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December
2014
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Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Vermont Businesses...Vermont Values.
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Seasons Greeting- In this last e-news of 2014, we want to say a special "thank you" to our Champion Members for their support of VBSR all year long. VBSR's mission to promote the multiple bottom line approach to doing business could not happen without the support of these sustaining members. So, a big end of the year thank you to: Renewable NRG Systems, Villanti Printers, Seventh Generation, Green Mountain Power, Dinse Knapp and McAndrew, Gardener's Supply, AllEarth Renewables, Ben & Jerry's, Keurig Green Mountain, Main Street Landing, and New Chapter. When you do your 2015 business planning, you might want to consider sponsoring a VBSR event or communication. Many of these opportunities have limited availability so take a look at our 2015 marketing guide and don't wait to reserve your spot. Also, the holiday season is a good time to catch up on some episodes of VBSR's The Vermont Conversation radio show. Recent shows included Women and Sustainable Business, Alternative Economies, and Vermont's Farm to Plate Movement. January also brings the start of the Vermont legislative session and one of the top items on our policy agenda continues to be health care reform. While the Administration recently announced they will not be recommending a "single-payer" financing plan, we want to remind members that what VBSR has been working for 25 years is to promote "universal access" to health care, decoupled from employment, financed based on one's ability to pay. Another essential component of our policy is cost containment. See our adopted policy here. We will continue to work hard on these essential public policy goals, and we hope you continue to help us get there. It is a privilege to work with such an outstanding community of business people. Have a wonderful holiday season. Sincerely yours,
Andrea Cohen, Executive Director
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This Edition of E-news Sponsored by:
Let's Grow Kids
As a business leader, you can make a difference for Vermont's children by speaking with your professional networks about early childhood development and the economic case for investing early. Find our business statement, an informational handout for businesses, and our new educational video at letsgrowkids.org/business.
Interested in sponsoring E-news? Contact us today.
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Upcoming VBSR Events
Mark Your Calendars!
January 14: Southern Vermont Chapter Meeting
 Green Marketing: How Much is Too Much??? Green marketing is about spreading the word and touting your green initiatives from the rooftops. We are not talking about green washing and saying the wrong things. We are talking about communicating with stakeholders and honestly sharing your green initiatives, yet many business owners and marketers are concerned about how much to really share. Come join the conversation and share your green marketing strategies.
Special thanks to our event sponsor The Green-up Girl. Click here to RSVP today!
 VBSR members and friends are invited to join us for our January Networking Get-Together Hosted by our friends at Magic Hat! Network with forward-thinking business professionals, check out Magic Hat's amazing "Artifactory" and learn how Magic Hat is keeping CSR alive in the Chittenden County brewery.
In addition to samples, guest can enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Keeping the spirit of the giving season alive, Magic Hat is generously donating the profits of the cash bar to VBSR's Research and Education Foundation!
Special thanks to our sponsors: Breezy Hill Marketing, Image Outfitters, Interrobang Design Collaborative, Johnson Law Group, Merritt Merritt Moulton, Resilient Philanthropy, SunCommon, Vermont Center for Independent Living.
Due to limited space, the event is free for VBSR members and state officials, and is $10 for nonmembers. This event will sell out! Don't wait, REGISTER TODAY!
February 5: Legislative Reception
 Our premier Legislative event returns to Capital Plaza once again this year. Have an issue you'd like to see our legislature engage in? Here's your chance to let them know! Mingle with your local representatives and engage with other VBSR members. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar while having your voice heard. Save the date and join us February 5th! Interested in sponsoring the Legislative Reception? There are only four spots left! Contact Daniel Barlow today!
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VBSR Hosts Legislative Breakfast
Standing Room Only for Event in Burlington
 VBSR had a successful Legislative Breakfast at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington on December 4. More than 70 people, a mix of business members and Vermont lawmakers, attended the event to hear about the organization's 2015 legislative agenda. There are some important issues on the plate of the Vermont Legislature for the new biennium and VBSR has proposed a forward-thinking legislative agenda that will make the state healthier and more sustainable, and build a stronger economy. Our priorities include finishing the work on health care reform, passing a state-based pollution tax, reforming the state's tax code and finding ways to incentivize companies to create "living jobs" (jobs that pay well and have good benefits). VBSR was also proud to present our 2014 Legislator of the Year awards to Sen. David Zuckerman for his work on GMO labeling and Rep. Sarah Buxton for her work in expanding early childhood education. We also honored Sen. Sally Fox, who passed away earlier this year, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. That award was accepted by her widower, Sen. Michael Sirotkin. Special thanks go to Melinda Moulton of Main Street Landing for donating the space, to the great folks in the Vermont Legislature working to make Vermont a great place to live and do business, and especially to our VBSR members who make it possible to do business differently and promote business ethics that value a triple-bottom-line.Check out photos of the event here.
