VBSR Logo Vermont
Businesses
for Social Responsibility
December
2009
E-News
Will PattenThis month closes out a busy and productive year just as this year closes out two busy and productive decades.  Let's take a moment to savor the success.  We are a strong and growing community that demonstrates a better way of doing business. We are a clear and effective voice for the values that Vermont has long cherished.

But we only have a moment. The legislature is reconvening to make critical decisions about health care and energy. The foundations of our economy are weak and need replacing. Businesses are struggling to adapt to new economic realities. So off we go to a new year and a new decade.  
Happy holidays to all.  Enjoy the moment!

Will Patten
Executive Director
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
[email protected]
802.862.8347

In This Issue
VBSR Educational and Networking Events
VBSR Public Policy Update
VBSR Logo for Your Web Site
The VBSR Marketplace - A New Member Benefit
A New Deal for Local Economies
VBSR Members in the News
One Vermont Coalition
Welcome New VBSR Members!
VBSR Bookshelf - Confessions of a Radical Industrialist
VBSR Educational
and Networking Events

VBSR Networking Get-Together co-hosted by
Magnolia Bistro and Business Culture Consultants

Wednesday, January 27, 2010; 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Magnolia Bistro, One Lawson Lane, Burlington, VT
To sponsor this event, please contact Rita Bothfeld at [email protected] by the end of Tuesday, January 5.

SAVE THE DATES!
2010 Spring Conference
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Hilton Hotel; Burlington, VT
Terry Ehrich Awards Dinner
Tuesday evening, May 4, 2010
Pass the word to your colleagues, and stay tuned for the conference Call for Proposals!
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If you are interested in sponsoring or hosting a VBSR event, contact Rita Bothfeld at 802-862-8347 or at [email protected].
VBSR Public Policy Update
Public Policy Forums Great Success - Forward into the 2010 Legislative Session

On Decemb2007 Employer Guide Bannerer 7, we wrapped up our fall public policy series with a lively and well-attended forum at Main Street Landing in Burlington. Other fall events were held in Montpelier, Manchester, Brattleboro, and Rutland. At the Burlington forum over $1,600 was raised in support of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. Read more about the forums...

VBSR Public Policy Issue Brief - Health Care Reform
For over sixteen years, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility has advocated for accessible and affordable health care for all Vermonters. This system of universal access would include de-coupling health insurance from employment, creating an integrated system of care, and cost containment as a priority. Expanding this policy and working towards its implementation has never been more timely or vital for Vermont businesses and citizens. The rising cost of health insurance premiums is one of the most uncontrollable elements of business overhead and is forcing Vermont companies and their employees to make difficult choices. More on our web site...
VBSR Logo for Your Web Site

2007 Employer Guide Banner

Publicize your VBSR membership
on your web site and
communication materials!!

CLICK HERE to download this logo.
The VBSR Marketplace -
A New Member Benefit Coming Soon...


VBSR has created a unique and powerful resource for our members to improve their cash flow through the exchange of their goods and services...all while supporting Vermont businesses and the VBSR Mission.

The VBSR Marketplace is a simple concept: Your business uses what it has to purchase what it needs. Not barter...much better and much more flexible than that. Your businesses goods and/or services are actually turned into an electronic trade dollar that you can use throughout the VBSR network.

Stay tuned for more to come...
A New Deal for Local Economies
In this lecture, delivered at the Bristol Schumacher Conference in Great Britain, Stacy Mitchell proposes a set of new rules - policies that would foster local self-reliance and refashion the economy for long-term viability.
Stacy Mitchell is a senior researcher with the New Rules Project, a program of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR).
VBSR Members in the News
NRG Systems CEO Jan Blittersdorf In Attendance at White House Jobs Forum
Jan Blittersdorf, CEO and president of NRG Systems, leading manufacturer of wind measurement equipment for the global wind energy industry, attended the White House Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth on December 3. Read the announcement at NRG Systems' web site.
One Vermont Coalition - Taking a stand for a Vermont that works for everyone 
One Vermont is a network of citizens, organizations, and businesses committed to state policies, programs, and public structures that help build a society that works for all Vermonters. VBSR has been working with this coalition to ensure that critical state programs and infrastructures are maintained during these difficult budget times. One Vermont is looking for businesses to sign a declaration in support of this effort. If you are interested you can sign the online declaration.
Newsletter Sponsorship

2007 Employer Guide Banner


INTERESTED IN SPONSORING VBSR'S NEWSLETTER?  E-mail [email protected] or call 802-862-8347 to secure a space today.


Welcome New VBSR Members!
Too many to list here!
View the list on our
web site...

VBSR Bookshelf
Confessions of a Radical Industrialist

by:
Ray C. Anderson




VBSR Bookshelf Information Courtesy of Northshire Bookstore
CONTACT US
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60 Lake Street, Suite 3G
Burlington, VT 05401
802-862-8347

Our mission is to foster a business ethic in Vermont that recognizes the opportunity and responsibility of the business community to set a high standard for protecting the natural, human, and economic environments of our citizens.

We are commited to a multiple bottom line approach to business that values people, planet and profit.  For more information about our organization visit [email protected]

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