Boston’s 2013 Small Business of the Year Awards
Velir awarded top honors at 2013 Small Business of the Year Awards, hosted by the Boston Chamber.
The Greater Boston Business Community came together bright and early on a Tuesday morning to celebrate the region’s top small businesses. Connections, insights, support, and recognition – these were themes that permeated the Small Business of the Year Awards ceremony, which distinguishes Boston’s top high-growth companies who’ve demonstrated distinction in management, workplace excellence, product innovation, and social responsibility and are committed to continued growth in the region.
The event opened with remarks from the President of the Boston Chamber, Paul Guzzi, and the Chair of the Small Business Award Committee, Jeff Dickinson. Both commented on the importance of small businesses to the region’s economy and the basis upon which this year’s top honorees were nominated.
"These awards pay tribute to the accomplishments of this year's impressive honorees and also to the significant impact of all small businesses on our economy."
— Paul Guzzi, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber
Joe Mathieu, a well-known figure on the Boston scene as news anchor on WBZ Radio, emceed the remainder of the morning and kicked things off with a panel discussion and rapid-fire question round. The 8 panelists (consisting of founders and top management of top honorees) answered questions about their business models and innovations they’ve made within their industries. Mathieu wrapped up the panel discussion by asking the leaders to “define success in one-word”. The responses provided an interesting reflection on the diversity of businesses being honored with answers ranging from “smiles” and “collaboration” to “growth”, “re-use” and “relentless”.
The event concluded with Velir being awarded top honors as 2013 Small Business of the Year. Dave Valliere, Velir’s COO, took the stage to accept the award and delivered a speech about some key lessons that have shaped Velir’s growth and successes. He highlighted 3 important points that could be applied to any growing, small business:
- Stay focused. Know what you do well and be highly selective about the services or products you offer and work to be the very best in that space.
- Take the long view wherever possible, and sacrifice short term gains for the long-term health and future prospects of the company.
- Stay humble. Be worthy of the trust your clients place in your company and acknowledge the deep responsibility you have to support and further their mission and goals.
These lessons have become Velir’s core values and are used as the lens for all decision making at the company.
Click here to learn more about the 2013 Small Business of the Year Awards and honorees and here to see official pictures from the event.
About the Greater Boston Chamber
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce is a broad-based association representing 1,500 businesses of all sizes from virtually every industry and profession in our region. The Chamber works to help Greater Boston-area businesses grow and succeed through its strategic networking events, impactful business advocacy and innovative leadership development initiatives. For more information, visit bostonchamber.com.