VBSR Member News Round Up 9-18-24

The Landmark Trust USA / Scott Farm: The Landmark Trust USA / Scott Farm will be receiving a $401,274 grant from the National Park Service - Save America's Treasures. This is an important part of the organization’s Climate Resilience Strategy and it came about, in part, due to their participation in ClimateReadyVT. The Landmark Trust USA team took part in the inaugural ClimateReadyVT cohort and the experience helped them gain clarity on what they needed to accomplish with the National Park Service grant. This funding is part of their ambitious campaign for the Naulakha Estate. Learn more here.

Casella Waste Systems: Champion Member Casella Waste Systems recently honored three organizations for their leadership in sustainability as part of Casella’s annual Sustainability Leadership Awards. The Casella Sustainability Leadership Awards recognize partners and customers who best exemplify what we can achieve when we work together to reduce waste, increase recycling, and advance the circular economy. Learn more here.

Evernorth: Evernorth Loan Fund, a community development organization of Evernorth, has received a $10 million donation to support its efforts in financing affordable housing projects in Vermont. The funds are already supporting over 200 affordable homes under development in Putney, Waterbury, Berlin, West Rutland, Shelburne and Burlington. Increasing the size of the Evernorth Loan Fund furthers its mission of promoting economic opportunity, social equity, and community well-being through affordable housing development. Learn more here.

Green Mountain Club: The Green Mountain Club is continuing to build a new visitor center. The new building is meant to be an updated welcoming space in Waterbury Center for hikers and visitors to learn about Vermont’s trail systems and stock up on supplies for outdoor excursions. The new facility will house a gathering spot and includes a retail store where hikers can buy maps, clothing, guidebooks and other trail-navigation tools. The visitor center is also a hub for local clubs and hiking events throughout the year. Learn more here.

KSV, VCET: Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) recently sat down with Erin Fagnant, a partner at B Corp and fellow VBSR member KSV, for a conversation about business sustainability (on every level). Luckily for us, it is part of VCET’s “Start Here” podcast series, so we can all hear what they talked about. Wherever you are in your business or career journey, if you’re out there living the “business for good” mantra then this discussion has something for you. Learn more here.

Mercy Connections: The fall slate of Mercy Connection's Inclusive Entrepreneurship courses has opened for enrollment. These classes are specifically for the LGBTQIA2S+ Business Owner community through the Vermont Pride & Prosperity Network. From 1:1 business coaching to business owner support groups and more, don’t miss these opportunities to grow – and grow your business. Learn more here.

Unlikely Riders, Vermont Community Foundation: Nonprofit Unlikely Riders creates joyful and inclusive spaces for BIPOC in mountain sports by breaking down barriers and fostering a supportive community. They were part of the Vermont Community Foundation / VBSR Changemakers Grant Program. The support and grant funding they received directly translated into living out their mission. Join us in celebrating the release of their 2023-2024 Impact Report which details their recent successes. Learn more here.

Vermont Brewers Association, Efficiency Vermont/VEIC, Gallagher, Flynn & Company, The Richards Group: The Vermont Brewers Association has released the lineup for the Vermont Craft Brewers Conference – November 11-12 – and it includes a variety of VBSR members including Efficiency Vermont (a program of Champion Member VEIC), Gallagher, Flynn & Company, and Gold Member The Richards Group. From sustainability tips and tricks in the brewhouse to leadership and team building best practices, attendees (brewers or otherwise!) can learn plenty about business approaches from this year’s offerings. Learn more here.

Vermont Glove: Sam Hooper – the 30-year old owner and president of Vermont Glove in Randolph – recently had a wide-raging discussion on The Vermont Conversation with David Goodman. Sam discusses what it means to be mission-driven – from a pandemic pivot toward protective gear production to creating housing for his employees and the community – and pursuing a sustainable growth “where we can still have a significant impact on our local community through meaningful job creation, and continued product quality (compared) to what is out there.” Learn more here.

VOBA: The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) has announced a “save the date” for their Sixth Annual Outdoor Economy Summit on Thursday, November 14. The Outdoor Economy Summit and Membership Meeting is a chance to join industry colleagues for networking, education, and business development centered in climate resilience, equity, innovation and sustainability, and career pathways. Location and registration information coming soon. Learn more here.

VTPoC: The Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VTPoC; an awardee at this year's VBSR Awards Ceremony & Dinner!) recently released a web-based digital guide to support and empower Vermont’s marginalized communities by connecting new residents and visitors to essential resources, businesses and events. While it can be used by anyone, the web-based guide is targeted at Vermont’s growing BIPOC population — members of which often feel siloed — to foster a sense of belonging. So far the user-friendly guide has 10 categories, including arts and culture, community engagement, parks and rec, and health and wellness. Learn more here.

Vermont Works for Women: VBSR Member Vermont Works for Women and Vermont Adult Learning have announce that a new collaborative workforce development program. “Trailblazers: Energy Works”, is coming to The MINT (Rutland’s Makerspace) October 1-November 23. The program is designed to help meet the increasing demand for a diverse climate workforce. The two non-profits have come together to offer the free eight-week joint training program for women and gender-expansive individuals ages 18+ who are interested in seeking employment in Vermont’s climate workforce. Learn more here.