Knit to Give, Darn Tough Vermont's limited edition sock program, releases new sock styles unique to the program; all profits from the Knit to Give collection go directly to the Vermont Foodbank. (photo courtesy of Darn Tough Vermont)
VBSR Member News Round Up – 12/14/22
These member news highlights were first featured in the 12/14/22 VBSR Newsletter.
Casella Waste Systems: Last week, Casella Waste Systems introduced its Mack LR Electric model, the first electric refuse vehicle in the State of Vermont. The truck is the first in its fleet and has been equipped with an automated side-loader with a split body for collecting waste and recycling simultaneously. Learn more here.
Champlain Housing Trust: Affordable housing developer Champlain Housing Trust is providing zero-interest loans to BIPOC borrowers in what is believed to be the first program of its kind in the country. Less than half of BIPOC Vermonters own their homes, so this program is bringing home ownership hope. Learn more here.
Ben & Jerry’s: Champion Member Ben & Jerry’s new flavor, “Lights! Caramel! Action!,” will be available in January and is being released in partnership with the award-winning director, filmmaker and TV producer Ava DuVernay. Ava’s proceeds of Lights! Caramel! Action! will benefit her non-profit ARRAY Alliance which amplifies and elevates the work of artists of color and women directors, creates inclusive film sets, provide grants, mentorship and education for people from underrepresented communities who want to work in the film industry. Learn more here.
Lawson’s Finest: Champion Member Lawson’s Finest Liquids recently continued its annual tradition of charitable support on Giving Tuesday with donations totaling $100,000 across 59 nonprofit organizations statewide as part of the brewery’s Social Impact Program (SIP). The funds will support a range of causes across Vermont, from sustainable recreation to mental health advocacy, community development, animal rights and much more. Learn more here.
National Life Group: Champion Member National Life Group has been named to the Inc. 2022 Best in Business list in the insurance category. Inc.’s Best in Business Awards honor companies that have made an extraordinary impact in their fields and on society. In National Life Group’s case, this includes their work with underinsured segments of the U.S. population, their BUILD (Blacks Uplifted in Leadership) program, and much more. Learn more here.
Vermont Federal Credit Union: Vermont Federal Credit Union recently donated over $20,000 to variety of local charities and non-profit organizations in recognition of Giving Tuesday. In addition, they also partnered with local radio stations to host the 13th annual Feed Your Neighbor food drive to benefit Feeding Chittenden and the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity, collecting over 7,000 lbs. of food. Learn more here.
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund: By creating a Vermont Food Security Plan, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund is working to find solutions so everyone in the state has equal access to food. To do this, they are asking Vermonters to complete a survey to learn what people are doing in their communities to fight food insecurity. Take the survey and learn more here.
Vermont Public: Vermont Public has released a new Diversity Statement as they aspire to engage a broader and more diverse audience through stories that bring people together. Because Vermont’s BIPOC population is growing rapidly, their goal is to become a staff, management and board that reflects the anticipated racial and ethnic diversity of Vermont in 2030. Learn more here.
Burlington Electric Company: Burlington Electric’s Net Zero Energy Podcast has just celebrated its first year. Designed to inform, entertain and inspire, it’s first 24 episodes do just that. From pizza delivery drivers to career-pivoting forestry students you can learn all the ways your fellow Vermonters are seeking a “net zero” life. Listen and learn more here.
Member Partnerships Positively Impact Food Insecurity, Homelessness, and More
Darn Tough and Vermont Foodbank: Darn Tough Vermont continues their 19-year long relationship with the Vermont Foodbank to tackle food insecurity. Since starting the relationship in 2003 the brand has donated over 1 million meals to hungry Vermonters. Knit to Give, a limited-edition sock program, launched earlier this year, adding a new dimension to the partnership. All profits from the collection go directly to the Vermont Foodbank. Learn more here.
City Market and Intervale Center: City Market is currently celebrating 25 years of supporting the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) and their mission to end homelessness by raising awareness and funding through their annual COTS Tree Sale. Fresh, local trees for the holidays are available while supplies last at both the Downtown and South End locations in Burlington. All proceeds benefit COTS and for each tree sold, another tree gets planted through fellow VBSR member the Intervale Center. Learn more here.
Global Village Foods, Vital Communities, Co-op Food Stores, and the Center for an Agricultural Economy: Global Village Foods is poised to expand their business beyond grocery stores on the eastern seaboard as they begin selling to the two largest college dining management services in the country: Sodexo and Compass Group. Other VSBR members like Vital Communities, Co-op Food Stores and the Center for an Agricultural Economy helped them reach this point. Learn more here.
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and Green Mountain Power: The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund’s green business accelerator program, DeltaClimeVT, collaborates with companies who want to think outside the box and make an impact on our grid and our climate. Green Mountain Power is one of those companies. With a goal of transforming the energy grid in the state, they are benefitting from their DeltaClimeVT engagements. Learn more here.
