2018 Best Places to Work in Vermont
The employee interviews, company rankings and profiles for the 2018 Best Places to Work in Vermont awards.
LINK TO PHOTOS
2018 Best Places to work in Vermont winners
in alphabetical order are:
SMALL Companies (15 - 99 employees)
Adam Hergenrother Companies
Catamount Solar
*Champlain Housing Trust
*Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty
Co-operative Insurance Companies
*Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations
Countryside Alarm Inc.
Fuse, LLC
Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP
Heritage Aviation
*Hickok & Boardman
*Hickok & Boardman Financial Planning & HR Intelligence
*Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, Inc.
*NuHarbor Security
Pomerleau Real Estate
University of Vermont Foundation
Vermont Housing Finance Agency
**Vermont Oxford Network
*Vermont Systems, Inc.
Wild Apple
MEDIUM Companies (100 - 249 employees)
ASIC North Inc.
*Chroma Technology
*D.E.W. Construction Corp.
Heritage Family Credit Union
*Johnson Lambert LLP
*New Chapter Incorporated
Nokian Tyres, Inc.
NorthCountry Federal Credit Union
NRG Systems, Inc.
Okemo Mountain Resort
*Rhino Foods, Inc
SymQuest
The Richards Group
Union Mutual
Vermont College of Fine Arts
VSECU
LARGE Companies (250 or more employees)
A.N. Deringer, Inc.
City Market, Onion River Co-op
Comcast - Western New England Region
Crowe Horwath LLP
Edward Jones
King Arthur Flour
Lord Sensing - MicroStrain
Marathon Health, LLC
*Mascoma Bank
Southwestern Vermont Health Care
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Vermont Mutual Insurance Group
VHB
VIP
*New to list 2018
**New to list
Company Descriptions
SMALL COMPANIES (15 - 99 Employees)
1) Pomerleau Real Estate
Since its founding in 1951, Pomerleau Real Estate has become Vermont's leader in full-service commercial real estate. Headquartered in the historic Follett House on Burlington's beautiful waterfront, Pomerleau is one of the largest owners and managers of commercial property in the state, with over two million square feet of warehouse, office and retail space. Pomerleau's expertise extends to project development as well, including construction of Class A and medical office space, new warehouse and industrial facilities, retail and medical centers, and fully-planned residential communities. Their experience, market intelligence, connections and professionalism are well-known throughout New England. For over 60 years, the Pomerleau name has guaranteed unparalleled service and a deep commitment to their clients. Put their experience to work for you. Employees love going to the Lake Mansfield Trout Club each year for one and a half days, with family style meals, hiking, fishing, boating and team building facilitators.
2) Vermont Housing Finance Agency
VHFA's mission is to finance and promote affordable, safe and decent housing opportunities for low and moderate income Vermonters. They provide access to low-cost, flexible, innovative programs for individuals in need of affordable mortgage financing. The impact of VHFA's work is to stimulate development, financing and preservation of affordable housing, including rental and home ownership and to encourage mechanisms to ensure that housing remains perpetually affordable. Their goal is to create and sustain a workplace conductive to attracting and retaining quality staff. Additionally, VHFA maintains a sound fiscal structure and meets all fiduciary requirements in a professional manner. They work in partnership with state government, municipalities and the private sector to encourage and support quality planning for affordable housing. VHFA addresses the special needs of Vermonters who have disabilities or require supportive services or are homeless. VHFA heightens the general awareness of housing needs for low and moderate income Vermonters, particularly with groups who can have an impact on the production of such housing, including the legislature, community officials and the business community.
3) Hickok & Boardman Financial Planning & HR Intelligence
Hickok & Boardman Financial Planning and HR Intelligence is a small organization of highly skilled employees who are passionate about the work they do and the community they live in. With a legacy dating back to 1821, their organization has strong Vermont roots that allow us to understand the history and tradition that make Vermont's business community unique. They are committed to delivering tailored benefit solutions to organizations with thoughtful strategic planning, valuable professional services, and technology-based solutions that result in sustained customer and employee satisfaction. Through initiative and follow through, they help their customers find answers, implement solutions, and anticipate consequences with a portfolio of services that includes employee benefits, compliance and payroll solutions, technology solutions, organizational wellness, corporate retirement plans, and financial services. They offer flexible schedules with an inclusive workplace culture. All employees are eligible for profit sharing.
4) NuHarbor Security
NuHarbor Security, Inc. is an award-winning cybersecurity consulting firm headquartered in Vermont and comprised of CISO's, security leaders, and information risk managers. Their services include security assessment services, security managed services, and security professional services. Their company has been offering security services throughout Vermont and New England since 2012. NuHarbor means a New Understanding of the Harbor, and Harbor is a synonym for someplace safe. Their trusted staff includes nationally recognized security professionals who understand the challenges that their security and risk leaders face today. They help their clients’ design, implement, and sustain information security, compliance, and risk management programs in a way that is purposeful, intelligently integrates security technology, and transparently measures progress toward their desired stage of program maturity. They are also very passionate about bridging the information security and IT security skills gap that they face in their industry today.
