Out of a small warehouse located on a back street, not far from the Canadian border, in Newport, Vermont, an electrical company was begun. Incorporated in 1954 as Bates & Murray, Inc., Gene Bates and George Murray had the desire and vision to build upon their sound principals, creating one of the largest electrical contracting firms in the Northeast. As the company grew so did the customer base and geographic area which it served. In the early sixties a branch office was opened in Central Vermont to better serve the growing customer base. This office enabled the company to serve the entire state of Vermont because of its central location and close proximity to the interstate highway. The sixties and early seventies were banner years for the construction industry; however, many electrical contracting firms failed and fell by the wayside while Bates & Murray, Inc. continued to grow with a solid repeat customer base.

In later years, George and Gene realized that continued success and growth of the company depended upon selecting capable successors that would adhere to the principals upon which the company was founded. Ronald York and Robert Norway, dedicated long-term employees, were selected to manage the company for a period of five years. In 1975, Ronald and Robert purchased Bates & Murray, Inc. upon the retirement of Gene and George. Bates & Murray, Inc. continued healthy growth and expanded the work area into New York and New Hampshire under the new ownership.

In 1993, upon the retirement of Robert Norway, Ronald York became sole owner of Bates & Murray, Inc. Ron continues to operate under the same solid principals as his predecessors. Many employees of Bates & Murray, Inc. have more than 30 years with the company, a strong testament to having lived up to Mr. Murray's belief - "treat your employees the way you would like to be treated." The excellent credit rating with its suppliers, bank and bonding company are tribute to the sound principal "pay your bills promptly" upon which this excellent company was founded. Bates & Murray, Inc. has a loyal, repeat customer base due to the quality of its product and service. "Take care of your customers and treat them fairly," as Gene Bates would say, is deeply embedded and practiced in every aspect of our daily business.