Union Mutual Named 2024 Outstanding Business of the Year

Image of the Union Mutual Logo with an image a torchbearer's lamp and the slogan "Live life well protected" written below "Union Mutual."

Ā VermontBizĀ and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announceĀ Union Mutual Insurance CompanyĀ as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Business of the Year Award. The award will be presented to Union Mutual at the opening session of theĀ Vermont Economic ConferenceĀ on January 28 at the UVM Dudley Davis Center.

A Legacy of Community Commitment

Founded in 1874, Union Mutual has been woven into the fabric of Vermont for more than a century and a half. Throughout its history, the company has combined strong financial performance with a deep sense of social responsibility, supporting a range of community initiatives across the region. In 2024 alone, Union Mutual employees collectively contributed over 230 volunteer hours to local organizations such as Special Olympics Vermont, Meals on Wheels, and the Vermont Foodbank. Its charitable giving fund also provided financial assistance to dozens of nonprofits, from youth sports programs to healthcare foundations.

ā€œFor 150 years, Union Mutual has strived to be a reliable and forward-thinking partner to our policyholders and our community,ā€ said Lisa Keysar, President & CEO. ā€œReceiving the Outstanding Business of the Year Award is an honor that reflects our team’s enduring commitment to Vermont. We believe deeply in giving back, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring Vermonters can ā€˜live life well protected.ā€™ā€

Union Mutual’s leadership in corporate responsibility is evident in both its environmental initiatives and its employee-focused culture. The company maintains a solar array at its Montpelier headquarters, pursues paperless processes for policyholders, and partners with One Tree Planted for every new paperless policy—underscoring its dedication to sustainability. Internally, Union Mutual offers robust professional development, competitive benefits, and flexible workplace options, helping earn it recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for 11 consecutive years.

ā€œWe have so many outstanding businesses in Vermont that reflect our state’s innovative and community-driven spirit,ā€ said Vermont Chamber President Amy Spear. ā€œUnion Mutual’s longevity, remarkable community impact, and forward-thinking business practices align perfectly with the core values we celebrate in this award.ā€

ā€œFrom its longstanding record of financial stability to its multi-faceted approach to community service, Union Mutual is a wonderful example of how success and responsibility can go hand in hand,ā€ said John Boutin,Ā Publisher of VermontBiz. ā€œThey exemplify the best of what Vermont businesses bring to our communities.ā€

For 35 years, VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present the Outstanding Business of the Year Award, recognizing the state’s most dynamic and community-minded companies.Ā Past winnersĀ represent a who’s who of Vermont businesses, each significantly contributing to the state’s economy and the well-being of its residents.

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OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

[Previously known as the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award]

2023Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  BOURNE’S ENERGY

2022Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  HICKOK & BOARDMAN INSURANCE GROUP

2021Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  HEALTHY LIVING MARKET AND CAFƉ

2020Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  LAWSON’S FINEST LIQUIDS

2019Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  CHROMA TECHNOLOGY CORP.

2018Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER

2017Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  VERMONT MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP

2016Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  MARATHON HEALTH

2015Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  PC CONSTRUCTION

2014Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  CHAMPLAIN CABLE

2013Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  DEALER.COM

2012Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  GW PLASTICS, INC.

2011Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  FOLEY FAMILY OF COMPANIES

2010Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS

2009Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  BIOTEK INSTRUMENTS INC

2008Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  NATIONAL LIFE GROUP

2007Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  SYMQUEST GROUP INC

2006Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  RSG

2005Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  KING ARTHUR FLOUR

2004Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  IDX

2003Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  HUBBARDTON FORGE

2002Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  NRG SYSTEMS

2001Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  WILD APPLE GRAPHICS

2000Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  WAITSFIELD CHAMPLAIN VALLEY TELECOM

1999Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  CABOT CREAMERY

1998Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  VERMONT COUNTRY STORE

1997Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT

1996Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  MACKMOLDING COMPANY

1995Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  VERMONT HEATING & VENTILATING

1994Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS

1993Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  PERRY RESTAURANT GROUP

1992Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  MCKENZIE MEATS

1991Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS

1990Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  WALLACE ENTERPRISE