Women dominate small business awards

For the first time, women dominated the 2015 Vermont Small Business Awards ceremony, held Thursday at the Shelburne Museum.

Five of the six companies being recognized are owned and operated by women. Each is receiving an award for employment growth, financial success, company expansion and community involvement.

This is the first time in the history of the awards that the majority of winners are women.

Receiving the top award is Monica Greene, president and CEO of Vermont Precision Tools in Swanton. Her company manufactures detailed specific tools, including rods and gauges, used in the automotive, medical and aeronautic industries. Greene oversees more than 300 employees.

“Her company has grown in every way imaginable. Since 2004, Vermont Precision Tools has added nearly 200 employees and increased its production space three-fold,” said Darcy Carter, Vermont director for the Small Business Administration.

Also recognized are:

• Dawn Russell, owner of Artisan Web and Print in Brattleboro, for Micro-Enterprise of the Year.

• Allison Wright, owner of OWL food in Brattleboro, as Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

• Amy Mattinat, owner of Auto Craftsmen in Montpelier, for Woman-Owned Business of the Year.

• Kelly Conklin, president of Gordon’s Window Décor in Williston, receiving the award for Family-Owned Business of the Year.

“I think there is a perception that women face too many challenges and lack too many opportunities to be in business. Women can be very successful here in Vermont, and these five women have proved it,” Carter said.

Conklin’s father, Gordon Clements, founder and owner of Gordon’s Window Décor, is also being recognized. Bill Hanf, owner of Green Mountain Avionics in Middlebury, is receiving the Veteran-Owned Business of the Year Award.

Recent Vermont Small Business Person of the Year recipients include Switchback Brewing Co., Pete’s Greens and Dealer.com. The Small Business Administration Vermont District Office has awarded Small Business Person of the Year annually since 1967.

Information: 802-828-4422.