July
2015
Vermont Businesses for 
Social Responsibility
 
Just Good Business.
Members and Friends:

Nothing makes us happier than seeing business leaders take a proactive approach to sharing their CSR stories and resources. If you haven't seen it yet, Davis & Hodgdon Associates recently began publishing a five-part series titled "The Triple Bottom Line for Small Businesses." Click here to get up to speed on the series and learn some tricks to implementing a great CSR plan into your organization. Thank you Davis & Hodgdon Associates!

While we're talking about spreading the word, we are thrilled to have received two requests for large batches of VBSR and Local First Vermont stickers in recent weeks: Thank you VSECU and Green Cab VT for outfitting your businesses with our logos and helping to promote the cause. (Check out these great images of the Green Cab fleet!)

On another note, summer is here and that can only mean one thing: VBSR's Summer Study Committees are forming. If you have been looking for an opportunity to get involved with VBSR, this is a great place start. Scroll down to learn more about how you can contribute to conversations and policies centered around Quality Education and Clean Water.

Finally, we here at VBSR are so thankful to the nearly 130 members and friends who joined us on June 25th for an evening of networking and celebration at American Flatbread and Lareau Farm Inn in Waitsfield. Current and past board members were honored, new friends were made, and old friends had a chance to get reacquainted. Thank you everyone who made the effort to join us in the Valley. Click here to see some great photos of the evening; and if you're looking to network with forward-thinking business professionals, don't forget to join us this Thursday, July 30 for a free Networking Get-Together Hosted by VSECU in Bennington... Register today!

People. Planet. Profit.

Russ Elek,
Communication and Membership Manager
____________________________________________________________________  
VBSR Welcomes and Thanks our Newest Members!
 
Thank You To Our Newest
CHAMPION MEMBER:
Marketing Partners

NEW SMALL AND LARGE BUSINESSES:

 

*Also joined Local First Vermont! 
____________________________________________________________________
This Edition of E-news Sponsored by:

Let's Grow Kids 


Learn more about how you can use your business to support quality education; we are proud sponsors of VBSR's Networking Get-Together Hosted by VSECU in Bennington this week. Register today to learn more about the cause, or visit letsgrowkids.org/business

___________________________________________________________________
July Networking Get-Together Hosted by VSECU in Bennington  
Join us this Thursday!

As VBSR continues to celebrate 25 years of changemaking, our friends at VSECU have plenty to celebrate too! The statewide credit union for every one who works or lives in Vermont recently opened a new branch in Bennington!


Join us as we "get-together" with VBSR members and friends to welcome VSECU to the area on July 30th from 5:30-7:30PM.


Guests will check out the new space, network with forward-thinking business leaders, and enjoy local food and drink provided by our host (including VBSR member Gringo Jack's!). Attendees will also learn about socially responsible initiatives VSECU is engaged in, including hosting "The Lightning Jar". As downtown Bennington's first proposed co-working space, The Lightning Jar will serve entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, students, remote workers and other professionals in Southern Vermont and neighboring states. The Networking Get-Together is free to attend and open to anyone interested in the triple-bottom-line approach to business... bring a friend! 


Thank you to our sponsors:
 Business Energy Action, Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, Let's Grow Kids, LineSync Architecture, RGS Energy, & Vermont Renewable Fuels
____________________________________________________________________________
VBSR Summer Study Committees  Study 
Get Involved 

VBSR's Public Policy Committee is looking for members to join two Study Committees this summer and fall that will shape the organization's advocacy and lobbying at the Vermont State House. Both committees are open to all current VBSR members and each will hold three meetings in Washington and Chittenden counties starting early next month and running through September.

These committees will meet with State officials and policy experts, review reports and documents, solicit input from other business members, and draft policy papers that form the basis for VBSR's lobbying efforts. Meeting space is limited, so if you are interested in serving on a committee please let VBSR Public Policy Manager Daniel Barlow know as soon as possible and include what meetings you can attend.

Sign up for a VBSR Study Committee today!

Quality Public Education and a Strong Economy
Co-chairs:
David Epstein, TruexCullins
Drew Kervick, Dunkiel Saunders
Meeting dates:
Thursday, August 6, 9-11 AM; Thursday, August 13, 9-11 AM; Thursday, September 3, 9-11 AM
Location:
TruexCullins, 209 Battery Street, Burlington

Clean Water Economy
Co-chairs:
Jen Kimmich, The Alchemist
James Ehlers, Lake Champlain International
Meeting dates:
Thursday, August 20, 3-5 PM; Thursday, September 10, 3-5 PM; Thursday, September 17, 3-5 PM
Location:
The Alchemist Brewery, 35 Crossroad Road, Waterbury
 
If you have any questions about these committees or are interested in attending a meeting, contact VBSR Public Policy Manager Daniel Barlow today. Thank you for your help on these important issues!
___________________________________________________________________ 
Upcoming VBSR Events 
Save the Date, Consider Sponsoring!

TE Award Statue

14th Annual Terry Ehrich Award Ceremony and Dinner  

 

...honoring Duane Peterson of SunCommon!

 

September 16, 2015

6:00 - 8:30 PM

Home of Ben Cohen, Williston, VT

More info and sponsorship details here. 

 

VBSR Networking Get-Together Hosted by  

Shelburne Farms

 

October 15, 2015

5:30 - 7:30 PM

Shelburne Farms, Shelburne VT

More info and sponsorship details here.  

