VBSR
April
2014
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
 
Vermont Businesses...Vermont Values. 

Greetings! 

With the arrival of spring in Vermont comes the opportunity to register for VBSR's Annual Spring Conference to be held on Wednesday, May 14, at UVM's Davis Center! Please do not miss this wonderful event, the workshops and keynote speakers will be outstanding and the company exceptional. Registration is open with early-bird rates available until May 7th. Don't wait to secure your spot - register here today!!!

Spring also kicks off the Buy Local Book advertising season -- consider having a coupon(s), story, or profile in the 2014/2015 book.  New this year will be a section dedicated to services and on-line businesses that is open to any locally owned business in the state. Check out the opportunities, the rate sheet, and more information about the Buy Local Book here. 

We are also currently accepting Nominations for the Terry Ehrich Award for Excellence in Socially Responsible Business until the end of May.  Nomination information and an on-line form are available here.

In the meantime, we hope to see you May 1st in Rutland for our Networking Get-together sponsored by Small Dog Electronics and Green Mountain Power. (Register here!)

Sincerely,
Andrea Cohen, Executive Director
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VBSR Welcomes and Thanks our Newest Members!
 
SMALL AND LARGE BUSINESSES 
Bitybean LLC
CB Sacks
QuickStart
Red River
Rock Point Advisors
Vermont Energy Education Program

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS: 
Brandon Batham, Marlboro
Galen Broido, Hinesburg 
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VBSR's 24th Annual Spring Conference - REGISTRATION OPEN!  
May 14th at UVM's Davis Center
 
FEATURING:
Alisa Gravitz, CEO & President, Green America
The Greening of America: Everyone's Business 

 

Congressman Peter Welch      

 


VBSR's largest event of the year, and Vermont's largest gathering of socially responsible business professionals, will be held from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the University of Vermont's Davis Center in Burlington. Event features include keynotes from Alisa Gravitz and Congressman Peter Welch, 15 workshops, 40 exhibitors, 300+ attendees, several networking sessions and the presentation of the 2014 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence. You won't want to miss this!
 

Register Today/View Complete Event Details 
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     This Edition of E-news Sponsored by:  
    ecopixel

 Click here to learn how exopixel can help your business!

Interested in sponsoring E-news? Contact us today.
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2014/2015 Buy Local Book Underway 
Deadline for Ad Sales: June 1 

It's time to sign up to be in the 2014/2015 Buy Local Book!

NEW THIS YEAR -- Professional services and online businesses will have their own devoted section. This area will be great for designers, accountants, consultants and many others to introduce new customers to their business.

The Buy Local Book, a comprehensive and invaluable resource guide and
coupon book, is an annual project of Local First Vermont. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) is the host organization for this important program. The mission of Local First Vermont is to preserve and enhance the economic, human, and natural vitality of Vermont communities. This is achieved by advocating for and promoting the importance of support for locally owned independent businesses. The Buy Local Book, which provides consumers with an easy way to support the local economy, is an extension of the Local First Vermont mission.

The Buy Local Book, currently in its fifth year, continues to grow. This year's book will focus on Chittenden, Addison, Washington and Lamoille counties. Visit www.localfirstvermont.org to find out more.

Ready to advertise? Click here!
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Call for Nominations: Terry Ehrich Award
Nomination Deadline May 30

VBSR's annual award ceremony honors an outstanding member of the VBSR community with the Terry Ehrich Award. Named for the late owner of Hemmings Motor News and founder of the First Day Foundation, the Terry Ehrich Award is given annually to a person who exemplifies Terry's commitment to the environment, workplace and community. Nominations will be judged on four criteria: Workplace Environment, Political Environment, Social Environment and Natural Environment.

 

Any VBSR member at a for-profit business is eligible to be nominated. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. The award will be presented at the Terry Ehrich Award Ceremony and Dinner in mid-September 2014. For more information, please call VBSR at (802) 862-8347.

 

Nomination deadline: Friday, May 30, 2014.

 

Please click here to fill out the nomination form. 
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Capital Dome in Spring Public Policy Update
Vermont Closing in on Mandatory GMO Labeling

After three years of work, Vermont is close to becoming the first state to require the labeling of genetically engineered food.

The Vermont Senate voted 28-2 Wednesday to give final approval to H.112, which will require GMO foods sold in the state to be labeled as such starting in 2016. The House approved the bill last year and while there are still some more hurdles to clear - working out the differences between the two bills and sending it to the Governor for his signature - we are very close to celebrating this victory.

VBSR worked on this bill for the last three years because we heard from our members that they believe that Vermonters have a right to know what is in the food they eat. Vermonters have a special relationship with food - we like shopping at farmer's markets and food co-ops, and knowing the person who grew or prepared our food is important to us. This bill will help Vermonters make the right choices and bring more transparency to our food system.

