Sold Out 33rd Annual VBSR Conference Inspires at Hula

Over 400 “Here and Now” attendees explored Humane Workplaces, Focusing Our Impact, and Economic Equity
Participants committed to “Seizing This Moment” with Keynote Speaker Christal Brown by being present, staying curious and dancing together to begin the day [Mascoma Bank, underwriter]
Hula Lakeside’s scenic patio and Lake Champlain’s unparalleled sunset framed the Networking Reception capping the event [Gordon’s Window Décor, Home of EcoSmart Shades, underwriter]

The 33^rd Annual Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) Conference, “Here and Now,” assembled 400+ engaged participants on May 11^th at Hula, Burlington.

VBSR business and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, students, and inspired individuals gathered for a full-day event that included a keynote address by Christal Brown, six timely sessions, two innovation labs focused on the leading edge of social and environmental impact, and ample opportunities for networking and meeting exhibitors.

Christal Brown, this year’s keynote speaker, had the capacity crowd on its feet – and dancing – to start her presentation, setting an active, joyful tone for the day. Underwritten by Mascoma Bank, Brown’s keynote address explored “Seizing This Moment” with a blend of her creativity, background in education, and spiritual insight.

What followed were a day of engaging workshops focused on the leading edge of social and environmental impact across three themes:

Humane Workplaces
Focusing Our Impact
Economic Equity

Attendees explored the unique issues and opportunities that each of these themes present, as well as the points where they intersect, emerging inspired, connected with forward-thinking leaders, and replenished with new awareness, resources, and action steps to drive change.

CCTV Center for Media & Democracy and Dialed Studio at Hula, owned and operated by Syntax and Motion, partnered at the Conference to capture the voices of attending community leaders on the topic of Economic Equity. From a variety of organizational perspectives and across a swath of Vermont industries and interests, eight different interviews sought to address this question: How do we achieve a healthy economic system by meeting the basic human needs of all people? Interviewed by Lauren-Glenn Davitian, Co-Director & Co-Founder CCTV Center for Media & Democracy, you can listen to these short podcasts here.

VBSR’s Expanding Our Movement Fund allows VBSR to provide free and discounted memberships, business education, and leadership development to students, startups, small rural businesses, LGBTQ+ organizations, and changemakers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, including opportunities at the 33rd Annual VBSR Conference.

Support of the Expanding Our Movement Fund allowed us to provide free tickets to students and those who identify as BIPOC and a discounted rate to small businesses outside of Chittenden County. Those who want to support a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet through programming like our annual conference, can donate for change here.

Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved in the 2024 VBSR Conference or please reach out to VBSR Education & Events Manager, Molly Barfuss, at mollyb@vbsr.org.

Scenes from the 33rd Annual VBSR Conference:

Christal Brown rallies the room during her keynote address; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

Afternoon Innovation Labs from the Vermont B Corp Collective and Vermont Entrepreneurs with UVM SI-MBA engaged all available talents and experiences; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

Networking opportunities launched, connected and concluded the day; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

Jacob Racusin of New Frameworks shares a laugh with Ren Weiner of Miss Weinerz during the “Made in Vermont: Values-Led Business Innovations” afternoon workshop; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

Mellisa Cain of Iceberg Consulting, LLC, hosted the Creative Reflection Room where attendees reflected on the conference; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Kristin Warner, VBSR’s Public Policy Manager, shares a laugh with Ellen Kahler of Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and Sam Roach-Gerber of VCET; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

Part of the VBSR Gold Member Concept2 team ends the day at the Networking Reception; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

Part of the VBSR Champion Member Hula team and friends connect at the Networking Reception; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

VBSR Executive Director Roxanne Vought, VBSR Board Member Sas Stewart (of Adventure Dinner), and VBSR Education and Events Manager Molly Barfuss connect at the Networking Reception; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

Prince Awhaitey and his Healthy Kingdom Coconut Cart spread the nutritional benefits of the coconut and how nutrition can help you to achieve your goals; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

VBSR Executive Director Roxanne Vought and Keynote Speaker Christal Brown share a moment as the Conference begins; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023.

VBSR Executive Director Roxanne Vought welcomes attendees of the 33rd Annual VBSR Conference; Hula Lakeside, Burlington, Vermont, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (photo by Ben M. Collins)

The 33rd Annual VBSR Conference was generously supported by: