There are big changes taking place at VBSR this fall...and they are all good. 

First, our membership is growing.  We just passed 700 and we expect to pass 1,000 by the end of this year.  105 new businesses have enrolled since July 1st:  33% because they realize that business-as-usual doesn't work anymore;  27% through our alliance with Local First Vermont;  40% to access our group health insurance plans.  Each new member understands and supports our mission.

For many years over 2,000 small Vermont businesses were enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield group plans through Vermont Health Services Group which regulators recently determined did not qualify as a business association.  VBSR agreed to partner with Vermont Retailers, Vermont Grocers and Vermont Medical Society to absorb these 2,000 businesses into our associations.  Together we will negotiate health insurance for nearly 3,000 businesses. 

As our membership grows, the VBSR Board of Directors is adding three at-large Directors to be selected by the membership in contested elections.  Like most non-profits, VBSR has a Nominating Committee that recruits Directors to provide geographic, professional and demographic diversity.  Each year a ballot of Directors is presented to the membership at the Fall Conference for endorsement.  This year, an election will select three at-large Board members as well.  We are looking for nominations for both at-large and regular Board members.  Please send us a name of someone you think could help steer VBSR through the exciting years ahead of us.  (Maybe yourself?)  Include a brief description of the person's qualifications.  Please note:  at-large nominees must come from companies with at least one employee and be members in good standing.  Nominations must be received by the end of day on September 22nd.  Email them to calenk@vbsr.org.

I hope you are planning to attend our Fall Conference in Manchester on November 10th.  As always, we will have a provocative and inspirational agenda.

Will Patten
Executive Director
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
willp@vbsr.org
802.862.8347