Vermont is standing up to some powerful interests by passing this bill and the law may be challenged in court. But thanks to the good work done by the Legislature, including members of the House and Senate judiciary committees, and an analysis developed by the Vermont Law School, we believe Vermont can prevail and show the rest of the country how to lead.

Click here to read our testimony on GMO labeling. (From March 19.)

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Intern Program Travels the State   
Nearly 60 PAID Internships Posted  

As the snow melts and the sun warms, the Intern Program kicks into high gear. We are on the road getting the word out to Vermont's colleges and universities (we attended 5 career fairs at five institutions in 5 days!), helping employers create high-quality internships that move Vermont's economy forward (nearly 60 PAID positions have been posted as of March 30) and reviewing a continuous stream of applications (we've read over 600 to date). As always, we are available to you for direct support.  

 

While we are letting the world know that PAID internships make a difference in Vermont, we need your help! If we have helped you find an intern, please let us know! Successful placement of interns helps to demonstrate our value to our funders (thank you, Vermont Department of Labor and UVM Continuing and Distance Education!).  

 

If we've helped you, you want our help, contact Roxanne today at roxannev@vbsr.org or (802) 862-8347.  

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Upcoming VBSR Events
VBSR has some great events coming up next month! We look forward to seeing you soon! 

 

May 1:  Networking Get-Together Co-Hosted by Small Dog and Green Mountain Power 

 

Small Dog Electronics and Green Mountain Power are teaming up to co-host a VBSR Networking Get-Together on May 1st. Join us as we network with forward-thinking business professionals working to advance a triple-bottom line approach to business. Help Small Dog celebrate the one-year anniversary of their store, and take a look at (and a tour of!) GMP's new Energy Innovation Center.

 

The evening will begin at GMP's Energy Innovation Center with networking, light refreshments and a chance to learn more about the new Energy Innovation Center. After experiencing how the space helps GMP to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of energy use, attendees will move next door to Small Dog's retail location to toast the store's one-year anniversary, enjoy heavier hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, and learn what SR practices are being carried out by the company. REGISTER TODAY! 

 

Special thanks to our hosts, Drive Electric Vermont, Go!Vermont, Neighborworks of Western Vermont, Progressive Asset Management, SunCommon and the Vermont Community Foundation.

 

Interested in sponsoring or hosting an event? Email Scott.    

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Nearly 200 Attend March Get-Together
Guests Given "Topnotch" Treatment at TruexCullins-Hosted Get-Together

On March 26, nearly 200 VBSR members and friends joined us at Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe for a VBSR Networking Get-Together Hosted by VBSR Gold Member TruexCullins.  

 

Guests were treated to an evening full of laughter, great food and drink, live music, and networking and conversation around the meaning of social responsibility. Several door prizes were given away, and our sponsors stole the show during an entertaining (and educational!) program. A crowd of attendees also joined the TruexCullins and Topnotch teams for tours of the new facility.  

 

Thank you to everyone who helped make this a great event!!!

  

Check out the photos!

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Vermont Health Connect 
April Updates
   
Although March 31 was the end of the open enrollment period, anyone in Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur will still need to enroll through VHC if they have not already, and they might find themselves now eligible for subsidy assistance. Businesses that are on an "off-calendar" renewal date, who have not enrolled, can do so as a "special enrollment period". Your business and your employees may continue to use our Navigator services to help with enrollment, plan selection and to confirm eligibility for subsidies. If you have employees on Medicaid and Dr. D. you can let your employees know that they can contact the VBSR Navigators directly with any questions. As always, the VBSR Navigators are also available to you and your employees to answer questions and to help you enroll on the Exchange. Contact one of them today to schedule an appointment. For more information and updates please click here
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The Vermont Foodbank on The VT Convo
Wednesdays, 1 PM -- AM550 FM96.1

  

VBSR's weekly radio show, "The Vermont Conversation," has brought in some big-name guests and discussed some heavy topics this year. Recently, the director of the Vermont Foodbank, John Sayles, stopped by to discuss "The New Face of Hunger in Vermont." Also joining David Goodman in the past month, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Vermont native Jody Williams.  

   

Our show airs every Wednesday at 1 PM on WDEV, but if you've missed any of "The Vermont Conversation" broadcasts, you can stream them at your convenience: 

  

April 16: The New Face of Hunger in Vermont

April 9:  Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos and Public Citizen's Aquene Freechild  

April 2:  Jody Williams 

March 26:  Health Care in Vermont  

March 19:  Vermont Secretary of Education Rebecca Holcombe 

March 12: VBSR Policy Priorities 

  

Have an idea for a show or want to be on "The Vermont Conversation"? Email us today.

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Marketplace Offers
Use YOUR Credits for these Current VBSR Marketplace Offers! 

  

Looking for an easy way to spend your VBSR Marketplace credits? There are always offers available! Check out the offers below!  

  

  

Almond Torte / Gluten Free; Crackers Crepes & Crisps

The Perfect Dessert for any occasion! Gluten free. No baking, no fuss and serves 8-10 people. 22 Trade Credits.