5) Co-operative Insurance Companie
Co-op's goal is to provide financial security and protection to residential property owners, farm owners and business owners in Vermont and New Hampshire. Beyond offering a full array of property and casualty insurance products and services, their actions are guided by their core values of integrity, respect, accountability and stewardship. Co-op understands the importance of work/life balance and offer sflexible work arrangements; personal development plans for all employees; exercise equipment; ping pong tables; holiday chair massages and a cash awards bonus program based on employees contributions to special projects or evidence of exceptional work product. Awards have also been given to employees providing exceptional customer service or exhibiting their core values. Over the past sixteen years, they have raised over $255,000 in proceeds from their Wish Kids Golf Classic to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont and they make a substantial annual donation to both the Vermont and New Hampshire food banks.
6) Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty
Headquartered in Burlington, Vermont and offering a real estate center in St. Albans, Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty has a proven track record of providing extraordinary real estate services and cutting-edge technology initiatives to homebuyers and sellers throughout Northwest Vermont. They understand the questions their customers face when making what may be one of their biggest financial decisions. Through their unique marketing and internet strategies, analysis of market trends, and highly skilled agents, one in five sellers and buyers have chosen their agency to represent them. With more than 90 experienced Realtors and staff, they offer a wealth of skills, from marketing luxury homes to assisting professionals relocating in or out of state. They strive to be the trusted source of innovative real estate solutions, creating exceptional experiences for all they serve.
7) Countryside Alarms, Inc.
Countryside Alarm is a Fire & Security Alarm company. Their company is a full service operation from the distribution of products to contractors and alarm companies, to the central station which provides the monitoring. They handle everything in between: Design / Build, Installations, Service and Inspections. Their products are Honeywell, which is American made. They're a family-owned and family-focused company. Countryside Management will help employees during tough times. Countryside provides subsidized quality, secure apartments for employees & families on premises with six acres of green space to play, bike, walk, and even garden, along with in-office training & pays for continued training. The majority of their employees have been taken from low wage jobs and retrained by Countryside for quality wage jobs. Based on employee performance, bonuses are given at the end of the year.
8) Champlain Housing Trust
The Champlain Housing Trust, founded in 1984, is the largest community land trust in the country. Throughout Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties CHT manages 2,200 apartments, stewards 565 owner-occupied homes in its signature shared-equity program, offers homebuyer education and financial fitness counseling, provides services to five housing cooperatives, and offers affordable energy efficiency and housing rehabilitation loans. In 2008, CHT won the prestigious United Nations World Habitat Award, recognizing its innovative, sustainable programs. Employees love the Thanksgiving potluck dinner; their great health insurance plan; the holiday party; books and beer discussions and the CHT Pond Hockey and softball teams. Some of their community service initiatives include the United Way Campaign, aiming for 100% staff participation; Green Up Day, picking up trash and planting flowers and community gardens.
9) Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations
Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling and Walking vacations is an award-winning, Vermont-based active travel company. They offer deluxe, small-group bicycling and walking tours worldwide at a variety of different levels and paces. Their unique adventures and insider access bring the beating heart of a destination to life with well-crafted itineraries for Guided Bicycling, Guided Walking and Self-Guided Walking. All of their trips highlight superb cuisine, fine, authentic accommodations and immersive cultural and natural experiences. With knowledgeable local guides, off-the-beaten-track discoveries, and all-inclusive itineraries, they provide unforgettable vacations that invigorate and engage. They design their trips to exhilarate you, not to wear you out, and they tailor each of their tours to engage all the senses. They also introduce you to local luminaries, teach you a bit of the language, provide historical background, and help you truly experience regional life and culture. Positively impacting people's lives through active travel experiences is what they’re all about!
10) Fuse, LLC
Founded in 1995, Fuse specializes in teen, young adult and millennial marketing. For twenty years, they’ve helped some of the most admired brands in the world reach a mass audience while developing credibility within youth culture. Fuse services include Consumer Insights, Brand Strategy, Social Media, Experiential Marketing, Public Relations, and Creative. Select current & past clients include: Gatorade; Mountain Dew; Amazon Student; Dick's Sporting Goods; Kraft; Jack Link's Beef Jerky; Harley Davidson; Burton Snowboards; Harvard, and Middlebury College. Fuse employs a staff of youth marketing experts recruited from leading brands, agencies and universities. The agency's culture is creative and energetic; and it has progressive benefits and practices that foster a positive and balanced working environment. Fuse has been named to Inc.com’s Inc. 5000 list, Promo Magazine’s Top Agency List and Sports Business Journal’s Top 20 Agency List. Fuse also received Event Marketer Magazine’s Grand Ex Award for the best overall event marketing campaign, PRSA award for digital PR and the Bulldog Reporter Award for PR.
11) Adam Hergenrother Companies
Adam Hergenrother Companies are comprised of KW Vermont, Hergenrother Realty Group, BlackRock Construction, Adam Hergenrother Training Organization, and Hergenrother Foundation. Adam Hergenrother Companies is a powerhouse connector - matching talent with opportunities, the community with resources, clients with Realtors, investors with projects, and goals with training and education. Through strategic business consulting and consistent accountability, Adam Hergenrother Companies empowers the leaders of today to develop the leaders of tomorrow. With a focus on real estate, construction management, development, and leadership and business coaching and training, Adam Hergenrother Companies are building leaders and businesses worldwide. Employees enjoy monthly company activities such as: Thanksgiving potluck, Murder Mystery night, Halloween party, Mardi Gras float, Cinco De Mayo celebration, running club, book club, Santa Run, Lunch & Learns, relaxation techniques and introduction to meditation.
12) Hickok & Boardman
Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group offers Property & Casualty Insurance, Risk Management and Loss Control Services. Hickok & Boardman employees volunteer in their communities; participate in United Way campaigns (in 2017 they raised $135,000 as a network of companies with Hickok & Boardman Real Estate and Hickok & Boardman Intelligence); enjoy our summer outings and summer flex time; chair massages and on-site yoga classes several times a year. They offer paid time to volunteer within community, the “Here When you Need Us” campaign is an annual volunteer initiative where organizations are selected in each community in which they have an office and each office spends 8 hours doing various volunteer work for that organization. H&B Insurance Group with H&B Real Estate & HBHRIQ each donate a certain amount of money each year to contribute to organizations or individuals in need.
13) University of Vermont Foundation
UVM Foundation fosters relationships with alumni and donors that maximize their personal and philanthropic investment in the University of Vermont, toward the realization of the University's aspiration to remain among the nation's premier small research institutions. They offer an exceptional benefits program with a staff appreciation day and summer family picnic, generous vacation time and free access to UVM fitness center. University of Vermont Foundation recognizes service anniversaries and host an annual peer-determined award to recognize employees who best embody the organizations stated values.
14) Vermont Systems, Inc.
Vermont Systems is an employee owned company that specializes in developing fresh software products for managing recreation and parks operations for municipal, county, state and federal military governmental entities. VSI markets and fully supports this software primarily on a national basis. The software is also marketed to private businesses with similar needs, such as golf courses and fitness centers. Go ESOP! They offer an amazing retirement plan, 100% health, dental & vision premiums paid by VSI for all eligible employees and all eligible dependents; semi-annual bonuses based upon net profit for the prior 6 months. All employees are eligible as long as they were hired more than 3 months prior to the bonus run done in June/Dec each year. They have an on-site fitness center and an on-site health coach, free of charge to employees and provide lunch to all employees on the 1st Monday of each month.
15) Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, Inc.
Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, Inc. is a small educational nonprofit in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Through continuous professional development, they strive to explore new and creative ways to serve the educational needs of their students. These services include support for infants, toddlers, and school-age children, as well as instruction for adults, both young and old. It is their mission to inspire and empower learners, birth and beyond. Employees enjoy an annual employee & volunteer appreciation luncheon and employees’ birthdays are paid floating holidays. They offer flexibility in meeting personal needs with work requirements and wellness activities are open to all staff and students. They host years of service awards; administrative team lunches; learning center wellness activities and holiday lunch gatherings.
16) Gallgher, Flynn & Company, LLP
Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP focuses primarily on providing auditing, accounting and tax services to privately held businesses. In addition, they have niche practices that assist their clients with recruiting, litigation support, business valuations and financial planning. In the summer, the office closes at 2:00 pm on Fridays. They have a 4/15 tax deadline party, as well as a summer outing and holiday party. The company provides flexibility - high level of trust for people to adhere to their personal schedules. They have an annual chili/dessert competition in the fall. During their busy season, senior managers and partners make an elaborate breakfast on Saturdays. Every year they close the office down for one afternoon so that all employees can participate in a community service project deemed important by the Community Service Committee established within the firm. The event concludes with a social hour.
17) Heritage Aviation
Heritage Aviation is an employee-owned company that provides FBO services (aircraft fueling, deicing, hangar, and other related services) and aircraft maintenance. They practice open-book management so employees can learn and understand their financials and have a stake in the outcome. They have a monthly "All Hands" meeting where they review the prior month's financials and forecast the next month or quarter. They have an ESOP plan (Employee Stock Ownership Plan); a holiday party; a wellness program and contests throughout the year (art contest, "Biggest Loser" weight loss challenge, etc.). All employees, regardless of time with the company, are eligible for their bonus program. If the Company can meet or exceed financial goals set at the beginning of the year, employees are eligible to receive bonuses, earning up to 15% of their annual compensation.
