Announcing VBSR’s Small Business Resiliency Fund Grantees
VBSR is pleased to announce the grantees for the VBSR Small Business Resiliency Fund. A committee of VBSR partners selected four VBSR member businesses to receive both a $10,000 grant award and referrals to VBSR partner organizations offering financial and technical assistance. Businesses were selected based upon financial viability, need, and triple-bottom-line excellence. Congratulations to the grantees! […]
An Election Day Message from VBSR
As our country carries out the 2020 election in the midst of a pandemic and Vermonters brace for what will surely be an eventful week, VBSR calls for unity, civility, and patience as state and local officials take the time to count all votes during this unique election season. Over these last few months, Vermonters […]
Vermont House Overrides Governor’s Climate Veto
September 17, 2020 (MONTPELIER, VT) – Vermont’s House of Representatives successfully voted to override Governor Scott’s veto of the Global Warming Solutions Act today. The bill will require Vermont to reduce its climate-damaging emissions while simultaneously creating jobs, improving community resilience, and reducing energy burdens for rural and marginalized communities. A coalition of groups in support […]
Groups Call on Legislature to Override Governor’s Veto of Landmark Climate Bill
September 15, 2020 (MONTPELIER, VT) – Governor Scott has vetoed the Global Warming Solutions Act, which was overwhelmingly passed by both the Vermont House and Senate. The historic climate bill requires Vermont to reduce its climate-damaging emissions while simultaneously creating jobs, improving community resilience, and reducing energy burdens for rural and marginalized communities. Reducing […]
VBSR Holds Virtual Town Hall on Racial Justice
Burlington, VT – Yesterday, 300 business and organization leaders from across the VBSR network joined an important and dynamic discussion on racial justice and equity issues in Vermont. Speakers Xusana Davis, Sherwood Smith, and Tabitha Moore, shared insights, guidance, and perspective for Vermont businesses and organizations to consider as they learn about and work to […]
CEOs, Speaking Out on Racial Justice is Expected from You! (Frank Sadowski)
Once upon a time, we may have fooled ourselves into believing that business leaders just needed to pay attention to their businesses and let others focus on the social issues of the day. If that ever was true, it is crucial for you and your business to know that time is long gone. Today, the […]
A Call for Racial Justice (Roxanne Vought, VBSR)
A Statement from VBSR’s Executive Director, Roxanne Vought As our nation mourns the loss of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black lives lost needlessly and senselessly, we find ourselves in a moment that demands our attention. To quote Anthea Kelsick, Co-CEO, B Lab U.S. & Canada, “We cannot credibly build an inclusive economic system […]
Same Storm, Different Boats: The Pandemic’s Outsized Impact on Marginalized Communities (Change the Story)
Clockwise from top left: Kismet restaurant in Montpelier will remain closed for the time being; Facemasks made at the Vermont Glove factory for local hospitals; A class at the Heartworks Preschool in Shelburne; Cynthea Hausman at work in her eponymous spa on Burlington’s Church Street; Stephanie Seguino, a University of Vermont economist; Anne Audy was […]
4 Ways VBSR Members are Leading with their Values in the time COVID-19
4 Ways VBSR Members are Leading with their Values in the time COVID-19 Over the last 2 months VBSR members have proven that their commitment to the triple-bottom-line business ethic (People, Planet, Prosperity) laid the foundation for them to swiftly take action in addressing the pandemic and give back to their communities as they navigate […]
Op-ed: A touch of environmental optimism amidst COVID-19
Opinion Editorial by Marina M. McCoy As many people go without jobs, not being able to make ends meet, wondering what the future may hold; talking about the health of the environment may not seem relevant when you are trying to get food on the table. Which has people wondering, is climate change linked to […]