  

 Lodge Rental, Northfield VT, business/party/gatherings; The Woods at Wihakowi 

  

The lodge can seat up to 30 or more guests. Connected kitchen is available for potluck style usage. Our spacious lawns, living room, fire pits and outdoor amphitheater offer additional spaces and flexibility for family and friends to gather and share time together. 50% Trade Dollars Accepted.

 

  

Executive Search/Headhunting, Morris Consulting    

We work closely with clients to develop a comprehensive understanding of each job requisition as well as the company's vision, mission and values. This allows us to go beyond the requisite skills, experience, and education, and seek out candidates who share in the company's philosophy, resulting in a more meaningful, long-term employment relationship. 75% of fee payable in Trade Dollars.

  

  

 

Want to take advantage of one of these offers or place your own? Click here.  

Don't have a VBSR Marketplace account? Get started today; use what you have to buy what you need!  

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Log-on to VBSR's website to post an event. Forgot your password? Send us an email! 

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Member Jobs
Recently Posted Member Jobs 
Log-on to VBSR's website to post a job. Forgot your password? Send us an email!

Looking for an internship? Click here for our most recent listings. 
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Member News  
We want your news and press releases!! Submit or post a story on our Facebook page or send Russ an email...
News items will be posted in the "Member News" section of our website and will be considered for inclusion in VBSR's monthly E-News.
 

Vermont Creamery Earns B Corp Status

Vermont Creamery, one of the country's premier producers of goat cheese and cultured butter, has earned certification as a B Corporation, an acknowledgment of the company's commitment to social and environmental ethics, transparency and accountability. Vermont Creamery joins nearly 1000 Certified B Corporations globally - including 17 others in Vermont - that have met the rigorous standards that measure a company's impact on its employees, suppliers, community, and the environment. "For 30 years, our mission has been to produce the highest quality cheese and butter available," said Vermont Creamery co-founder Allison Hooper. "But right from the start, it has been equally important that our company be socially responsible and an upstanding member of the Vermont community. Becoming a Certified B Corporation validates our commitment to our employees and farmers, our local community, and Vermont's working landscape." Congrats! 

 
Villanti Printers Re-Invests

Villanti Printers is excited to announce the addition of a new digital press to the family. On December 30, just in time to start the new year off right, they installed a fresh-from-the-factory Xerox Color 1000 Digital Press in their ever-evolving Milton, Vermont, facility. The Xerox 1000 produces remarkably crisp, immersive, and high-impact images for both high-volume and short-run jobs. Which sounds really good. But to further expand their digital printing capabilities and whet your creative appetite, they added an optional clear dry ink (varnish) station to apply eye-catching spot or flood effects, resulting in prints that burst with life and pop from the page! Nice job Villanti!  

 

Goodwill Introduces 100% Neighbor-Made 

Now at Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, you can shop for locally-made products: small wooden furniture, jewelry, pet supplies, crafts, gifts and more. This full new collection -100% Neighbor-Made- will be made available in 15 stores. The new partnerships with manufacturers of high quality, locally-made products helps them build their business and grow their workforce. In the big picture, Goodwill of NNE continues to invest in our regional workforce, ensuring jobs and support in communities across ME, NH, and northern VT. Click here for more info!  


   

New slaughterhouse opening in North Springfield 

From WCAX: A new federally-regulated slaughterhouse is opening in southern Vermont. Vermont has seen a shortage of these facilities, but it's now the animals that are in high demand. "Fortunately, we have this network of 150 farms already established in the state of Vermont. Farms we have been working with for 30 years plus," said Mark Curran from Black River Meats. Governor Peter Shumlin (D-Vermont) toured Black River Meat's 43,000 square foot plant Monday morning. Black River started as a produce company, but then purchased this plant which used to house Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Black River Meat employees say it now represents the future of agriculture in the state. Outside a new slaughterhouse is under construction. Black River is partnering with Vermont Packaging House, a newly formed company with meat processing expertise in Minnesota. "They are producing a product that is not only USDA certified but they will also be third party certified which will help them and their products get into marketplaces that have not been penetrated by Vermont products so well yet," said Vermont Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross. Check out the full story here! 

     

MBA in Sustainability at AUNE is Now More Accessible 

Students spoke and Antioch University New England listened. As a result, the MBA in Sustainability Program has streamlined its structure to make it more accessible to students who want to earn their MBA degree while continuing to work. As a hybrid program that combines on site engagement with online components, this unique two-year MBA continues to rely on dynamic student interaction. Major changes, starting fall 2014, can be found here. 

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Thank you VBSR Champion Members for your ongoing support!

  

   Ben and Jerry'sGardener's Supply
 
as of 12/17/12
Main Street Landing LogoNew Chapter newRenewable NRG 8/2013


S
At VBSR,
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 committed to a multiple bottom line approach to business that values people, planet and profit.

 

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Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
255 South Champlain Street, Suite 11
Burlington, Vermont 05401
(802) 862-8347