18) Catamount Solar
Catamount Solar designs, installs and services all types and sizes of solar power systems. Employees benefit from an annual company excursion to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox play; $1000 employee-owner directed charitable donations; annual bonuses for employees, profit shares for employee-owners; barbeques; happy hours; an annual company retreat; company holiday parties and employee ownership. Catamount Solar is a workers’ cooperative where employees can become owners. Some of their community service initiatives include helping the Vermont Food Bank where they sent installers to fill backpacks; they’ve made multiple monetary donations to the Randolph Area Food Shelf and also recently built a large, walk-in cold storage unit. Last year Catamount Solar donated more than $80,000 to community groups who responded to their call for community grants from the company.
19) Vermont Oxford Network
Vermont Oxford Network (VON) supports and facilitates research, education, and quality improvement to improve the safety and value of medical care for newborn infants and their families. Members use up-to-date, confidential information from the world’s largest and most comprehensive databases of high-risk infant data to benchmark their practices and outcomes and identify areas for improvement. Individuals and teams from NICUs and hospitals from around the world address critical challenges of newborn care with evidence-based quality improvement methods guided by VON expert faculty and resources. All employees are eligible for bonuses. They have yearly cash bonuses that are based on merit from yearly reviews. Typically full time employees receive $1,000. They have free parking in provided lots, free coffee and tea and have donated to Doctor's Without Boarders and to Puerto Rico relief.
20) Wild Apple
Wild Apple finds, creates, adapts, publishes and licenses trend current art for manufacturers of home décor. Wild Apple provides fine art posters and wall décor to the home furnishings market, and licenses artwork to leading manufacturers of home furnishings, stationery and gift products. For customers who need a constant stream of innovative, affordable, and on-trend artwork, they provide a continuous source of researched and edited art, with quick turnaround and reliable customer service. There are millions of images available on the internet and elsewhere; their customers rely on them to "curate" selections that are right for today's mainstream market. It requires them to continually search the world for art & artists, to collaborate with their talented artists, and to always be on top of current trends, styles, and themes. They offer a generous benefit package; generous paid time off and have a “Family first” environment where they support and provide flexible schedules in order to accommodate personal and family needs.
MEDIUM COMPANIES (100 - 249 Employees)
1) Johnson Lambert, LLP
Johnson Lambert LLP is a niche-focused CPA firm that provides audit, tax, and business advisory services to a nationwide client base of insurance entities, nonprofits, and employee benefit plans. Founded in 1986 with the purpose of serving distinct industry groups, the firm has grown to eight offices and over 180 professionals, including 31 partners and principals. Their mission is to provide the highest quality audit, tax, and advisory services within the distinct industry markets they serve, and to earn their clients’ trust as a valued business partner. Furthermore, Johnson Lambert strives to be the choice employer for their profession’s most innovative and dedicated talent. Employees enjoy summer hours with half-day Fridays; holiday parties; flexible work arrangements; 25 days of vacation each year with 2 additional PTO days for volunteer work, and paid holidays.
2) ASIC North, Inc.
ASIC North, Inc. was established in 2000 with one purpose in mind: deliver the highest quality design services possible. In an industry that can be quite volatile at times, it is important to have a partner you can depend on to deliver the skills you need when you need them. ASIC North provides comprehensive ASIC solutions from team augmentation to turnkey design, including supply chain management. They bring together expert logic and circuit designers to provide highly skilled design services to the electronics industry. ASIC North makes chips happen with attention to detail and unrivaled commitment. Today, ASIC North is enabling high tech industry leaders and startups alike with a combination of digital, analog and mixed signal design capabilities. Employees enjoy outstanding benefits, like 100% employer paid health, dental, disability, basic life premiums and generous employer 401k contributions; company sponsored events: employee and family events, volunteer events, wellness related events; and flexible work hours.
3) NorthCountry Federal Credit Union
In 1950, a group of employees at General Electric in Burlington, Vermont organized the credit union so they could borrow and lend to each other at better-than-market rates. Near the end of 2001, they opened their doors to anyone who resides, works, goes to school, or practices religion in Vermont’s ten northern counties. In addition to serving its members, NorthCountry Federal Credit Union supports non-profits that make Vermont a better place to live, work, learn, and play. They have grown into one of Vermont’s largest and most innovative credit unions, and their commitment to providing people with the best possible value and experience has stayed true. Members benefit from higher returns on savings, lower rates on loans, and fewer fees on average. The credit union is service-driven (not profit-driven) and exists for the benefit of its members by providing savings, credit, and other financial services.
4) Vermont College of Fine Arts
Anchored on its historic campus in Montpelier, Vermont, VCFA is a global community of artists continuously redefining what it means to be an arts college. They measure their success by their ability to foster the excellence of emerging and established practitioners. They believe that the arts are central to the human experience and have the ability not only to reflect reality but also to create it. Students come to VCFA for their rigorous course of study, their emphasis on the creative process, and to work closely with their award-winning faculty members who advance and inspire their work. Nationally acclaimed and built on an integrated approach, VCFA offers seven low-residency programs and one residential program. As the only college devoted exclusively to graduate fine arts education, VCFA, nestled on a hill overlooking picturesque Montpelier, offers artists and writers a transformative and progressive educational experience through its acclaimed MFA programs and a unique MAT/MA program in Art & Design Education.
