Current Winners

2008 RETAILER OF THE YEAR (ROY) AWARD WINNERS

Tasha Wallis, Executive Director, Heather Tremblay, President, Board of Trustees, and Bonnie Hawley, Vice President, Board of Trustees presented the 2008 VRA Retailer of the Year Awards on Thursday, March 19th, at University Mall in South Burlington. The winners received plaques honoring their accomplishments and were featured in media statewide.

2008 RETAILER OF THE YEAR: Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse, Colchester
Award Citation: Year after year, Claussen’s has overcome every obstacle a Vermont business can face while maintaining only the highest quality in products and service. Their plants are exceptional, their staff is superb, and they exemplify the very best aspects of retail business. Claussen’s richly deserves to be honored as the 2008 VRA Retailer of the Year.

2008 GREENTAILER OF THE YEAR: ReNew Building Materials & Salvage, Brattleboro
Award Citation: ReNew’s multiple environmental initiatives provide an admirable example for all businesses to learn from and emulate. Their combination of public education, deconstruction and recycling, and support for low-income families is extraordinary. Theirs is a superb business model for the 21st century.

2008 GREENTAILER OF THE YEAR: Small Dog Electronics, Waitsfield & Burlington
Award Citation: Small Dog Electronics’ commitment to the environment is evident in every aspect of its business operation, from recycling and energy conservation to exemplary community services. They have consistently been the ‘gold standard’ for environmental excellence in Vermont’s business community.

2008 COMMUNITY GEM: Zutano Children’s Clothing, Montpelier
Award Citation: Zutano is a tremendously successful retail business with a truly unique character, an unswerving dedication to quality, and a vision for community involvement that is second to none. Zutano’s emphasis on sustainability, long-term relationships, and generous support of many worthwhile organizations makes it a true community gem.