35th Annual VBSR Conference Set for May 8th at Hula
Meeting this moment for business with courage, solidarity, and solutions
Burlington, Vt. (April 29, 2025) – The 35th Annual Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) Conference, “All Together Now”, will be held May 8th at VBSR Champion Member Hula in Burlington.
Vermont business and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, students, and inspired individuals will convene for a full-day event that will include a keynote conversation, as well as seven sessions on timely topics, and ample opportunities for networking and meeting exhibitors. Attendees will emerge inspired, connected with forward-thinking leaders, and replenished with new awareness, resources, and action steps to drive change.
Ari Weitzman, Managing Editor at Tangle News, an independent and nonpartisan digital media company covering U.S. politics, will moderate “Toward an Equitable, Sustainable & Prosperous Economy: A Keynote Conversation with Vermont Leaders.” Weitzman’s experience as a writer, interviewer and podcaster positions him perfectly for leading a conversation with some of Vermont’s most visionary private, public, and nonprofit voices:
- Sascha Mayer, Cofounder, Chief Experience Officer, Mamava
- Mike Pieciak, State Treasurer, State of Vermont
- Tinotenda Charles Rutanhira, Executive Director, Business Development and Co-Founder, The Vermont Professionals of Color Network
This “Keynote Conversation” will explore bridging differences and divides, empowering leadership in all Vermonters, and how Vermont businesses will continue standing by their values. Participants will share their visions for Vermont and how they are embracing innovation, momentum, and togetherness to reimagine broken systems and create economic resilience by engaging this crucial question: How do we build an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous economy?
“Vermont businesses need support facing unprecedented headwinds. From understanding the impacts of federal actions, to guidance on how to bridge political divides, hold fast to our values-led commitments, and navigate a climate of economic uncertainty, this is a critical a time for businesses to come together,” said Roxanne Vought, Executive Director of VBSR. “In its 35th year, the Annual VBSR Conference remains a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds between Vermont businesses and their partners in prosperity, learn from each other, and meet this moment for business with courage, solidarity, and solutions.”
Session Topics, Networking Moments and More:
Sessions include From D.C. to Montpelier: How Federal Decisions Impact Vermont; Delivering on Our Commitments: DEI & Sustainability in This Moment; Our Eye on the Prize: Keeping Focus and Momentum in Times of Uncertainty; Beyond Titles: Creating a Culture of Collective Leadership; The State of the B Corp Movement: A Conversation with the Vermont B Corp Collective; From Division to Dialogue: One Small Step with Vermont Public; and AI, Social Media & E-Commerce: Using Technology for Good, Despite Its Flaws.
In addition, the Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC) will host a BIPOC Affinity Space from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and UVM SI-MBA and Social Tinkering will host Connecting with Purpose: A Low-Pressure Networking Experience.
Registration, sponsor information, and a complete conference agenda are available at www.vbsrconference.org.
The 35th Annual VBSR Conference is generously supported by:
Keynote Underwriter: Mascoma Bank
Networking Reception: Lawson’s Finest Liquids, The Targeted Resume
Reef Room Underwriter: Gordon’s Window Decor
Isthmus Room Underwriter: Acrisure
Champion Underwriters: The Alchemist Brewery, Ben & Jerry’s, Casella Waste Systems, Champlain Investment Partners, Chroma Technology Corp., Dinse, Cabot Hosiery Mills, EastRise Credit Union, Encore Renewable Energy, Green Mountain Power, Hula, King Arthur Baking Company, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Mamava, National Life Group, Norwich Solar, Paul Frank + Collins, Rhino Foods, Seventh Generation, SunCommon, Union Mutual, VEIC, and Vermont Creamery.
Underwriters: Cleantech Industry Resources, Delta Dental, Hagan, The Richards Group, United Way of Northwest Vermont, VermontBiz, Vermont Public, VTDigger, and Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund.
About VBSR
VBSR is a statewide, non-profit business association with a mission to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact. VBSR’s 600 member businesses and organizations strive toward a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet through shared learning, community building, and collective action. Learn more or join the cause at www.vbsr.org.
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