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Vermont Intern Program Receives Funding
2015 A Great Year to Use Our Service, Hire an Intern
We are pleased to announce that the Vermont Intern Program has been awarded another year of funding from our partners at the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL)!  The VDOL Workforce Education and Training Fund promotes the creation and retention of high quality jobs and the growth of a highly skilled workforce. We look forward to putting these dollars to work in support of your intern needs in 2015 - let us know how we can help! We post and promote positions, recruit candidates and screen applicants - a FREE service for employers. We also offer similar services for applicants, including a free VBSR Student Membership for any interns we place, so if you know any college students or recent graduates - send them our way! Interested in learning more or working with us? More information available at internvt.org. ____________________________________________________________________________
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Buy Local Book Makes Excellent Employee Gift
Bulk Rates Available
Looking for a last-minute gift that they're sure to love? Local First Vermont's Buy Local Book (a coupon book and resource guide) is the gift that keeps on giving! The coupons are valued at over $3,000!
While books normally retail for $15, they are on sale through December 31st. Act now and when you buy 2 books at regular price, you can get another for $5!! Find a list of distributors here.
Plus, we also offer bulk pricing to companies and organizations looking to use the book as a gift. If you're interested in purchasing a larger quantity of books, please contact Calen King today!
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Truth Tellers and Journalists
VBSR's The Vermont Conversation Airs Wednesday's at 1 PM on WDEV
December 5
Truth Tellers: Walking out of the Army and Across America;
A Vermont Journalist Reflects
- Rory Fanning was an Army Ranger who fought alongside Pat Tillman in Afghanistan before leaving the military as a conscientious objector. In 2008-2009, he walked across America partly to heal, and partly as a protest against the Army's coverup of Tillman's death. He wrote about his experiences in Worth Fighting For: An Army Ranger's Journey Out of the Military and Across America.
- Sam Hemingway recently retired after 37 years as a reporter at the Burlington Free Press. He talks about the stories he's covered that have made a difference: Gov. Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign, heroin in Vermont, and the case of an apartheid-era sanctions buster. He also reflects on the changes in media and recent upheaval at the Burlington Free Press.
Listen Now
December 11
Journalist and Author Adam Hochschild We spend the hour talking with the award winning journalist, author and co-founder of Mother Jones magazine Adam Hochschild about his writings on the soldiers and deserters from WWI, his writings about the past and present of Congo and South Africa, his recent op-ed on "why no one remembers the peacemakers," his thoughts on despots, justice and CIA torture, and the future of journalism. Listen Now Click here for a list of all of our previous shows. If you have an idea for a show or want to join us on The Vermont Conversation, email us today!
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This Edition of E-news Sponsored by:
Business Energy Action
VBSR wishes to extend a warm "Thank You" to the over 100 business members who committed to reducing their energy consumption! Click here to learn more about the program and learn how saving energy can mean saving money while making a difference.
Interested in sponsoring E-news? Contact us today.
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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
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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.
NOFA Vermont Receives $90,000 Grant from Newman's Own Foundation
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA Vermont) has been awarded a two-year $90,000 grant from Newman's Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman. The award to NOFA Vermont was made by Newman's Own Foundation as part of its $10 million commitment over three years to improve fresh food access and nutrition education for underserved communities.
The grant to NOFA Vermont will be used to support our statewide food security programs that increase access to local, fresh and nutritious foods for limited-income Vermonters while supporting viable farms. Click here for the full story.
High Meadows Fund Dedicates $240,000 to Building Resilence in Vermont's Watersheds
 The High Meadows Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) that represents a commitment of $240,000 towards promoting planning and action within Vermont's watersheds. Tropical Storm Irene brought the devastation of extreme weather to the forefront in Vermont, but many Vermonters don't know that since 2000 the state has had at least one federally-declared disaster every year. In certain parts of the state Vermonters have lived through two 100-year flood events in the past decade. High Meadows is encouraging solutions at a multi-town, watershed level. Learn more about this initiative here.
Sustainability Academy to throw trash on lawn
 On Friday, December 12, K-5 students, staff, and parents of The Sustainability Academy in Burlington tossed a day's worth of trash onto the lawn. They did this to get a gander at what should have been recycled or composted instead of thrown in the garbage can and, ultimately, the landfill. The effort established a baseline of what types of waste is being generated. The data they collected will be used to guide them in efforts to better capture recyclables and compostables and keep them out of the landfill. Read the whole story here.
National Life Group Switches On Newly Built Solar Power Arrays
Electricity began flowing on the afternoon of December 16th from National Life Group's newly built solar energy project. The 500 kilowatt project is made up of more than 2,000 panels arrayed on about 4 acres just south of the company's Montpelier headquarters. The electricity will feed into the regional power grid.Combined with a 73 kilowatt solar project built in 2008, National Life Group will generate more than 15 percent of its own electricity demand. Click here for more of the story.
Governors Awards for Environmental Excellence Now Open
The Vermont Governor's Awards were established in 1993 to recognize the actions taken by Vermonters to conserve and protect natural resources, prevent pollution, and promote environmental sustainability. To date, more than 200 award-winning efforts of Vermont individuals, organizations, institutions, public agencies, and businesses have been recognized. These projects contribute significantly to protecting the environment, conserving energy and reducing the production of greenhouse gases. Together they have created a green and sustainable business culture, and advanced environmental education on all fronts. Last year, a significant portion of award winners were from VBSR... let's see if we can sweep the ceremony this year!
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Thank you VBSR Champion Members for your ongoing support!
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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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   Contact Us
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
255 South Champlain Street, Suite 11
Burlington, Vermont 05401
(802) 862-8347
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