VBSR Member News Round Up 7-24-24

Champlain Housing Trust, Evernorth, Scott + Partners Architecture: A new neighborhood is coming to Shelburne, with nearly 100 affordable homes and apartments. Members the Champlain Housing Trust and Evernorth are joining forces to build the “Bay Ridge” development. One project won't solve all of Vermont’s housing challenges, but beginning construction on so many permanently affordable homes at once, is a rare occurrence in Vermont. Member Scott + Partners Architecture is also part of the project. The first residents should be moving into their condominiums in Bay Ridge by next May. Learn more here.

King Arthur Baking Company: Interest in home baking hasn't subsided alongside the Coronavirus. In fact, Champion Member King Arthur Baking Company has found that bakers are now experimenting with more complex ingredients in their ovens – leading to the brand seeing double the website traffic for its sourdough products compared to last year. That enthusiasm has led to the organization’s plan to start rolling out baking schools – a new venture for the employee-owned company. Innovation, culture and more is explored in a recent conversation with King Arthur’s CEO. Learn more here.

Brattleboro Savings and Loan: Brattleboro Savings and Loan has never changed its name or its ownership in 112 years in Windham County. All that time, BS&L has stayed true to its identity by focusing on service and attention to the community and the community’s needs. The bank is also the only bank chartered in Vermont, and one of just 16 nationwide, to be a certified B Corporation. By focusing on sustainability that benefits the bank and the community instead of profits quarter to quarter, a recent profile on BS&L shines a light on the impact of this approach. Learn more here.

National Life Group, Lawson's Finest Liquids: Lawson’s Finest Liquids did not only become a sponsor of fellow Champion Member National Life Group’s recent Do Good Fest – they brewed an exclusive beer just for the occasion. The Do Good Brew Hazy Orange IPA was available for sale at Do Good Fest on July 13. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the exclusive Do Good Brew at the 10th anniversary benefit concert will be going to Central Vermont Medical Center’s Branches of Hope Cancer Patient Fund. Learn more here.

Lawson's Finest Liquids: Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ Sunshine Fund grant program is now accepting applications for the 2025 calendar year. Vermont-based nonprofit organizations who have not been selected as Sunshine Fund recipients in the past are invited to apply now through the end of August. Learn more (and apply) here.

Vermont Land Trust: What might the future of farming in Vermont look like? Through a new nonprofit known as The Agrihood Collective – made possible by a partnership with Vermont Land Trust – a group of four prominent farmers in South Burlington and Shelburne are offering a view. These farmers are exploring solutions to the ever-growing challenges of working in agriculture and are collaborating on an innovative, collaborative land-ownership model. Learn more here.

Working Fields, Vermont Community Foundation, The Fund at Hula, & Frank Sadowski: With a mission-driven approach that promotes inclusive hiring practices and long-term retention, Gold Member Working Fields has surpassed the $2M mark in equity funding from investors to support its regional expansion. As a mission-driven staffing agency and benefit corporation, Working Fields strengthens communities using a unique peer support model to increase access to employment for marginalized populations and connect local employers with dedicated job seekers. Investors in include fellow VBSR members Vermont Community Foundation, The Fund at Hula, and Frank Sadowski. Learn more here.

In the first half of 2024, VBSR has had three additional organizations become Gold Members! Please help us welcome them to this group of values-led businesses that pledge additional annual support to the VBSR mission.

Read on to learn more about American Meadows, M&T Bank, and Vermont First by Sodexo:

American Meadows: American Meadows is a leading online destination for gardeners, committed to "Doing Good Through Gardening" by offering innovative wildflower seed mixes, pre-planned perennial gardens, and lawn alternatives while promoting the collective improvement of our planet, our communities, ourselves.

M&T Bank: M&T Bank is investing in the growth and sustainability of the businesses and communities they serve, attracting and retaining diverse clients and colleagues across their organization so they can truly reflect their multicultural communities across the 12 states they serve, including Vermont. They are building a stronger community – together.

Vermont First by Sodexo: Vermont First, created in 2014, is a first of its kind program committing Sodexo to increase local purchasing across its Vermont institutional markets. Since its inception, the aim has been to grow market opportunity for local producers, stimulate job growth, and ensure the viability of Vermont’s working lands.

Questions about becoming a Gold Member? Contact Jeremy Gerberat jeremyg@vbsr.org.