VBSR Hires Samantha Sheehan as Local First Vermont Program Manager

– Sheehan to Help Support Local Economy –

Burlington, VT – Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) is pleased to announce that Samantha Sheehan has been hired as Local First Vermont Program Manager. In this role, Sheehan will support efforts to market independently owned, Vermont-based businesses, educate consumers about the importance of supporting a local economy, and grow the program’s offerings including the print and digital app versions of the Buy Local Resource Guide and Coupon Book.

Sheehan, who joined the VBSR/Local First Vermont team in early April, is committed to supporting sustainable economic growth throughout Vermont. “As a small business owner myself, I am very aware of the impact local purchasing has on both communities and business owners alike,” said Sheehan.

“This position is one that resonates with my personal goals and the hopes that I have for my community. I have a passion for education and I look forward to partnering with local businesses to educate their communities on the impact and benefit of spending locally.”

“We are excited about the next phase of Local First Vermont with Samantha Sheehan behind the wheel,” noted Jane Campbell, executive director of VBSR, a statewide business association with more than 750 members. “We’re also grateful for the leadership Wendy Wilson provided at the helm of this program. Because of her work we were able to launch a digital app version of the coupon book while expanding the book into two six new regions.” Campbell noted that Wilson will stay on with Local First Vermont as a sales representative for the 8th Annual Buy Local Book, focusing on driving business participation in the coupon book’s “Explore Vermont” section including: Rutland, Stowe, Brattleboro, Woodstock, Quechee, Manchester and the Champlain Islands.

In addition to working with Local First, Samantha is the owner of Valley.Works Coworking Space in Waitsfield and works as a freelance designer and social media marketer for a variety of Vermont businesses and non-profits. She is also the Director of Slideluck Mad River Valley, and volunteers on the leadership team of the Vermont Creative Network. She lives in Hancock, Vermont with her partner and two dogs, Benny & Maybe.

Vermont-based businesses interested in advertising in the next edition of the Buy Local Book can visitwww.vbsr.org/local-first-vermont for information and rates.