VBSR Member News Roundup – 1/4/23

Champion Member VEIC’s CEO, Rebecca Foster, in a video address introducing the organization’s 2021-2022 Impact Report. (video still courtesy of VEIC)

These member news highlights were first featured in the 1/4/23 VBSR Newsletter.

VEIC: For 35 years, Champion Member VEIC has sought to make energy work harder – and smarter – for people and planet alike. They were the nation’s first Energy Efficiency Utility to create a definitive roadmap for the decarbonization of our energy system and they continue to inspire both inside and outside their industry. To recap their most recent successes they’ve released their 2021-2022 Impact Report. Review the report and learn more here.

Savu: Savu is taking their solitary (and singular) sauna experience a step further – in the mold of Airbnb. The start-up member has begun soliciting landowners in pristine settings to allow Savu to set up custom-built saunas on their properties in exchange for a portion of the booking revenues. The concept, called Savu Unbound, will aid expansion alongside making the health benefits of saunas more readily available to more people. Learn more here.

National Life Group and Vermont Foodbank: Employees, directors and retirees of Champion Member National Life Group donated over $350,000 to more than 435 organizations across the globe through the annual “Share the Good” program in November. When matched by the National Life Group Foundation for gifts up to $2,000, the overall amount given was more than $700,000. Member Vermont Foodbank was the top fund recipient. Learn more here.

BETA Technologies: BETA Technologies recently flew its prototype electric airplane from Plattsburgh, New York to Kentucky, their second multiple-state flight in 2022. The journey also gave the innovator a chance for a unique opportunity: a Kentucky meet up with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who visited with Beta CEO Kyle Clark. Learn more here.

University of Vermont: Jon Erickson, ecological economist with Gold Member University of Vermont, champions a new kind of economics that fosters a healthy, balanced relationship between people and planet. He makes his case in a new book, The Progress Illusion: Reclaiming Our Future from the Fairytale of Economics. If you’re interested in social movement building that returns power back to democratic institutions and systems of trust and community (and we know you are!), you can learn more here.

ReArch Properties and Resonant Link: Gold Member ReArch Properties and new member Resonant Link have announced Resonant Link’s expansion into a new office in Technology Park. Solar tubes (leveraging natural lighting), LEDs and other environmental features create an innovative atmosphere for Resonant Link’s groundbreaking wireless charging solutions that can help people, businesses, and the planet thrive. Learn more here.

Evernorth: Evernorth recently celebrated newly renovated buildings and significant progress to new construction on mixed-generation affordable housing properties located in West Burke. Support and Services at Home (SASH), a unique wellness initiative for Medicare recipients living independently at home, will, through partnership, support qualified residents. Learn more here.

University of Vermont Medical Center: UVM Medical Center has been recognized by a leading international advocate for sustainable practices. Health Care Without Harm, an international organization focused on environmental reform, sustainability and equity in health care, recently named UVM Medical Center as the recipient of its 2022 Health Care Climate Challenge Silver Award for Renewable Energy and Climate Resilience. Learn more here.

Local Motion: Devoted to making bicycling more accessible, nonprofit member Local Motion, is getting new leadership with a background in sustainability. Christina Erickson is  their new executive director and joins after 20 years immersed in education and sustainability efforts. Carbon reduction, community building, and placemaking are passions and priorities for Erickson. Learn more here.