Serve on a Committee

The Nominating Committee consists of up to seven people elected by the board of directors. The committee manages all aspects of board elections and awards including 1) identifying, soliciting and nominating a diverse array of nominees for the VBSR board of directors, VBSR Nominating Committee & VBSR Awards and 2) ensuring the criteria, eligibility and selection process for nominations is user-friendly, fair, aligned with VBSR values, and clearly communicated.

All VBSR members are eligible to serve. We look for committee members who:

• Know Vermont businesses & business leaders
• Appreciate and encourage diversity
• Value the needs, priorities and processes of the organization
• Are familiar with the VBSR community
• Can attend meetings 4-5 times/year (in-person or remote), each lasting one to two hours
• Will participate in committee discussions conducted via email in between meetings

Current Nominating Committee members are: Yola Carlough, Adeline Druart, Ken Merritt, Avram Patt, Duane Peterson, Chair.

To join, please add your name here or email Jane Campbell or call at (802) 862-8347.

The DEVO Committee formerly focused on providing members excellent benefits and growing VBSR’s membership but recently shifted the focus to looking at programs and offerings VBSR provides. The committee works closely with VBSR staff and a representative of the VBSR Board to cover all topics facing membership.

All VBSR members are welcome to participate. We look for committee members who:

• Have a desire to grow VBSR’s offerings
• Think and problem solve creatively
•  Can attend 8 meetings per year, with occasional homework
• Have relevant personal expertise (marketing, web, etc)

To join, please add your name here or email Jane Campbell or call (802) 862-8347.

The Finance Committee oversees VBSR’s budget and financial well-being. It is also responsible for oversight of financial management systems, and it typically meets quarterly. The committee consists of board members who:

• Appreciate the importance of solid financial management
• Have relevant personal expertise, such as a good understanding of financial reporting and management

The Program Committee works to plan effective, educational, and fun events throughout the year.  This includes advising on content development and planning for annual conferences, networking Get-Togethers and additional programs. The Committee works closely with VBSR’s Executive Director, VBSR’s Events & Education Manager, the Committee Chair (a VBSR Board Member) and Committee Vice Chair (a VBSR Member).

All VBSR members are welcome to participate. We prioritize committee members who:

• Are passionate about enhancing the value of VBSR programs for members
• Are creative thinkers and brainstorming problem-solvers
• Can attend quarterly, 90-minute, in-person meetings
• Can commit to work outside of and between Committee meetings

Note: being on the Committee does not exclude you from presenting at conferences or hosting Get-Togethers

To join, please add your name here or email Liz Dohrman or call (802) 862-8347.

The Public Policy Committee is a formal group that meets monthly to develop VBSR’s policy and positions and works closely with the Public Policy Manager and the VBSR Board. The board appoints public policy committee members from within the VBSR membership.

To join, please add your name here or email Dan Barlow or call (802) 862-8347.

The VBSR Policy Issues Group is an informal group of members interested in learning about or participating in VBSR’s policy work.  We always encourage new contributors to join our Policy Issues Group. Members help shape public policy, receive regular emails during the legislative session, are called upon to testify, write letters to the editor and/or attend public hearings. The Policy Issues Group is open to all VBSR Members.

 

To join, please add your name here or email Dan Barlow or call (802) 862-8347.

The Executive Committee members are elected by the board, and the committee includes board officers and the previous chairperson. It meets between board meetings and can make decisions for the board except for policy decisions. Terms are for two years, and members can serve up to two consecutive terms. The committee is reaffirmed at the end of each odd year (i.e. 2015, 2017 etc.).

This committee advises on Local First Vermont programming; giving feedback on strategies, content and marketing. It typically meets quarterly.

If you’re interested in joining this committee, please add your name here or email Melissa Kosmaczewski or call (802) 862-8347

This committee offers advice, feedback and recommendations on the evolution of the VBSR Marketplace. It typically meets once or twice a year.

If you’re interested in joining this committee, please add your name here.