The University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business (GSB) honored four businesses on Friday, September 29, 2023 at the Vermont Legacy and Family Enterprise Awards. The ceremony celebrated enterprises that stood out for their innovative practices, corporate governance, and contributions to their communities and industries.
Each year, an open call for nominations is made and selected companies are invited to apply. Received applications were reviewed by a six-member judging committee composed of past winners of these awards, including Michele Asch, Roger Brown, Molly Heaney, Kristin Hutchins, Rajesh Sinha, and Steve Schlesinger. Dr. Pramodita “Dita” Sharma, professor and Schlesinger-Grossman Chair of Family Business, at the Grossman School of Business served as the non-voting Chair.
"These awards epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit and the enduring pursuit of excellence and sustainability. Dedicated focus on community values fuels trans-generational success,” said Sharma.
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Patricia Prelock, provost and senior vice president, University of Vermont, and Dr. Sanjay Sharma, dean, Grossman School of Business. Together they commemorated and celebrated the impact of enterprising legacies across the world. The 2023 award winners were:
Family Enterprise Awards
- 1st Generation Family Enterprise: Boot Pro Ski & Sports, presented by Michele Asch, VP leadership and organizational development, Twincraft Skincare. Boot Pro Ski & Sports, a full-service ski and bike shop located in Ludlow, Vermont. Founded on the importance of well-fitting ski boots, co-owner Shon Racicot has been passionate about finding the perfect fit since his start in the industry in 1985.
- Multi-Generation Family Enterprise: Clear Water Filtration, presented by Roger Brown, co-founder, Slopeside Syrup & UnTapped LLC. Clear Water Filtration is a second-generation full-service water treatment company based out of Waitsfield, Vermont. This family-owned and operated company provides high-tech expertise and results-focused water treatment equipment and systems to a range of customers with an unmatched focus on excellence.
- Multi-Generation Global Enterprise: Jaipur Rugs, presented by Molly Heaney, corporate board director, JM Huber Corporation. Founded on the values of love and kindness in 1978, Jaipur Rugs has re-energized the ancient art of carpet weaving to bring beautifully designed handcrafted rugs around the world. Working in collaboration with global and local designers and over 40,000 artisans, this second-generation family enterprise brings artful rugs to customers in more than 90 countries.
Vermont Legacy Enterprise Award
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Casella Waste Systems, Inc., presented by Dita Sharma, was recognized for its outstanding and long-lasting success and commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions to waste management. Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is among the largest recyclers and fully integrated resource management companies in the eastern United States today. Founded in 1975 as a single truck collection service and headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, Casella now employs more than 4,200 people and provides solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling, and organics services to more than one million residential, commercial, municipal, institutional, and industrial customers and professional resource management services in more than 40 states.
“Since the inception of these awards in 2012, we have celebrated 46 inspiring enterprises. This year's winners exemplify innovative companies aligned with our school’s commitment to sustainability and successful transition to the next generation of responsible business leaders,” added Dean Sanjay Sharma.
Nominations for the 2024 Vermont Legacy and Family Enterprise Awards are now open. Learn more about the Grossman School of Business Family Business Initiative where family enterprise, entrepreneurship, and sustainability meet.