National Life has been named the recipient of the 2008 Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award.

Governor Jim Douglas made the announcement Wednesday, May 20, at the opening ceremony of the 25th annual Vermont Business & Industry Expo at the Sheraton in Burlington, Vermont. This is the first time National Life has won the award, which has been given annually since 1990 and is named for a former president of National Life. Deane Davis worked at National Life for nearly 30 years, serving as president for 17 years, before winning election as governor of Vermont in 1968.

Governor Jim Douglas (left) and National Life Board Chairman Tom MacLeay hold the granite plaque for the 2008 Deane C. Davis award. Looking on are David Coates, lead independent director of the National Life Board of Directors, and Chris Graff, vice president of corporate communications and government relations.

The Deane C. Davis award honors businesses that show a strong commitment to community, and a strong commitment to the environment, as well as a strong growth in sales or employment.

Tom MacLeay, chairman of the Board of National Life Group, accepted the award, saying that winning an award named for Deane Davis has a special meaning for the company.

"The qualities he instilled in the company are still with it today and are the reasons the company has been able to achieve what we have," he said.