VBSR Member News Round Up 10-16-24
Vermont Works for Women: Vermont Works for Women (VWW) has been awarded $398,019 from the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau’s highly competitive Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant program. Over the next two years, VWW will expand their successful Trailblazers training program for women and gender-expansive individuals, create a new training program for careers in semiconductor manufacturing, provide gender equity training to employers to create more inclusive workplaces, and enhance services for current and future tradeswomen. Learn more here.
Capstone Community Action: Will Eberle, former executive director of Recovery Vermont, has joined Capstone Community Action as director of weatherization and climate impact. He will help expand upon the organization's mission to address the basic needs of low-income Vermonters through a variety of home weatherization and climate impact programs, including innovative transportation equity programs. Capstone Community Action works to overcome poverty by serving people in crisis and to create economic opportunity for people and communities. Learn more here.
CCTV, Main Street Landing: For the last three years, filmmaker Myles David Jewell has been working with CCTV to produce a feature documentary about the birth and evolution of community media in Vermont. On November 21st at 6:30pm, CCTV is inviting the general public to attend a work sample screening at Main Street Landing Film House, followed by a moderated discussion. Burlington This Is You! is a participatory documentary exploring the foundations and future of community media in Burlington and beyond. As part of the participatory nature of this project, the audience discussion will be recorded and may be included in the final version of the film. Learn more here.
Energy Action Network: A new report from the non-profit Energy Action Network (EAN) provides the latest information on where Vermont stands on its climate and energy commitments. Included in the comprehensive report are up to date emissions and energy data for Vermont, along with in-depth analysis of the economics of different energy choices at both the household and statewide levels. The report details where Vermont has been a leader in the energy transition, while also summarizing where the state still lags on key metrics of climate and energy progress. Learn more here.
Generator Makerspace: Burlington’s community-driven hub for creativity and hands-on learning – Generator – has announced its 10th anniversary celebration. To mark this milestone, they’ve invited the entire community to a free anniversary party on Thursday, October 24, from 6-9 PM at their space on 40 Sears Ln. Since its inception in 2014, Generator Makerspace has provided a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their creativity, learn new skills, collaborate on projects, and launch businesses. Learn more here.
Lawson's Finest Liquids, Vermont Center for Independent Living: Champion Member Lawson’s Finest Liquids has selected VT Center for Independent Living (VCIL) as a recipient of its 2024 Sunshine Fund. VCIL will be a temporary “on-tap” partner for 2 weeks, receiving 100 percent of guest donations! Visit the Lawson’s Finest destination brewery and taproom in Waitsfield, Vt., through today (October 15) for a delicious brew you can feel good about. The Sunshine Fund is part of the Lawson’s Finest Liquids Social Impact Program (SIP), which is the brewery’s way of building impactful connections and strengthening community while creating memorable experiences. Learn more here.
VEIC: Per new statistics from Drive Electric Vermont (a program of Efficiency Vermont and Champion Member VEIC), as of July 2024, there are 15,144 plug-in electric vehicles registered in Vermont. Trends and stats – including how many electric school buses are on the road, a breakdown of the top-selling models, registrations by county, and more – are all available. The headline is this: Vermont registered EVs have nearly doubled in the past year. Learn more here.
Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF): In the 3rd quarter of 2024, the Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF), a nonprofit, mission-driven alternative lender, loaned $3.1 million to Vermont small businesses, early childhood education programs, nonprofits and developers of affordable housing. VCLF's loans throughout Vermont during the 3rd quarter of 2024 have helped create or preserve multiple jobs, child care slots, affordable homes and essential services for Vermonters. Learn more here.
Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC): The Coco Bar – Prince Awhaitey’s coconut cart that he uses to spread the word about nutrition and health – is a VSAC student and business success story. If The Coco Bar sounds familiar, you likely met Prince at a recent VBSR Annual Conference where he has served his signature branded coconuts alongside educational nutrition guidance. With a year left in his VSAC-supported course of study (a remote dietetics certification program offered through the University of North Florida), his passion and path as a health educator is just beginning. Learn more here.
WheelPad L3C, LineSync Architecture, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund: The founder of WheelPad L3C, Julie Lineberger, and her team create fully accessible housing for veterans, seniors, and people with spinal cord injuries or debilitating illnesses. Julie is also the CEO and owner of LineSync Architecture in Wilmington, VT. After a family member’s accident left them paralyzed, she her team began to conceptualize a personal accessible dwelling (PAD) that could be temporarily attached to a “host” home following a spinal cord injury. With support from entities like Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, they have placed 15 units around the country as far away as Washington state – and they’re just getting started. Learn more here.