FEATURED NEXT ISSUE: HOW LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHOCOLATES BECAME A MODEL OF SUSTAINABILITY

In the first In Business issue for 2007, Jim Lampman founder and president of Lake Champlain Chocolates explains what it takes to turn a former broom bristle factory into a shining example of natural light and oh-so-natural delectable goodness. With its energetic role in achieving LEED certification (the national standard developed by the U.S. Green Building Council) to the hand-painted mural about chocolate that hangs in the employee cafeteria, the company has managed to stay in Burlington, Vermont which Lampman says is a "wonderful place to have a business. It's not all about the bottom line. It's also important to have an inspiring environment to work in and an emphasis on quality of life."

As author Molly Farrell Tucker recounts the history of Lake Champlain Chocolates, the company was founded in 1983, where it built a reputation for hand-rolled truffles. Most recently, the company introduced an organic line of chocolates. "Our customers appreciate Lake Champlain Chocolates being environmentally responsible," explains Lampman.

In the words of architect John Anderson, "The LEED process dovetailed with Jim Lampman's desire for a healthy environment. We put in several skylights because people work better with natural light. At the end of the day, if you don't have an environment that people like to be in, you can't say you've achieved sustainability."

You'll get the complete, captivating story of Lake Champlain Chocolates in your coming In Business issue.