Monica Greene, president and CEO of Vermont Precision Tools was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Vermont's 2015 Small Business Person of the Year at a ceremony held at Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vt.

Governor Peter Shumlin was there to present the award to Monica Greene. There were over 150 people in attendance to help celebrate the SBA Awards. The awards ceremony was hosted by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont office of the SBA.

Vermont Precision Tools and Monica Greene were recognized for their company’s employment growth, financial success, company expansion and community involvement.

“VPT is flattered to be recognized as the Vermont Small Business Person of the Year,” said Greene. “VPT prides itself on providing the highest quality products. The collective desire to see the company succeed is evident in every team member at every level.”

Headquartered in Swanton, Vt., Vermont Precision Tools, Inc. was founded in 1968 by Norman Leduc and Raymond Boutin. VPT manufactures precision cutting tool blanks, core rods, knock out and extrusion pins used in the automotive, medical and aeronautic industries. They are also the largest fixed limit manufacturer in the country. What all began in an old warehouse with few employees, today occupies a 90,000-square-foot facility and is one of the largest employers in the state of Vermont.

“We’re very excited about VPT being the 2015 Vermont Small Business Person of the Year. Here is a powerful woman-owned manufacturing company with more than 300 employees, the majority of which are located in the heart of pastoral Vermont. The best part is they are still growing. VPT is expanding its operations into the Northeast Kingdom. Monica is a great leader and her company is a great representation of the state,” said Darcy Carter, SBA Vermont district office director.

Greene, who was born and raised in Vermont, grew up in the business. Throughout high school and college she worked at VPT where she learned about the company’s values from her parents. Greene became a VPT partner in 1996 and today she is the sole owner.

“VPT has built its company on three main principles: family, quality and a customer focus. As a family-owned business it continues to maintain the same values and pride in the company that made the company successful for decades,” said Greene. “Working in the business every day allows keeping a very close connection with its employees recognizing the importance of family and community in the organizational culture.”