VBSR January Sole Circle

Thursday, January 27, 2011; 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Bluebird Tavern, 317 Riverside Avenue, Burlington, VT
The Sole Circle is a group of single person and micro-businesses that meet to discuss the trends and issues they face. This month's Sole Circle will kick off with an address from Rachel Cummings on the topic of starting, running and selling her business, Armistead Caregiver Services. Afterwards there will be a brief Q&A followed by networking and drinks at Bluebird Tavern.

VBSR Legislative Reception

Thursday, February 3, 2011; 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Julio's Cantina, 54 State Street, Montpelier, VT
Come meet and mingle with lawmakers at Montpelier's downtown Mexican restaurant! VBSR members can also chat with Public Policy Manager Daniel Barlow and Executive Director Andrea Cohen about our organization's legislative goals for the 2011 session. This is a great opportunity to meet the Statehouse policy-makers and your local legislators. Light appetizers will be available along with a cash bar. Thanks to our sponsors - National Life, Washington Electric Cooperative and KSE Partners, LLP.
 

VBSR February Networking Get-Together hosted by Way Out Wax

Wednesday, February 16, 2011; 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Way Out Wax, 251 Harrel Street, Morrisville, VT
To sponsor, please contact Rita Bothfeld at ritab@vbsr.org no later than Monday, February 1.

VBSR March Networking Get-Together co-hosted by AllEarth Renewables, Vermont Works for Women, and J.A. Morrissey Inc.

Thursday, March 17, 2011; 5:30 - 7:30 pm
AllEarth Renewables, 94 Harvest Lane, Williston, VT
To sponsor, please contact Rita Bothfeld at ritab@vbsr.org no later than Monday, February 14.

Sponsor VBSR's 2011 Spring Conference
"Building on Our Strengths: What makes a great place to do business?"
Thursday, May 12, 2011; 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
University of Vermont Davis Center, Burlington, VT
Planning for our 2011 Spring Conference is in full swing. You can find full sponsorship details at our web site. If you have questions or would like to sponsor, please contact Rita Bothfeld, ritab@vbsr.org or 802-862-8347.
Deadline to sponsor is Monday, February 28, 2011.
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Vermont has a real opportunity to make fundamental health care reform a reality this year - but VBSR needs your help to make the case for change at the Statehouse. If you believe that Vermont should move toward a health care system that ensures universal coverage, decouples insurance from employment, is based on a person's ability to save and includes cost savings, let VBSR know!

We would like as many Vermont businesses as possible to sign onto a statement of support outlining those values. That statement will be delivered to lawmakers and policy-makers in Montpelier later in January.

Please visit our web site to read the full statement of support. Please email your business name and the town it is located in to Public Policy Manager Dan Barlow (danielb@vbsr.org) if you agree.
 
Changing a system as large and complex as a health care system will require constant interaction with lawmakers to remind them that this isn't a choice between what we have now and reform. The current system of delivering and financing health care is unsustainable and we need to make changes now to ensure that our state succeeds.

- Daniel Barlow
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Plenty of shopping time left...pick up your copy of the Local First Vermont Resource Guide and Coupon Book today!
 
Need your snowboard or skis tuned?  Want to save money on groceries? Buy your pet a gift? Want to buy this and more locally? It is not too late to pick up your Local First Coupon Book. All coupons and offers are good until September 2012 -- that means 8 months of shopping left! The coupon books are on sale at local distributors everywhere. They also make great gifts for clients and employees. With only about 800 books remaining, now is the time to get your copy. Check out the Local First web page to find out where you can buy it, and follow us on our Local First facebook page for highlights on great coupons in your neighborhood!
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Vermont Leadership Institute applications invited for 2011-12

The Snelling Center for Government invites members of the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to apply for the Vermont Leadership Institute. The application process is competitive, based on an application, references, and local interview. Applicants are selected with consideration given to their professional achievements, their demonstrated interest in their communities, and their potential for growth in leadership. The program seeks applicants who are committed to Vermont, curious about the issues facing Vermont, eager to learn and grow, and who value inquiry and dialogue.
     The program includes eight two- and three-day residential sessions around the state, between September and June 2011-2012, with preparation activities and followup between sessions.  For information about the program schedule, tuition, and application process, please visit http://www.snellingcenter.org/VLI/how-to-apply/  or contact Judy Warriner Walke, VLI Director, at judy@snellingcenter.org, 802-859-3090.  Applications are due by Monday, March 21, 2011.
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