Chittenden County Senator Honored as Legislator of the Year Senator Ginny Lyons honored at VBSR's 2006 Fall Conference

For immediate release:
November 6, 2006

For more information, contact:
Andrea Cohen, 802-862-8347


Chittenden County Senator Honored as Legislator of the Year

At the annual fall meeting of the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Senator Ginny Lyons of Chittenden County was named VBSR’s 2006 Legislator of the Year.   Senator Lyons was selected because she provided the necessary leadership to ensure important environmental initiatives were enacted into law during this past legislative session.  

As Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, Senator Lyons played a central role in securing enactment of the Growth Centers Law.  This legislation outlines the process to be used by local governments to designate a specific compact geographic area within their municipality for dense development of mixed uses. The new law also includes provisions to protect agricultural soils, maximize the benefits of tax credit financing, and make technical assistance available to municipalities to establish growth centers.  This legislation was the major focus of the Smart Growth Collaborative, of which VBSR is a member.

Senator Lyons also played a key role in the enactment of the Energy Security and Reliability Act, two bills codifying Vermont's efforts to significantly reduce the production of greenhouse gases, and another new law establishing energy efficiency standards for a range of commercial and residential appliances.

Over 120 VBSR members gathered in Brattleboro to honor Senator Lyons and to enjoy a full program of educational topics which included: The Business Case for Socially Responsible Employee Practices, How to Make Your Marketing Initiatives Eco-Friendly, Examining The Importance Of Local Economies, and Structuring Corporate Giving Programs. Senator Lyons also participated as a member of the plenary panel discussing Energy and Government Policy: Vermont’s Opportunities and Challenges.

The Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility is a statewide trade association committed to advancing a business ethic that values multiple bottom lines—economic, social, and environmental. VBSR members share basic values and goals and comprise a diverse statewide membership of nearly 700 businesses.  VBSR can be contacted at 862-8347 or at .

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