Seasons Greetings Members and Friends,
 
We truly wish you a peaceful and restful holiday season. The recent tragedy in Newtown, CT reminds us that these are troubled times for many and we all need to support our community and colleagues. While we are all demanding that "meaningful action" be taken, we also know that this will be interpreted differently by people. As a representative of 1100 Vermont businesses and their employees, I am in a unique position to hear from a very diverse cross section of Vermonters. There is indeed consensus on some things: there is not sufficient access to quality mental health services in Vermont, families are stressed and in need of more support, and dangerous weapons must not be used to harm innocent people. The social safety net is eroding and VBSR remains committed to supporting bold political action to ensure that people get the supports they need. Our number one legislative priority continues to be universal access to quality medical care, including mental health support. We ask you as members, neighbors, and friends to put aside political differences so we can indeed ensure meaningful action.  

Workplace safety is something every business needs to put on their New Year's list; our employees need to be assured of a safe working environment. Here are some links to that can serve as a planning starting point: Domestic Violence in the Workplace and
Prevention of Workplace Violence.

We are excited about our plans for 2013 and we continue to be inspired and energized by our fantastic members. VBSR continues to serve a valuable educational, networking, and advocacy role and we have some great things in the works. Keep a look out for a bunch of exciting networking events and conferences in the year ahead, starting with our January Get-Together hosted by Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery.

Also in the New Year, VBSR will be hanging a shingle in our state capital! Office space in Montpelier will help us to increase our legislative presence and to meet and network more with members south of Route 2. More details soon on this satellite office and our legislative agenda for 2013.  

Finally, we want to say "thank you" to our community of businesses. You are a shining light -- keep up all the good work you do! 

A safe and happy holiday season to all, 

Andrea Cohen, VBSR Executive Director

 

Over the past several months, the VBSR Marketplace has continued to evolve and advance. As you may remember from last month, the Marketplace recently upgraded to an open-source backbone and is now ready to expand and improve the Marketplace experience. The Marketplace, and its 'brain-child' Amy Kirschner, have also been getting significant attention and acknowledgement for advancing a viable "complimentary currency model." Congrats to Amy and the Marketplace! 

Check out the latest Marketplace newsletter, ripe with the new offerings, tips and other information; click here!

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2012/2013 Buy Local Book

What is the most wonderful and extravagant gift you can possibly give for $15? The buy local book is worth hundreds... even thousands to some! Give a gift that grows... The Buy Local Book. Get your gift today at one of these fine retailers.

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January 31: VBSR Networking Get-Together Hosted by the Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery


Save the Date!
May 14: The 23rd Annual VBSR Spring Conference

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The Snelling Center announces a new leadership development program for women: Women's Leadership Circles. They are looking for ten to twelve women in, or aspiring to be in, leadership roles and who live or work in Washington County, to participate in the next six-month-long program, beginning January 17th. Applications are being accepted now; visit the website, contact Linda Wheatley at the Snelling Center or call Kerry Secrest at Watershed Coaching LLC (802) 451-0842 for more info.