Union Mutual Named 2024 Outstanding Business of the Year
VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce Union Mutual Insurance Company as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Business of the Year Award. The award will be presented to Union Mutual at the opening session of the Vermont Economic Conference on January 28 at the UVM Dudley Davis Center.
A Legacy of Community Commitment
Founded in 1874, Union Mutual has been woven into the fabric of Vermont for more than a century and a half. Throughout its history, the company has combined strong financial performance with a deep sense of social responsibility, supporting a range of community initiatives across the region. In 2024 alone, Union Mutual employees collectively contributed over 230 volunteer hours to local organizations such as Special Olympics Vermont, Meals on Wheels, and the Vermont Foodbank. Its charitable giving fund also provided financial assistance to dozens of nonprofits, from youth sports programs to healthcare foundations.
“For 150 years, Union Mutual has strived to be a reliable and forward-thinking partner to our policyholders and our community,” said Lisa Keysar, President & CEO. “Receiving the Outstanding Business of the Year Award is an honor that reflects our team’s enduring commitment to Vermont. We believe deeply in giving back, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring Vermonters can ‘live life well protected.’”
Union Mutual’s leadership in corporate responsibility is evident in both its environmental initiatives and its employee-focused culture. The company maintains a solar array at its Montpelier headquarters, pursues paperless processes for policyholders, and partners with One Tree Planted for every new paperless policy—underscoring its dedication to sustainability. Internally, Union Mutual offers robust professional development, competitive benefits, and flexible workplace options, helping earn it recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for 11 consecutive years.
“We have so many outstanding businesses in Vermont that reflect our state’s innovative and community-driven spirit,” said Vermont Chamber President Amy Spear. “Union Mutual’s longevity, remarkable community impact, and forward-thinking business practices align perfectly with the core values we celebrate in this award.”
“From its longstanding record of financial stability to its multi-faceted approach to community service, Union Mutual is a wonderful example of how success and responsibility can go hand in hand,” said John Boutin, Publisher of VermontBiz. “They exemplify the best of what Vermont businesses bring to our communities.”
For 35 years, VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present the Outstanding Business of the Year Award, recognizing the state’s most dynamic and community-minded companies. Past winners represent a who’s who of Vermont businesses, each significantly contributing to the state’s economy and the well-being of its residents.
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OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
[Previously known as the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award]
2023 BOURNE’S ENERGY
2022 HICKOK & BOARDMAN INSURANCE GROUP
2021 HEALTHY LIVING MARKET AND CAFÉ
2020 LAWSON’S FINEST LIQUIDS
2019 CHROMA TECHNOLOGY CORP.
2018 GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER
2017 VERMONT MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP
2016 MARATHON HEALTH
2015 PC CONSTRUCTION
2014 CHAMPLAIN CABLE
2013 DEALER.COM
2012 GW PLASTICS, INC.
2011 FOLEY FAMILY OF COMPANIES
2010 SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS
2009 BIOTEK INSTRUMENTS INC
2008 NATIONAL LIFE GROUP
2007 SYMQUEST GROUP INC
2006 RSG
2005 KING ARTHUR FLOUR
2004 IDX
2003 HUBBARDTON FORGE
2002 NRG SYSTEMS
2001 WILD APPLE GRAPHICS
2000 WAITSFIELD CHAMPLAIN VALLEY TELECOM
1999 CABOT CREAMERY
1998 VERMONT COUNTRY STORE
1997 SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT
1996 MACKMOLDING COMPANY
1995 VERMONT HEATING & VENTILATING
1994 GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS
1993 PERRY RESTAURANT GROUP
1992 MCKENZIE MEATS
1991 C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS
1990 WALLACE ENTERPRISE
