Birnn Chocolates of Vermont Receives 2025 Spirit of the ADA Award

South Burlington, VT — November 2025 — Birnn Chocolates of Vermont has been honored with the 2025 Spirit of the ADA Award by the Vermont Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD). This award recognizes organizations that demonstrate leadership and innovation in creating accessible, inclusive environments and meaningful employment opportunities for Vermonters with disabilities.

Birnn Chocolates’ recent facility updates and longstanding hiring practices reflect a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The company continues to foster a workplace where every team member belongs, feels safe, and is valued.

“We believe that creating an inclusive environment makes our team stronger,” said Julia Birnn Fields, fourth-generation owner and President of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont. “Accessibility isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of how we express our values of care, dignity, and belonging for every person who walks through our doors.”

Birnn Chocolates has partnered for years with Champlain Community Services (CCS) and Way2Work, programs that connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment. The award recognizes the company’s collaborative approach and its leadership as a Vermont manufacturer committed to inclusion and community. “Birnn Chocolates’ renovation and approach to employment set a model for what thoughtful accessibility can look like,” said a GCEPD representative during the Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence in Supporting People with Disabilities.

The Birnn family has been handcrafting truffles in Vermont with care, consistency, and heart. From the earliest days, Birnn Chocolates of Vermont has opened its doors to New Americans and team members from all walks of life, building a culture of belonging where everyone feels respected and valued. That enduring commitment to people is what truly defines the company’s success.

Photo attached: Julia Birnn Fields, President of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, with employee Eva Seyller and Product Manager Boris Thomas, accepting the Spirit of the ADA Award at the Governor’s Awards ceremony.