VBSR Announces 2022 Award Recipients, Opens Ceremony Registration

Burlington, Vt. (September 9, 2022) – 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, has announced the 2022 recipients for three awards that encourage and showcase the growth and impact of socially responsible business activity in Vermont. Registration for the 21st Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony, Tuesday, October 4, 5:00-8:30 pm, at Basin Harbor, Vergennes, has also opened.

VBSR is pleased to honor four outstanding awardees who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in socially responsible business:

  • Curtiss Reed, Jr., President of CRJ Consulting Group, L3C and Executive Director, Vermont Partnership for Fairness & Diversity with the VBSR Terry Ehrich Award for Lifetime Achievement,
  • Mamava with the VBSR Innovation and Inspiration Award – Large Organization,
  • Flexible Capital Fund, L3C with the VBSR Innovation and Inspiration Award – Small Organization, and
  • Emiliano Void, nuwave Equity Corporation with the VBSR Young Changemaker Award.

Awardees were selected for their achievements in championing new ideas and initiatives, leading by example, and developing successful socially responsible business models. Awards will be given during the 21st Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony.

“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 far 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 is a moment to celebrate the inspiring business leaders among us who exemplify VBSR’s vision of a just, thriving and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet.”

All are invited to attend this beloved annual event, celebrating outstanding business innovation with inspiring remarks from the awardees, delicious food and drink from VBSR members, and networking on the shore of beautiful Lake Champlain.

As a part of the event, VBSR will be holding a silent auction featuring mission-aligned experiences, goods, and services from generous VBSR members, non-members, and community members. Funds raised will support greater access, equity, and impact as VBSR grows its movement to revolutionize business in Vermont. All auction items will be exhibited online beginning September 20th and through October 10th.

Registration, silent auction opportunities, additional information on the awardees and more can be found at the official 21st Annual VBSR Awards Ceremony site: http://vbsrawards.org.

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 Vermont businesses who have recently accomplished an innovative and/or inspirational achievement with not only economic impact but 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 has been in operation three or more years. The award seeks to recognize both entrepreneurs and those that have led change within Vermont companies and organizations.

VBSR 2022 Awards Ceremony Sponsors
This year’s event has been made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.
• Sunshine Sponsor: Mamava
• Luminary Sponsors: The Alchemist, King Arthur Baking Company, Main Street Landing, Vermont Department of Economic Development, Vermont Professionals of Color Network
• Supporting Sponsors: Basin Harbor, Dinse, Let’s Grow Kids, Vermont Awards & Engraving

About VBSR
VBSR is a statewide, non-profit business association with a mission to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact. VBSR’s 650 member businesses and organizations strive toward a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet through shared learning, building connections, and collective action. Learn more or join the cause at www.vbsr.org.