5) Union Mutual
Located in the Green Mountains of central Vermont and first established in 1974, Union Mutual has been providing quality insurance products for over 140 years. Operating through their extensive network of independent insurance agents, the Company takes great pride in focusing on outstanding service and treating others as they would like to be treated. Their business philosophy and culture is one that strives to treat all of their business partners with the highest level of fairness, integrity and respect. As a regional mutual insurance company, they are continually focusing on their long-term relationships with their policyholders, their agents, and their employees. As a mutual insurer, they are owned by their policyholders and are not drive by shareholders or short term solutions to long term problems. Given the many changes in the financial services industry, Union Mutual is committed to continue its culture of friendly, personal service.
6) New Chapter Incorporated
New Chapter formulates and delivers a comprehensive suite of premium vitamins, herbal supplements, fish oil, mushrooms and booster powders that address health priorities and concerns for millions of consumers. They believe Mother Nature provides everything needed to promote optimal health. That's why they take the Wisdom of Nature into consideration when creating their products. Their supplements are created from plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables, oils and mushrooms. They strive to use organic and sustainable ingredients. They also believe in a holistic approach, meaning they focus on the best way to capture the beneficial nourishing qualities of a food. Their ingredient sourcing is top priority. From Wild-Caught Salmon from the protected waters of Alaska to Red Marine Algae from Iceland’s pristine coastline, they go to the ends of Earth to find the perfect ingredients for their vitamins and supplements. For 35 years, they've been honoring natural well-being by nurturing body, soul, and Earth.
7) D.E.W. Construction Corp.
DEW Construction Corp is committed to safety, quality, and ethical business practices, and to providing creative solutions that integrate all aspects of the construction process. They incorporate leading-edge processes, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green building practices. Their construction management procedures deliver forward-thinking collaborative insight, from preconstruction planning to project close-out. Their relationships with customers are driven by a mutual respect and a steadfast commitment to complete every job on budget and on time. Employees enjoy flexible working schedules, generous vacation and leave time policies, company celebrations, community service leave, cookouts and potlucks several times a year and on-site yoga. D.E.W. has a referral bonus, giving incentive money for referring employees who stay with the company for six months, a wellness incentive, with raffles and prizes for participating in program activities and a safety bonuses for contributing positively to safety environment.
8) NRG Systems, Inc.
NRG Systems revolutionized the way wind resource assessment was done over 35 years ago. Today, this heritage of innovation informs everything they do. They are dedicated to designing and manufacturing smart technologies for a more sustainable planet – that means more renewable energy, cleaner air, and a safer environment for all. Their products and services include anemometry and logger systems mounted on a met tower or on a solar farm, turbine control sensors for helping with yaw control, and a variety of remote sensing technologies. These serve multiple stages of wind and solar energy project development and provide tools for a range of atmospheric remote sensing applications. Their customers include electric utilities, turbine OEMs, project developers, research institutes, and government agencies. They are proud to say that, today, their products power two-thirds of all wind farms around the world.
9) SymQuest
Founded in 1996, SymQuest designs, installs, and hosts network infrastructures and printing environments of all sizes. SymQuest's 185 technology professionals are committed to delivering exceptional computer network and document management service. The company's expertise lies in the realm of computers and software applications that help clients gain increases in productivity. SymQuest has developed a national reputation for service excellence and innovation and is ranked Northern New England's #1 managed IT services and copier provider by MSPmentor©. SymQuest was recently acquired by Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A, Inc., a leader in information management focused on enterprise content, technology optimization and cloud services. Employees enjoy summer barbeques; monthly company events; casual attire; Dakin Farm holiday gift baskets; dunk tank for the executive team; wellness lunch and learns; chili cook-offs and an Employee Referral program.
10) Okemo Mountain Resort
They are more than a resort! At Okemo, they’ve got 2,200 vertical feet of positive outlook and it shows. Culture is what they teach. And service with a smile is the linchpin of their philosophy. Every interaction with their guests, on and off the mountain, at the golf courses, Adventure Zone and at the Evolution Bike Park, is an opportunity to turn a skier, rider, golfer, or recreational enthusiast into a lifelong member of their family. Their employees reflect this attitude by having fun doing what they do best: creating a memorable recreational experience! Okemo has been family owned and operated for over 30 years and is one of the leaders in the North American ski industry. The Mueller family has a philosophy that places the employee experience, guest service and the overall quality of the recreational experience as their top priorities.
11) Rhino Foods, Inc.
