From left to right, VBM editor John Boutin, Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop, Lawson’s Finest Liquids co-owners Karen and Sean Lawson, and Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray. Photos by Photography Jeremy Baldwin, Colchester.

Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce announced that Lawson’s best liquids as the recipient of the prestigious and highly anticipated Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award, 2020.

This annual award honors a Vermont company that displays an exceptional history of sustained growth while displaying a keen awareness of what makes Vermont unique. The award, named in honor of the former governor of Vermont, was established 30 years ago by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce to recognize and honor the best companies in the state.

“Lawson’s best liquids has shown great merit for the Deane C. Davis Award. Like Davis himself, a former governor, president of National Life of Vermont and environmentalist, Lawson’s best liquids reflects the diverse nature of Vermont and, at the same time, exudes a business acumen and is a leader in the growing Vermont craft brewing industry, ”commented John Boutin, editor 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, their community investment and the care with which they approach their employees and the growth of their business. Many large Vermont companies were nominated this year. Lawson’s Finest stood out, even among a group of accomplished applicants. Congratulations to Lawson’s Finest Liquids for receiving this well deserved award, ”said Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Co-owners Karen and Sean Lawson. Photos by Photography Jeremy Baldwin, Colchester.

At the reception of the award at a special ceremony held in Waterbury on June 21^st, said co-owner Karen Lawson, “We are honored to receive the Outstanding Vermont Business of 2020 award! It is humiliating to be recognized for this honor among many esteemed recipients. Since our founding in 2008, we have remained committed to ensuring vibrant communities – starting with our people, our neighbors and our environment through our employment practices and our values-based business ethics. We are proud to continue Deane C. Davis’ legacy of community vitality through our Social Impact Program which provides donations to nonprofit organizations in Vermont that support food and economic security, protection of sustainable environment and recreation. Congratulations to our fellow finalists – Healthy Living Market and Union Mutual Insurance – and thank you kindly Vermont Business Magazine, Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the jury for this prestigious award. Special recognition 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 windy Monday afternoon at Dascomb Rowe Lodge in Waterbury.

The best of Lawson is guided by its five pillars – Excellence, Authenticity, Pleasure, Community and Innovation. These values ​​are represented in the quality of their products, their work culture, their customer experience and their philanthropy. They carry the torch in the craft beer industry to ensure that their beer is fresh, has exceptional flavor quality, and is consistent from batch to batch.

Their current taproom business model allows them to tap into the generosity of their guests through their donation program. The Sunshine Fund helps local communities thrive and is at the heart of the Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program (SIP), designed to help nonprofits that support the people and the environment in their state.

Sean and Karen Lawson’s Great Place to Work initiative is committed to ensuring the sustainability and security of their workforce through living wages and generous benefits. In 2020, they added a wellness benefit that reimburses staff for expenses that promote health and wellness. In 2021, they plan to add a paid family leave benefit.

The best of Lawson is committed to continuously innovating and investing in efficiency, while taking steps to green its beer production process and minimize their impact in a resource-intensive manufacturing business. The best of Lawson also built a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility and implemented extensive side discharge efforts to remove solids and organic loads from their wastewater stream.

Vermont Business Magazine is the state’s most respected economic publication. Since 1972, Vermont Business Magazine has published state-wide business news, economic and political news and commentary, business and individual profiles, data, analysis and statistics.

The Vermont Room is tThe largest private non-profit business organization in the state, they represent all sectors of the state business community. Its mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of Vermont’s quality of life.

Waterbury, Vermont (June 22, 2021) – Vermont Business Magazine