Designed to honor Vermont’s natural beauty, the 2023 Home Kit for Vermont Green FC features VBSR Champion Member SunCommon. (Image courtesy of Vermont Green FC)

VBSR Member News Round Up – 5/24/23

Vermont Green FC and SunCommon: The second season is under way for Vermont’s own professional football club (already 1-0!) whose principles and mission are focused on awareness and initiatives ranging from climate change to social equity issues. Vermont Green FC’s new, season two home jerseys were designed to honor Vermont’s natural beauty, especially the reemergence of greenery, and the colorful bloom of springtime (and it features Champion Member SunCommon as the front-of-jersey sponsor). Learn more here.

Vermont Federal Credit Union (VFCU) and Spectrum Youth and Family Services: Gold Member VFCU has partnered with Spectrum Youth and Family Services to support its Empty Bowl Dinner and Sleep Out fundraising events. With a $15k contribution, VCFU is now the presenting sponsor for both events which play a vital role in the Burlington/St. Albans communities by empowering and supporting youth and young adults. Learn more here.

Capstone Community Action and Green Mountain Transit: Capstone Community Action recently hosted a celebration focused on the integral relationships and work accomplished to support Central Vermonters in the last year. In addition to highlighting Capstone’s ten-year anniversary of moving to downtown Barre, Capstone honored and recognized several partners including fellow VBSR member Green Mountain Transit. Learn more here.

Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC): Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Economic Development (DED), alongside the Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC), recently announced a new partnership to provide technical assistance and development services to Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) business owners and professionals statewide. Learn more here.

Intervale Center and Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Vermont: Senator Peter Welch recently toured organic farms at Burlington’s Intervale Center in celebration of the Opportunities in Organic Act, legislation introduced by the Senator to advance organic agriculture in Vermont and in communities across the country. Senator Welch was joined by NOFA VT – the Intervale Center, along with NOFA VT, provides technical assistance and business guidance to farmers throughout Vermont. Learn more here.

University of Vermont: During Earth Week in April, UVM celebrated the 50th anniversary of their UVM Environmental Program. On May 19, the UVM Board of Trustees heard a broad-ranging presentation showcasing the University’s teaching, learning and research accomplishments in sustainability and environmental education over the past 50+ years from key faculty, staff and students. From tree canopy projects to national water management, UVM’s environmental contributions are extensive. Learn more here.

Vermont Arts Council and Vermont Community Foundation: Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Community Foundation recently announced another allocation of funding to support the state’s creative sector through a philanthropic partnership established three years ago. The funding will help artists follow their inspiration and create new work. It will also support arts organizations, municipalities, and schools that strive to provide equal and abundant access to the arts in Vermont. Learn more here.

American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN): On June 1, ASBN’s Livable Planet Working Group is presenting “Shift the Mood from Defeat to Evolution on Climate Change.” Catastrophic events unfolding globally can feel overwhelming and too big to act on, but it is imperative that we face them head on. This panel is intended to shake us out of any “doom and gloom” thinking and help us see the opportunities for collective progress in this decisive decade. Learn more here.