Rhino Foods began in 1981 as a small ice cream shop in Vermont, called Chessy's Frozen Custard. The founder, Ted Castle, continues to own and operate the business in Burlington, Vermont employing over 130 people. Rhino proudly produces products for the best ice cream and frozen dessert companies in the world. Rhino Foods is a global leader in the development and manufacture of bakery-style ice cream ingredients. Rhino is known world-wide as the company that created chocolate chip cookie dough for ice cream. The foundation of Rhino's success is built on Ted's unwavering commitment to the company’s purpose: to impact the manner in which business is done. Rhino Foods customers receive large company capabilities with the integrity of small company values. For over 30 years Rhino has produced products that make people smile by combining the spirit of culinary innovation with the building blocks of food science.
12) Chroma Technology
Chroma Technology Corp. is a manufacturer of interference filters for the ultra-violet, visible and near-infrared portions of the spectrum. They produce individual filters, filter sets, and filter accessories. High-volume manufacturing is the core of Chroma’s business. For 20 years they've been major suppliers to the largest microscope manufacturers as well as to providers of light-based instrumentation, such as DNA sequencers, flow cytometers and plate readers. Since its inception, Chroma has partnered with scientists and engineers who need solutions but can’t afford the higher prices their competitors charge for custom work producing prototypes and small quantities. Chroma offers employee ownership, profit sharing and bonuses and employees appreciate the transparency and minimal management. If an employee volunteers time to an organization; Chroma will donate $5 for every hour the employee volunteered to that organization.
13) VSECU
VSECU membership gives you outstanding financial products and services, with safe, simple, convenient products and helpful services to save you money, reach your goals, and support your neighbors to do the same. Empowering members to invest in their futures, and in the present, is their measure of success, because they believe in the power of people. When you join, you’re powering a movement for cooperative finance. As a member, you become an owner, an investor, and a beneficiary of this credit union. Instead of extracting money from the communities, they are reinvesting and re-circulating it in the local economy. It’s how they do business, but it’s also what they live and breathe, because together they’re stronger. As a member of VSECU, each member gains access to products and services designed to meet their financial needs and helps them succeed. The products provided are: savings accounts, checking & debit cards, VGreen Money Market, Certificate of Deposits, IRA Certificates, loan products, business products, vgreen loans and investment services; on-line banking services, mobile banking services, ATMs, bill pay, and apply pay.
14) Heritage Family Credit Union
Heritage Family Credit Union is a not-for-profit, federally chartered cooperative that is owned by its members. That means profits generated go back into the credit union for improvements to services, financial reserves, higher savings rates and lower loan rates. They exist for service to their members, employees, and communities through integrity, compassion and education. Members of Heritage Family have access to a full array of products and services including checking and savings accounts, auto loans, Visa credit cards, mortgage loans, business accounts, mobile banking and much more. Unlike other financial institutions, a credit union is owned and operated by the people it serves, with each member having one vote, regardless of the number of shares held. There are no stockholders to be driven by profit, which makes your credit union different from any other financial institution. Members are united by a common bond of association and democratically operate under credit union regulations.
15) Nokian Tyres, Inc.
Nokian Tyres is the world’s northernmost tire manufacturer. It promotes and facilitates safe driving in demanding conditions. They are the only tire manufacturer to focus on products for demanding conditions and customer requirements. Innovative tires for passenger cars, trucks, and heavy machinery are mainly marketed in areas with snow, forests and challenging driving conditions caused by varying seasons. They develop their products with the goals of sustainable safety and environmental friendliness throughout the product’s entire life cycle. In 2016, the company’s Net sales were approximately EUR 1,4 billion, and it employed 4,400 people at the end of year. The company supplies innovative tires for cars, trucks and special heavy machinery mainly in areas with special challenges for tire performance: snow, forests and harsh driving conditions in different seasons. A member of Nokian Tyres group, the tire chain Vianor operates as a wholesaler and a retailer in Nokian Tyres’ core markets.
16) The Richards Group
The Richards Group is a full-service insurance and financial services firm that provides comprehensive risk management, employee benefits and investment services. At The Richards Group, they work alongside their clients to develop and implement long-range plans to lower their total cost of risk. They protect what their clients value most, whether it is their home, their business, their employee's health or working towards financial independence. To that end, they have four distinct business units that specialize in a range of professional services: personal insurance, commercial insurance and risk management, employee benefits and wealth management. While they have access to many industry leading products, it is their expertise, advocacy, technology and experience that provide the greatest value to their clients. Employees enjoy the Employee Appreciation Day; holiday gifts; employer paid continuing education; a wellness program and a referral bonus.
LARGE COMPANIES (250+ Employees)
1) Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
They're active members of the communities they serve. That's why at Stantec, they always design with community in mind. The Stantec community unites approximately 22,000 employees working in over 400 locations across six continents. They collaborate across disciplines and industries to bring buildings, energy and resource, environmental, and infrastructure projects to life. Their work—engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics, from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning—begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Their local strength, knowledge, and relationships, coupled with their world-class expertise, have allowed them to go anywhere to meet their clients' needs in more creative and personalized ways. With a long-term commitment to the people and places they serve, Stantec has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.
