The change in season is also bringing some positive changes at VBSR-- Russ Elek has recently joined the VBSR team as our Program Assistant and there is almost nothing that happens at VBSR that he won't have a hand in.  Please join us in welcoming Russ and make sure to introduce yourself personally to him at an upcoming VBSR event, or virtually via our Facebook page, Twitter account, or email. Welcome Russ!

Please take 10 minutes to fill out our annual public policy survey (see next article)--it is critical we hear your perspectives and ideas so we can bring them forward into our advocacy work.  There are many voices of business in this state and we cannot adequately address your interests unless we hear from you.

Expect to hear more from us this fall about a new project we are launching: Business Energy Action.  We hope you will join us and our project partners in re-committing to energy efficiency and conservation.  As you continue on your quest to improve your social responsibility, improved energy conservation should always be on the "must do" list.

Best to you,  

Andrea Cohen, Executive Director

To cast your nominations please fill out the web form here. Nominations must be received by VBSR no later than Thursday, September 29th. Please contact  Becky Cohen  if you have any questions about the nomination process. Thank you for your nominations! 

VBSR kicked off its series of fall policy forums earlier this month with a big bash at Main Street Landing's Film House. With Vermont's election season starting, we gave our members the opportunity to hear directly from more than a dozen statewide and federal candidates for office.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Brock called for Vermont to become the Benefit Corporation capital of the country. Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor Cassandra Gekas talked about the importance of reforming our health care system. Despite the many policy differences between the candidates, all of them stressed how important SR businesses are to Vermont's economy.

VBSR will soon announce the forums for the rest of the fall as we gear up for the start of the 2013 legislative session (only four months away!). But until then, here are a few policy updates: 

• VBSR's summer study committee on GMO Labeling legislation is now wrapping up and our attention will shift to a fall study committee on how to finance a public health care system. Interested in joining these discussions? Email Public Policy Manager Daniel Barlow.

• We are also now forming our 2013 legislative agenda. What issues would you like to see VBSR focus on when lawmakers return to Montpelier early next year? Health care reform? Tax policy? Renewable energy? W. Please make sure to fill out the annual policy survey so we can hear your input!

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• Conference Sponsorship Opportunities (Act by September 19!!).  Three levels of conference sponsorship available.
• Exhibitor information

Contact Scott Buckingham for more information.

September in Vermont ushers in a season of change; the leaves begin to turn, the weather becomes cold, and Fall is upon us. Make one more change this Fall and bring on a talented and capable intern through the VBSR VT Intern Program.

There are many different opportunities and ways to bring an intern on, from using them for the semester, the school year or even a short term project. Hiring an intern can also be a great way to see if someone is the right fit for a longer time position at your businesses or organization. We have helped 125 businesses in Vermont hire over 180 interns - add your name to the list! Questions or ready to get started? Email

Welcome to our newest reoccurring column. With the legislative session about gear up once more, many people are beginning to pay attention again to Health Care, and several people still have questions. This new column aims to answer some of these questions and help keep you informed.

This month, we'd like to point you in the direction of the Mark Johnson Show. On September 13, the show featured Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform.

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The US Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund has announced that the Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) has been awarded a grant of $671,416 to support its mission-driven lending to Vermont's small businesses, community facilities and affordable housing and child care programs. Read more...



Inc. magazine has included the innovative AllSun Tracker manufacturer, AllEarth Renewables, to the annual Inc. 500|5000, a ranking of the nation's fastest growing private companies. AllEarth Renewables ranked #148 and was the 9th fastest growing energy company nation-wide.  The Vermont company had a three year growth of 2,217% with revenues in 2011 of $20 million. Check out their profile...