2020 Winner | Lawson's Finest Liquids
Pictured: John Boutin, Publisher of Vermont Business Magazine; Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce; Karen and Sean Lawson, Lawson's Finest Liquids and Lt. Governor Molly Gray. Photos by Baldwin Photography.
Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce have announced that Lawson’s Finest Liquids as the winner of the prestigious and highly anticipated Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award, 2020.
This annual award honors a Vermont business that shows an outstanding history of sustained growth while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique. The award, named for the former governor of Vermont, was created 30 years ago by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce to recognize and honor the state’s best companies.
“Lawson’s Finest Liquids has shown great merit for the Deane C. Davis Award. Like Davis himself—former governor, president of National Life of Vermont, and environmentalist— Lawson’s Finest Liquids reflects Vermont’s diverse nature and, at the same time, radiates a savvy business sense and is a leader in the ever-growing Vermont craft brew industry” commented John Boutin, Publisher of Vermont Business Magazine.
“It is an honor to present Lawson’s Finest Liquids with this year’s prestigious Deane C. Davis Award. Lawson’s Finest embodies the Vermont values that make our businesses exceptional, through their environmental commitment, community investment, and the care with which they approach their employees and business growth. Many great Vermont businesses were nominated this year. Lawson’s Finest stood out, even in a pool of accomplished nominees. Congratulations to Lawson’s Finest Liquids on their well-deserved receipt of this award,” said Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Pictured: Co-Owners, Karen and Sean Lawson, Lawson's Finest Liquids and Lt. Governor Molly Gray. Photos by Baldwin Photography.
On receiving the award at a special ceremony held in Waterbury on June 21st, Co-Owner Karen Lawson said, “We are honored to be awarded the Outstanding Vermont Business of 2020! It is humbling to be recognized for this honor among many esteemed prior winners. Since our founding in 2008 we have remained committed to ensuring vibrant communities – starting with our staff, our neighbors and our environment through our employment practices and values-based business ethos. We are proud to continue Deane C. Davis’ legacy of community vitality through our Social Impact Program which provides donations to Vermont nonprofits that support food and economic security, environmental protection and sustainable recreation. Congratulations to our fellow finalists - Healthy Living Market and Union Mutual Insurance – and thank you kindly to Vermont Business Magazine, Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the judges’ panel for this prestigious award. A special appreciation goes to our employees who make us shine every day with world class beer and service.”
The award was presented by Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray on a hot and breezy Monday afternoon at Waterbury’s Dascomb Rowe Pavilion.
Lawson’s Finest is guided by their five Pillars - Excellence, Authenticity, Fun, Community and Innovation. These values are represented in their product quality, work culture, guest experience and philanthropy. They are torchbearers in the craft beer industry to ensure their beer is fresh, has exceptional flavor quality, and is consistent from batch to batch.
Their current taproom business model allows them to harness the generosity of their guests through their donation program. The Sunshine Fund helps local communities thrive and is the heart of the Lawson's Finest Social Impact Program (SIP), designed to assist nonprofits that support the people and environment of their state.
Sean and Karen Lawson’s Great Place to Work initiative has made a commitment to providing sustainability and security to their workforce through living wages and generous benefits. In 2020 they added a wellness Benefit which reimburses staff for expenses that promote health and well-being. In 2021 they are planning to add a Paid Family Leave benefit.
Lawson’s Finest is committed to continual innovation and investment in efficiency, while taking steps to green-up its beer production process and minimize their impact in a resource-intensive manufacturing business. Lawson’s Finest also constructed a new, state of the art wastewater treatment facility and implemented extensive side-streaming efforts to remove solids and organic loads from their wastewater stream.
Vermont Business Magazine is the state's most respected business publication. Since 1972, Vermont Business Magazine has published statewide business news, economic and political news and commentary, business and individual profiles, data, analysis and statistics.
The Vermont Chamber is the largest statewide, private, not-for-profit business organization, they represent every sector of the state’s business community. Its mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.
Waterbury, VT (June 22, 2021) – Vermont Business Magazine