2) Edward Jones
Edward Jones is the nation’s largest financial-services firm in terms of branch offices, with more than 12,300 U.S. locations. Every aspect of their business, from investment types to branch locations, is designed to cater to more than 7 million clients in communities where they live and work. Financial advisors work with clients to understand personal goals, from college savings to retirement, and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. They embrace the importance of building long-term face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today. The typical Edward Jones branch has one financial advisor and one branch office administrator serving clients in neighborhoods where they live and work. They pay expenses, install technology and provide all the training and support needed to succeed.
3) Crowe Horwath, LLP
Crowe Horwath LLP is one of the largest public accounting, consulting and technology firms in the United States. Crowe uses its deep industry expertise to provide audit services to public and private entities while also helping clients reach their goals with tax, advisory, risk and performance services. Crowe is recognized by many organizations as one of the country's best places to work. Crowe serves clients worldwide as an independent member of Crowe Horwath International, one of the largest global accounting networks in the world. The network consists of more than 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in more than 130 countries around the world. Their “Where to Work” policy allows their people to work where it’s most convenient for them and where they will be most productive given the nature of their work– whether that’s in the office, at home or from another remote location and also allows for a more relaxed dress code.
4) VHB
Their professionals include engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Together, they work to improve mobility, enhance communities, and balance development and infrastructure needs with environmental stewardship. Employees enjoy wellness programs (pedometer challenge, "runch", bike challenge, weight loss challenge, etc.); bagel Fridays; holiday parties; summer barbeques and non-traditional Thanksgiving potlucks. Their annual profit sharing is distributed at year end to all employees, with allocation based on overall company and individual performance. VHB supports employee attendance at job-related conferences and seminars and encourages participation in professional/technical societies or professional organizations, and will pay annual membership fees. VHB pays annual licensing fees for professional engineering, surveying, geologist and landscape architecture staff.
5) Mascoma Bank
Mascoma Bank is a mutually owned community bank that was founded in 1899. With no shareholders to please, they are committed to remaining independent and re-investing profits in their community. They offer a variety of personal and commercial products and services to their customers (deposit accounts, loans, wealth management services, insurance products, electronic banking, etc.), and competitive pay and benefits for their employees. As a newly Certified B Corporation, their vision is to be a force for positive change for their customers, communities, and employees. They offer leadership development programs; generous earned time policy; profit sharing; pet insurance; emergency loans; free financial planning. Their profit sharing program is available to all employees and they have an annual bank-wide meeting to discuss results after an entertaining show directed and performed by their employees! If the bank does well, everyone get a bonus and there are drawings for trips/prizes.
6) LORD Sensing - MicroStrain
MicroStrain® Sensing Systems make tiny sensors and systems that are used in a wide range of applications, including advanced manufacturing, off-highway vehicles, commercial and military manned and unmanned vehicles, civil structures, and down-hole tools. Their sensors have won numerous awards and they pride themselves on being both innovative and responsive to their customer's unique requirements. MicroStrain® Sensing Systems business is based in Williston, Vermont and began in 1987. There is a broader line of micro-displacement sensors that could withstand extreme temperatures, hundreds of millions of cycles, and complete submersion in saline. It was one of the first sensor companies to add wireless capability so that low power, miniature digital sensors could communicate easily with personal computers and send data to the internet. Employees enjoy tuition reimbursement for relevant continuing education; a robust wellness program with financial incentives; "Bagel Friday!" and free coffee all the time. They have a flex-time/ scheduling program; annual paid community service day and generous performance recognition rewards program.
7) Marathon Health, LLC
Marathon Health is an innovative healthcare company that offers employers a solution to rising health care costs while helping them foster a happier, more productive workplace. They bring healthcare—with an emphasis on health--to the worksite so that employees have convenient access to primary care, preventive care, health coaching, management of chronic conditions, occupational health, and Rx dispensing. Marathon Health was founded in 2005 and has grown organically to over 90 customers across the U.S., including private companies in almost every industry sector, as well as cities, counties, school districts and labor unions. In total, they serve more than 300,000 covered lives in 150 locations, with approximately 500 healthcare providers and support staff. What sets them apart is their passion for helping people achieve their healthiest lives. Their dedicated, compassionate providers are trained to care for individuals when they’re sick as well as coach and support them in achieving their overall health goals. The value proposition they offer is that healthy, happy employees cost less and are more productive, leading to better business results.
8) Comcast -- Western New England Region
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and also provides these services to businesses. They also provide wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Comcast's Western New England Region (WNER) is one of Comcast Cable's 15 regions nationally. The WNER extends from the Canadian border to Long Island Sound, and is responsible for providing products and services to residential and business customers in more than 300 communities in Connecticut, Vermont and western Massachusetts, as well as small parts of western New Hampshire and eastern New York.
9) Vermont Mutual Insurance Companies
Vermont Mutual protects individuals and businesses. Their Personal Lines of business include insurance for automobiles, dwelling fire, home owners, inland marine, and umbrella coverage. They also offer Commercial Lines of insurance including: automobile, business-owners, inland marine, and umbrella coverage. Underwriting for these lines of coverage as well as addressing claims for their insurance holders are conducted in-house. They offer company profit sharing for all full-time employees, a casual atmosphere and early release every Friday/flex time. Employee Appreciation events include Ben & Jerry's ice cream freezer, holiday parties, ice cream truck, Halloween costume contest and department parties. They also offer computer reimbursement and health club reimbursement programs, an employee referral program for all full time employees and employee paid time for volunteering events.
10) A.N. Deringer, Inc.
Founded in 1919 by Alfred Neel Deringer, their privately-held corporation employs more than 450 supply chain professionals in North America. As one of the largest, privately held Customs brokers in North America—they rank 5th overall—A.N. Deringer, Inc. helps deliver value to their customers by providing integrated supply chain solutions including: Customs brokerage, international transportation, warehousing and distribution, Customs compliance consulting, and USDA meat inspection. Employees love the wellness program that includes contests and incentives; family-style Thanksgiving and Christmas meals; paid volunteer time and the Deringer Difference program, awarded for performance that is above and beyond expectations, provides employees with gift cards, additional time off, and other incentives. The Deringer Difference program allows employees to reward one another with "Deringer dollars" which can be exchanged for merchandise.
11) VIP
VIP provides software and data solutions for all three tiers of the beverage industry. For beverage distributors, VIP provides route accounting software, warehouse management systems, and mobile applications for sales and delivery. For beverage suppliers, VIP develops software for pricing, sales reporting analytics and customer relations. Their Supplier Reporting Services (SRS) team works with beverage suppliers and brand owners to provide depletion and sales data from their distributors. VIP contributes into their employee ESOP accounts; has on-site partially subsidized child-care and an on-site fitness center with a basketball court and a street hockey rink. There are quarterly wellness challenges, employer provided breakfasts of bagels, fresh fruit, yogurt and granola. The employee “rec room” includes ping pong, foosball and cornhole. Their Community Involvement program pays employees’ registration to participate in events that benefit 501(c)(3) organizations.
12) Southwestern Vermont Health Care
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is a full service community hospital that is part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) and integrated health system serving Bennington and Windham Counties in Vermont, and nearby communities in New York and Massachusetts. In addition to the hospital, SVHC consists of Centers for Living and Rehabilitation (long term care), the SVHC Foundation and the SVMC Northshire, Deerfield and Pownal campuses, SVMC Orthopaedics and SVHC Regional Cancer Center. In addition, in New York, Twin Rivers Medical practice, and in Williamstown, Massachusetts the Northern Berkshire Orthopedics office, it also includes Dartmouth Hitchcock Putnam Physicians, a multi-specialty medical group operated in partnership with Dartmouth Hitchcock. SVHC is the parent company for Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Vermont's first hospital to be recognized as a Magnet for nursing excellence, having now four designations. SVHC exists to provide exceptional health care and comfort to the people they serve.
13) King Arthur Flour
King Arthur Flour is America’s oldest flour company, founded in Boston in 1790 to provide premium, high-quality flour. Dedicated to spreading the joy of baking, King Arthur sells flour and mixes in supermarkets nationwide. But that’s just a start. They offer ingredients, tools, pans, kitchenware, and recipes in their Baker’s Catalogue and on their website. And as an equally important part of what they do, they teach people how to bake! They have baking schools in Vermont and Washington, and they run a Bake for Good Program, aimed at teaching middle school students how to bake bread and share it in their local community. Their bottom line? Working hard every day to sustain King Arthur Flour’s legacy as America’s premier baking resource. The company's high-quality flours, mixes, and ingredients are available in supermarkets nationwide and online. More than 3,500 tested and trusted baking tools, ingredients, and recipes are available online.
14) City Market, Onion River Co-op
City Market, Onion River Co-op, is a 16,000 sq. ft. community-owned food cooperative and is Burlington’s only downtown grocery store. City Market provides a critical service to the residents of Burlington and the larger community by providing conventional, organic and local products at a fair price to all. Over 4,000 customers pass through their doors each day in search of the quality products offered by City Market. The Co-op is dedicated to supporting the local economy and strengthening the local food system. They work with thousands of Vermont vendors to feature a wide selection of local and Vermont-made products. They are member-owned, so the profits generated by Co-op members are returned to their members in profitable years through their Patronage Refund program. Employees enjoy a generous and flexible time off policy; great health care and as a mission-driven, community-oriented business, they offer employees a sense of purpose and inclusion in the pursuit of shared goals.