-raised and antibiotic-free meat grown on Vermont family farms. The company is committed to making local and sustainable beef available to all Vermonters. They are also working with Vermont hog farmers on a premium line of pork products that will include specialty smoked sausage and other offerings. Their innovative meat production model promotes humane treatment of animals, respect for the environment, and support of the local agricultural food economy. On top of that commitment, the company uses solar and local hydro power for its production facility to further reduce its carbon footprint. Vermont Family Farms strives to ensure that workers at all levels of the food chain are paid a livable wage by paying above the national average per pound of meat and by committing to purchase their animals up to a year in advance. Vermont Family Farms utilizes 40 years of experience in specialty foods to help keep Vermont’s landscape open and productive and support the local agricultural ecosystem.

Since Villanti Printers opened our doors in 1959 we have been committed to doing business the right way: producing vibrant, high quality print and mail, sustainably. In addition to producing dynamic, impactful work for our clients, Villanti believes that ensuring the health of the planet and cultivating a high-quality team and workplace is simply the best way to do business.  

Villanti’s belief in working sustainably and reducing our footprint has led to constant workplace innovation and improvement in our environmental practices. We were the first FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified printer in Vermont and are the only one in the state who is Green-e-Certified. This means we are committed to responsible forestry practices, waste reduction, recycling and mitigating climate change. In 2019, we took another huge step by installing a 600+ panel solar array on our roof.

Villanti’s valuing of the triple-bottom-line also shows in the high quality workplace of the company. We believe in paying a liveable wage and giving good benefits. We also cultivate an inviting environment where every door is open. As a family-owned business, the team is part of the family, and our workplace practices reflect these values. Each year Villanti designates print projects to local organizations that share our values, to help further their missions because we believe in the importance of supporting our local community.

VSECU is a member-owned cooperative and not for profit credit union for everybody who lives or works in Vermont, offering a full range of affordable financial products and services to its member-owners. VSECU is committed to improving the lives of Vermonters by empowering the possibilities for greater social, environmental, and financial prosperity.