Nominations Now Open
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Vermont Economic Leadership & Impact Awards. Each year, we recognize individuals whose leadership and service advance Vermont’s economy and strengthen our communities.
Nominations are due March 1.
Citizen of the Year
Honors an outstanding Vermonter who has made significant contributions to the betterment of Vermont and exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership and service.
Above and Beyond Awards
Recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in their profession, industry, or community work, contributing to a more vibrant Vermont. We are proud to bring this award back as part of our continued commitment to elevating impact across the business community.
AWARD FAQ
The Citizen of the Year award recognizes an individual who:
- Made major contributions to the betterment of Vermont
- Been distinguished through outstanding service to their community and region
- Typifies the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice in representing the finest ideals of Vermont citizenship.
The Above and Beyond Award recognizes an individual who:
- Demonstrate excellence and outstanding achievement through initiative, innovation, or creative problem solving.
- Reinforce and elevate the values of their organization through professionalism and dedication.
- Lead with integrity, setting a high personal standard and fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Go above and beyond expectations through perseverance, accountability, and commitment to results.
- Make a meaningful and sustained impact on their industry by sharing knowledge and building strong professional relationships.
Citizen of the Year
Above and Beyond Awards
Nominations are due March 1.
2025 – Major General Gregory Knight
2024 – Tom Dee
2023 – The Leahy Celebration
2022 – Cancelled due to COVID
2021 – Cancelled due to COVID
2020 – Cancelled due to COVID
2019 – Al Gobeille, Gobeille Hospitality Group, Burlington
2018 – Leo O’Brien Jr. and Daniel J. O’Brien, O’Brien Brothers, South Burlington
2017 – Richard W. Schneider, RADM (USCGR) RET., President, Norwich University, Northfield
2016 – William Stritzler, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Jeffersonville
2015 – Janette Bombardier, IBM/GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Essex Junction
2014 – Stephen C. Terry, Vermont Citizen, Middlebury
2013 – U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, United States Senate, Middlesex
2012 – Antonio Pomerleau, Pomerleau Real Estate, Burlington
2011 – Bill Stenger, Jay Peak Resort, Jay
2010 – Governor James H. Douglas, Governor of Vermont, Middlebury
2009 – Ed Colodny, University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington
2008 – Robert Miller, REM Development Corp.
2007 – Kenley D. Squier, RadioVermont, Waterbury
2006 – R. Allan Paul, Co-Founder, Paul Frank + Collins, P.C., Burlington
2005 – U.S. Senator James M. Jeffords, United States Senate, Shrewsbury
2004 – Stephan A. Morse, CEO, Windham Foundation, Grafton
2003 – David R. Coates, EVP & CFO, New England Culinary Institute, Colchester
2002 – The Honorable Barbara W. Snelling, Shelburne
2001 – Diane P. Mueller, Co-Owner and Executive Vice President, Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow
2000 – Francis G.W. Voigt, President & CEO, New England Culinary Institute, Montpelier
1999 – Graham Newell, Latin Instructor, St. Johnsbury Academy
1998 – Robert G. Clarke, President, Vermont Technical College, Randolph
1997 – John T. Ewing, Chair, Vermont State Environmental Board
1996 – Thomas P. Salmon, President of UVM, former Governor of Vermont, Bellows Falls
1995 – Luther “Fred” Hackett, President Hackett Valine & MacDonald, South Burlington
1994 – Martha H. O’Connor, Chair of the State Board of Education, Brattleboro
1993 – Arthur Gibb, Member, State Environmental Board and Former Legislator, Middlebury
1992 – Frederic H. Bertrand, Chairman of the Board & CEO, National Life of Vermont, Montpelier
1991 – Governor Richard A. Snelling, Governor of Vermont, Shelburne
1990 – State Senator Robert T. Gannett, Vermont State Senate, Brattleboro
1989 – U.S. Senator Robert T. Stafford, United States Senate, Rutland
1988 – Henry M. Carris, Carris Reels, Rutland
1987 – Maynard McLaughlin, President Bread Loaf Construction, Middlebury
1986 – Robert W. Mitchell, Publisher, Rutland Daily Herald, Rutland
1985 – Sister Elizabeth Candon, former Secretary of Human Services & President of Trinity College, Burlington
1984 – Louise Swainbank, Former Member Vermont House of Representatives, St. Johnsbury
1983 – Judge Sterry R. Waterman, U.S. District Court, St. Johnsbury
1982 – Hilton A. Wick, President, Chittenden Trust Company, Burlington
1981 – Robert E. Boardman, Treasurer, Hickok & Boardman, Burlington
1980 – Ralph Nading Hill, Senior Editor, Vermont Life Magazine
1979 – J. Wayne Corbeil, General Manager, Raymond S. Roberts Inc.
1978 – Perry Merrill, Commissioner, Vermont Dept. Forest & Parks, Montpelier
1977 William M. Lockwood, Chairman of the Board, Howard Bank, Burlington
1976 – Sheldon Dimick, President, Randolph National Bank, Randolph
1975 – State Senator Keith Wallace, Vermont Senate & President Vermont Farm Bureau, Waterbury
1974 – Madelyn Davidson, Commissioner, Vermont Dept. Employment Security, Montpelier
1973 – Elmer L. Premo, Owner, Redwood Master Hosts Motel, Burlington
1972 – Governor Deane C. Davis, Governor of Vermont, Montpelier
1971 – Bishop Robert F. Joyce, Bishop of Burlington Diocese, Burlington
1970 – Maurice Kelley, Kelley Construction Co., Barre
1969 – C. Douglas Cairns, President, Champlain Oil Co., Burlington
1968 – W. Arthur Simpson, Former Member Vermont House of Representatives, Lyndonville
1967 Elbert G. Moulton, Commissioner, Vermont Development Department, Montpelier
1966 – U.S. Senator George D. Aiken, United States Senate, Putney
1965 – Sepp Ruschp, President, Mt. Mansfield Corp., Stowe
1964 – Albert A. Cree, Chairman & CEO, Central Vermont Public Service Corp., Rutland
SPONSORSHIP
For sponsorship opportunities at the Vermont Economic Leadership & Impact Awards email Jeff Wise, Senior Director of Programming.