HatchSpace community woodworking shop in Brattleboro is one of 49 creative sector organizations recently receiving funding from VBSR member Vermont Arts Council through their Creative Futures Grant Program. (photo courtesy HatchSpace)

VBSR Member News Roundup – 1/18/2023

These member news highlights were first featured in the 1/18/23 newsletter.

Vermont Arts Council: The Vermont Arts Council has announced $3,692,500 in awards to 49 creative sector organizations and businesses in its first round of funding through the Creative Futures Grant Program. Supported by $9 million from Vermont’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act, the program aims to provide relief to one of the state’s economic sectors hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Round two opens for applications on Jan. 5. Learn more here.

Brattleboro Savings and Loan: For an example of gratitude in leadership and the importance of building community, look no further that the public farewell letter of Dan Yates as he retires as Brattleboro Savings & Loan’s CEO. His recent letter to the editor sums up his appreciation of community prosperity as measured – in part – by those characteristics that make it “uncommon and wonderful.” Read Dan’s farewell here.

Resonant Link: Resonant Link’s revolutionary, core technology for wireless energy transfer uses one-fifth the power of other existing wireless technology – and this energy saving “wireless coil” innovation has the company on a rapid growth path. From molar implants to rapid-charge phones to lift truck base stations, the company is poised to be a key player in the power and energy market. Learn more here.

Runamok, Cabot Creamery Co-operative, Vermont Creamery, and Twincraft Skincare: Sorry we missed this one around the holidays but consider it a very early concept to consider for next season. Inspired by an idea from Champion Member Vermont Creamery (president, Adeline Druart, – and VBSR board member – to be precise), Runamok, Twincraft Skincare and Gold Member Cabot Creamery Co-operative (among others) have participated in an annual employee gift basket swap that puts Vermont – and Vermont employees – first. Learn more here.

Saint Michael’s College: Saint Michael’s College students planning careers focused on the environment – or those hoping to better understand humans’ impact on the natural world – will directly benefit from federal funding included in the 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The Center works to empower students to become competent leaders in fields that contend with some of the world’s most complex and dynamic issues, utilizing education on agriculture, food systems, sustainability, waste, energy, ecological restoration, stewardship, advocacy, and other topics related to the study of the environment. Learn more here.

Champlain College: Gold Member Champlain College has just completed an eight-month renovation of McDonald Hall, one of Burlington’s historic Victorian era mansions. The updated residence hall balances historical preservation with modern accessibility, comfort, and applied sustainability that are central to Champlain’s commitment to efficiency and progress toward carbon neutrality. Learn more here.

Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC): Tino Rutanhira, Co-Founder and Board Chair for VBSR member VT PoC, is the co-author of a recent op-ed addressing the state’s housing crisis – and explaining why inclusion is a key component of any solution. Learn more here.

Vermont Community Foundation and Mascoma Bank: Vermont Community Foundation and Gold Member Mascoma Bank are underwriters of the 2023 Upper Valley Valley Climate Change and Sustainability Film Series. Sustainable Woodstock and Pentangle Arts host this monthly free screening of films and documentaries to foster a broader awareness of the wide-ranging issues impacting our planet and our future. Learn more here.

BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont – Gold Member BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont has announced its annual Snow Days event, taking place at ten locations around Vermont from January 28 to February 12. The state offers many activities that connect people with nature, build ties within the community, and support personal wellness – and this program encourages that. Learn more here.

Working Fields: Gold Member Working Fields is bringing its innovative, supportive employment model across state lines into Massachusetts. Greenfield, MA, will be home to the company’s fifth office and will enable the company to extend its services into the Brattleboro area. Learn more here.