VHV Company is honored to be recognized as the 2026 Business of the Year by the Lake
Champlain Chamber at the 115th Annual Gala held at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake
Champlain.
The Lake Champlain Chamber is the largest business organization in Vermont,
representing over 1,000 businesses throughout the state. LCC serves as a voice for
Vermont communities to advocate for economic opportunities and help influence policy
regulation at the local, state, and even federal level. They are committed to strengthening
local communities through their initiatives to seek economic opportunities for all,
celebrate business ownership and entrepreneurship, promote robust and diversified visitor
economies, cultivate community leadership, and nurture emerging talent.
The 115th Annual Gala brought together over 300 business leaders, organizations, and
community members across Northwest Vermont to celebrate the individuals and
businesses who are shaping the future of Vermont. Attendees had the opportunity to
network with local leaders, celebrate accomplishments of fellow organizations, and reflect
on the strength and collaboration that continues to drive Vermont businesses forward. For
the VHV team, it was especially meaningful to celebrate alongside longtime partners and
clients who have supported our company through the years.
For the VHV team, it was especially meaningful to celebrate among longtime partners and
clients who have supported our company through the years. Construction Operations
Manager, Michaela O’Brien shared how meaningful it was to experience the evening as a
newer member of the team.
“Being newer to the VHV team, the gala was a great opportunity to celebrate the
people who helped earn this recognition and to see firsthand the pride everyone has
in the company. It was a fun team bonding experience, but also a really meaningful
reminder of the kind of company VHV is and the standard this team continues to
set. I’m proud to be part of it and excited for everything still ahead.”
We are also incredibly grateful for our long-standing relationship with the Lake Champlain Chamber. Over the years they have been a valued partner and supporter of VHV, consistently championing local businesses and workforce development initiatives throughout the region. Their team has supported our events, and we deeply appreciate their continued partnership and commitment to Vermont businesses. Receiving this recognition from an organization we respect so greatly makes the honor even more meaningful.
VHV Company President Thomas Dacres reflected on our history, growth, and the people who shape our future during his speech at the gala. “This award belongs to our entire team, who show up every day knowing and doing what’s right, committed to improvement, and taking care of each other… and our customers.” He continued by talking about our journey “from a small garage right here on pine street in Burlington as a two-person operation..” to today, “a 100% employee-owned company with over 200 employee owners,” while highlighting the companies continued commitment to workforce development and community impact.
VHV was lucky enough to invite 11 of our employee owners to the Gala to receive the award
in person including our leadership team along with other contributors to our company. The
team was able to receive the award on stage and even say a few words about how
important it is to us. Beyond receiving the award itself, the gala served as a reminder of the
strong relationships and sense of community that continues to shape Vermont’s
businesses. Erica Peet, Safety Manager at VHV Company, reflects on what the recognition
meant to her and the team.
“It was such an honor to see VHV recognized as Business of the Year at this year’s Lake Champlain Chamber Gala,” said Peet. “Seeing first-hand how hard our employee-owners work day to day, and being so proud of the company I work for, it was incredibly rewarding to see those efforts recognized by our community.
Being invited to attend the event and accept the award alongside my fellow
employee-owners made the evening even more meaningful,” she continued. “It was a proud moment to represent VHV among so many respected local businesses, partners, and community leaders that we value and work alongside. This recognition truly reflects the dedication, teamwork, and commitment that our employees bring to VHV each and every day.”
The recognition also highlighted the employee-owned culture that has helped define VHV.
Cheri DeForge, our CFO, reflected on how the recognition represents the entire organization.
“This award is especially meaningful because it belongs to every employee-owner at
VHV. Being recognized as Business of the Year reflects the dedication of our team
and the culture we’ve built together, one grounded in accountability, collaboration,
and long-term commitment to our customers and our community.”
Service Operations Manager Rob Ward also reflected on the significance of the evening and what the award represents for the company.
“Receiving the Business of the Year award from the Lake Champlain Chamber was an incredibly proud moment for all of us at VHV,” Ward said. “As an employee-owner of a 77-year-old company, it was especially meaningful to celebrate this recognition alongside others who have helped shape our success over the years.
The gala was exceptionally well done, and having our company recognized with the evening’s final award made the moment even more memorable,” he added. “This honor reflects the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our entire team and the strong relationships we’ve built within our community.”
The gala was a great opportunity to reflect on the culture that continues to drive VHV forward everyday. HR Manager Melinda Friedlander also spoke about what the evening meant to her personally and professionally.
“I was so proud to attend the Gala with the VHV team. It is wonderful to be part of VHV and the culture we have built. To be honored like this has truly been a moment I have dreamed of throughout my career. We will continue to grow our team and I hope to see a future filled with celebrations like this one.”
Receiving this recognition from the Lake Champlain Chamber is an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone for all of us at VHV Company. More than anything, the award reflects the people behind our success; the employee owners, clients, partners, and community members who have continued to support us for the past 77 years. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building strong relationships and investing in our workforce. We will continue supporting our communities and delivering the high level of service and craftmanship that has defined VHV for generations. We are grateful to celebrate this achievement together and look forward to what the future holds.
