An initiative of the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business Family Business Institute, the Vermont Legacy and Family Enterprise Awards take place each year in the fall at the Grossman School of Business. These events celebrate family businesses committed to innovation and sustainability.
2024 Vermont Legacy and Family Enterprise Awards
These annual awards will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Grossman School of Business. Join us in celebrating enterprises that stand out for their innovative practices, corporate governance, and contributions to their communities and industries. We encourage you to nominate a business by May 15, 2024. Nominated businesses should complete the 2024 Application (Document download) by July 5, 2024.
For any questions about these awards, please email us.
A special thank-you to our sponsors, Foley Inc. and the Paquin Family.
Awards Process
Who Can Be Nominated?
Innovative Enterprises in the following categories can be nominated:
- 1st Gen: Start-up or purchased firms with multiple family members in ownership or operations.
- Multi-Gen - Family Enterprise that has completed at least one generational transfer within the family.
- Multi-Gen - Global Enterprise that has completed at least one generational transfer within the family.
- Vermont Legacy Enterprise: Vermont based business recognized for outstanding and long lasting success.
Who Can Nominate?
Nominations can be submitted by the company (self-nominations) or by associated parties.
What is the Judging Criteria?
The judging panel will evaluate the nominations and select the winners based on the following criteria:
- Financial success of the company
- Governance of the enterprise
- Contributions to the community and industry
- Innovative business practices or strategies
Who are the Judging Committee Members?
- Archana Chaudhary of Jairpur Rugs, India | 2023 Multi-Generation Global Family Enterprise Award Winner
- Jen Fleckenstein ('03) of Clear Water Filtration | 2023 Multi-Generation U.S. Family Enterprise Award Winner
- Molly Heaney of J. M. Huber | 2021 Multi-Generation Global Family Enterprise Award Winner
- Paul Ligon ('90) of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. | 2023 Vermont Legacy Award Winner
- Alex Racicot ('85) of The Boot Pro Ski & Sports | 2023 First Generation Family Enterprise Award Winner
- Steve Schlesinger ('83) of Sago | 2016 Multi-Gen Global Family Enterprise Award Winner
- Pramodita Sharma, Professor and Schlesinger-Grossman Chair of Family Business at UVM Grossman School of Business (non-voting chair)
Nominate a business
Nominate yourself or another business that you admire. Innovative enterprises in the following categories can be nominated: 1st Gen, Multi-Gen Family Enterprise, Multi-Gen Global Enterprise, and The Vermont Legacy Enterprise.
Nominate a Business for the 2024 Awards