2023 Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony & Dinner: Recap, Photos & Gratitude

The VBSR community celebrated the 2023 Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 5, at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center.

It was wonderful to see our community engaged in honoring our awardees, deepening connections, and enjoying themselves. It is always empowering to see this community united around one vision – a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet.

As Shawna Trader said – speaking on behalf of The Rainbow Bridge Community Center – “Community is an engine of love.” That perfectly sums up our celebratory evening. Thanks to all who were there to inspire and be inspired; for those who could only be there in spirit, you were missed and well represented by passionate, committed (often hilarious) peers at the podium and throughout the at-capacity barn. The VBSR community is strong – and stronger after nights like these.

In the presence of approximately 170 members, partners, and other guests VBSR honored five outstanding awardees who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in socially responsible business:

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 business models.

VBSR 2023 Awards Ceremony Sponsors
This year’s event was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:

• Sunrise Sponsor: Casella Waste

• Sunshine Sponsors: Gordon’s Window Decor – Home of EcoSmart Shades, Duane Petersen, SRH Law

• Luminary Sponsors: King Arthur Baking Company

• Supporting Sponsors: Northeast Delta Dental, Kestrel Coffees, Let’s Grow Kids, The Richards Group, SunCommon

Photo Highlights from the 2023 VBSR Awards Ceremony & Dinner by Isora Lithgow Creations: