Dunlop family at Hollister Hill Farm, a Vermont Community Loan Fund finance recipient. Photo Credit: Jeb Wallace-Brodeur.

Member & Partner News Round Up – April

April is the…busiest month. Here are just a few of the events and announcements keeping our members and partners busy out there. Read on to see how our network is consistently working to build a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet.

International Workshop on Agritourism:
Tickets, sponsorships and exhibitor opportunities are available for the upcoming International Workshop on Agritourism scheduled for August 30 – September 1, 2022 in Burlington. Over 300 delegates from across the U.S. and from around the world are expected and VBSR members like the Center for an Agricultural Economy and Cabot Creamery Cooperative are already involved. Creative sponsorship options include purchasing carbon offsets for travelers coming from abroad as well as purchase of local ingredients for the meals being served. More on attending, sponsoring and exhibiting here.

Business Culture Consultants Launches Balanced Effectiveness @ Work:
Business Culture Consultants, a VBSR Gold Member for over twenty years and Vermont’s fifth Certified B Corp has announced a new online professional development community for individuals and teams. Responding to “The Great Realignment,” the “Balanced Effectiveness @ Work” program is built on the Mighty Networks platform and provides a comprehensive set of best practices in a structured, interactive process that provides greater fulfillment and less stress. Learn more here.

The Vermont Community Loan Fund Q4 ’21 Successes:
The Vermont Community Loan Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, mission-driven lender, loaned $1,580,000 to Vermont small businesses, early care & learning programs and affordable housing developers during the 4th quarter of 2021. These borrowers are true drivers of Vermont’s economy. As such, the Loan Fund is committed to providing support via loans and business advisory services to them to help create and preserve Vermont jobs; to increase the quality and quantity of Vermont’s early care & learning programs; and to help create and preserve safe and affordable Vermont homes. Read their borrower stories here.

Rhino Foods Career Fair:
Saturday, 4/9, from 11am – 2pm Rhino Foods invites career-seekers to join them, tour Rhino’s state-of-the-art facility, and sign on with one of the fastest-growing companies in Vermont. Human Resources will be making offers on the spot. One of the Best Places to Work in Vermont? Check. Committed to Inclusive Hiring? Check. Certified B Corporation? Yes, that too. Our Gold Member Rhino Foods checks all these boxes and more, so check out their openings and meet them at the fair.

Union Mutual’s 2022 VT Corporate Cup:
Union Mutual Insurance Company has announced the 39th annual Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge and State Agency Race. The event, to benefit The Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, will take place in-person in Montpelier on May 19 and virtually May 19 through July 31. This popular 5k run/walk event is open to teams from Vermont businesses, government, and non-profit organizations. Proceeds benefit the programs and events of the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, including the Vermont Senior Games, community wellness grants, parks pass prescriptions, Vermont Worksite Wellness Awards and subsidies for youth ski and snowboard lessons. Learn more and register here.