Deen given VBSR’s ‘Legislator of the Year’ Award, VBSR Announces 2020 Public Policy priorities
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) recognized retired Representative David Deen, Windham-4 district, for his 30 years of service at the organizations annual Legislative Breakfast on December 5th at Main Street Landing in Burlington, Vermont. Rep. Deen was presented with VBSR’s Legislator of the Year Award.
“His legislative work clearly aligned with VBSR’s advocacy for clean water and the essential role it plays for all sectors of Vermont’s economy,” said Jane Campbell, Executive Director of VBSR, “He was a leader session after session, tirelessly advocating for the funding needed to clean up Vermont’s lakes and rivers.”
As chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Rep. Deen was a strong and persistent voice on behalf of clean water in Vermont, and was critical to efforts to designate ground water as a protected public trust resource and establishing funding for Vermont’s water clean-up initiatives. In addition to serving in the House for 30 years, with 15 years as Committee Chair, Deen also served as River Steward Emeritus for the Connecticut River Watershed Council, owns and operates Strictly Trout fly-fishing guide business, and currently works as president of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. A resident of Westminster, Deen is proud to be raising his daughter, 5 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren to be stewards of Vermont’s waterways.
“It’s all a circle. Good business means resources to protect a healthy environment and that means a boost to the images of our businesses. I was glad to be a part of that circle,” said Deen.
Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson addressed attendees, highlighting Rep. Deen’s record advancing policies that are good for Vermont workers and families in addition to his environmental stewardship, and his role as a reliable mentor for other legislators as a senior member of the Vermont House.
At the December 5th event, over 150 elected officials, issue advocates, and VBSR members joined together for policy discussion and networking, and to hear VBSR announce the organizations 2020 Public Policy priorities, which include urgent Climate Action, raising the minimum wage, establishing a universal Paid Family Leave program, and reforming Vermont’s health care system.
Speaking of VBSR’s announced policy priorities, VBSR Public Policy Manager Jordan Giaconia said “It is unique that our business association advocates on a wide range of social equity and economic development issues, however, it is not surprising that these issues have wide and lasting impacts on our business members, their employees, and the communities in which they live and work.”
The event was presented by Paul Frank and Collins, hosted by Main Street Landing, and supported by Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Engineering Ventures, Vermont Economic Development Authority, Cx Associates, Mamava, Sugarsnap, Grow Compost, VTdigger, Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, Sheehy Furlong & Behm, Bridseye and Rights and Democracy.