____________________________________________________________________________
Intern Logo
Vermont Intern Program Partners with High Meadows Fund
Organizations Team-Up to Offer Networking Event for Young Professionals 
 
The Vermont Intern Program is thrilled to be partnering with the High Meadows Fund for a night of casual conversation and peer-to-peer networking with Vermont's young professionals. On Wednesday, August 5th, Vermont college students, recent graduates and young professionals will gather in Burlington from 6-8 PM in the interest of getting to know their fellow peers and making connections. Attendees will learn tips for networking and have lots of time to try them out while enjoying delicious food and beverages from Skinny Pancake. Whether new to Vermont, looking to make peer connections in the area, or seeking an opportunity to practice networking in a stress-free environment, this is a great chance to connect! The event is currently full, but we are accepting names for a waiting list: REGISTER TODAY!

The High Meadows Fund promotes vibrant communities and a healthy natural environment while encouraging long term economic vitality in Vermont. The VBSR Vermont Intern Program connects college students and recent graduates with employers in Vermont, supports the development of high-quality internship opportunities, and cultivates an applicant pool and employer community that is prepared to meet the state's workforce needs. Click here to learn more about how we can help your business utilize an intern. 

___________________________________________________________________________________ 

Member-to-Member Offers
70+ Offers Available, New Offers Monthly! 
   
New Offers:  
Pingala Café & Eatery: 10% off Pingala's casual catering to VBSR members. Check out some sample menus on their website!
Contact: Trevor Sullivan Web: www.pingalacafe.com

The Whiskey Decanter Co. LLC: 10% Off All Whiskey Decanter Products 
Contact: Matt Olson Web: www.whiskeydecanters.net/

360 Fantasy Football Draft Boards: 10% off all products
Contact: Kyle Bombardier Web: www.fantasyfootballdraftboard.net  

 
Standing Offers: 
VBSR members strive to support like-minded businesses and several offer discounts to fellow members. Click here to peruse the more than 70 member-to-member offers available from and to our members! 

___________________________________________________________________________________ 

This Edition of E-news Sponsored by:
Business Energy Action 

Join us Thursday to learn more about how Business Energy Action is working to help businesses conserve energy consumption by 5% annually for three years.
___________________________________________________________________
Marketplace Trades Picking Up
The VBSR Marketplace Open to ALL VBSR Members 

  

One of the biggest questions we get when telling people about the Marketplace is "What can I buy?". The answer? A lot.

From sponsorships to advertising, to printing, catering and photography, VBSR members post offers in the Marketplace of goods and services they would like to sell you. Often these may be their 'normal' goods and services that you would find on their website or if you were at their place of business. Click here to find examples of recent purchases that businesses like yours have made through the Marketplace.

We also do "Custom Matches." If need be, the Marketplace will act as a broker to find you what you are looking for. Sometimes that means getting a current VBSR member to activate their Marketplace account. Other times it means finding a new VBSR member and growing the membership! But we can't help you find what we don't know you need, so if you have a specific need in mind, please let us know!

Ready to Learn More? Contact Marketplace Manager Amy Kirschner (amy@vbsrmarket.com) or click here to learn more about the Marketplace. 

________________________________________________________________________________

Sponsors Needed for The Vermont Convo
The Vermont Conversation Airs Wednesdays at 1 PM, WDEV Radio
 
 Enjoy listening to The Vermont Conversation? So do others! Did you know that according to Nielson ratings, our show is the most listened-to talk show on commercial radio in its time slot (Wednesdays at 1)? Take advantage of this amazing platform... As we gear up for the next season (beginning August 1st), we're actively seeking sponsors for the show. If you're interested in learning more or supporting the show, contact Russ Elek today.

For only $2,500, The Vermont Conversation underwriters are:  
  • prominently announced on air as a program underwriter at the beginning, middle and end of the show
  • thanked with a logo and link on The Vermont Conversation podcast webpage and on a program-dedicated page on the VBSR website
  • thanked via VBSR social media and enews a variety of times throughout the year

Special thanks to Green Mountain Power, The Alchemist, University of Vermont Medical Center and National Life Group for continuing to support this great program. Act now: only two spots left!

___________________________________________________________________________________ 

Member Events
Upcoming Member Events

July 29: Goddard Art Crawl (Goddard College)

August 1: Wall 2 Canvas (Magic Hat Artifactory)

November 4: 2nd Annual Vermont Development Conference (Sheraton Conference Center)
 
November 5: 4th Annual Vermont Vision for a Multicultural Future (Grand Summit Hotel & Conference Center * Mount Snow Resort)

  

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

_____________________________________________________________________________
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. 
    ___________________________________________________________________________  
    Member News  
    We want your news and press releases!! Submit or post a story on our Facebook page or send us 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.
     


    People's United Community Foundation Awards $15,000 to Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO)

    CVOEO programs are designed to help low-income individuals achieve economic independence. The grant from People's United Community Foundation will support its Growing Money Program, which assists participants in reaching their financial goals, improving their credit scores, and identifying areas for saving. With free financial classes and coaching, individuals learn to manage spending, create a budget, access banking products and services, how to work with creditors and avoid predatory lending. Read more here.

    City Market Co-op Plans to Expand Cooperative Business Model in Burlington's South End
    City Market Burlington's community-owned Co-op has signed a purchase and sales agreement with Vermont Rail System for their property at the corner of Briggs Street and Flynn Avenue, where the second store will be built. Pat Burns, on his last day before retiring as the Co-op's General Manager, said, "Back in 2012, the Co-op shared a desire with Members and the community to build a second store in the South End and completed its first market study that same year. We've been working behind the scenes since that time and we feel that we've finally found the right property for our second location." Learn more about this expansion here. 

    VSECU Celebrated Grand Opening of Branch in Downtown Bennington

     

    The VSECU tour also introduced downtown Bennington's first proposed co-working space, The Lightning Jar.This space serves entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, students, remote workers and other professionals in Southern Vermont and neighboring states. Members can share resources and benefit from a community, social, collaborative and professional environment, all at a low cost. VSECU is collaborating with locally minded individuals from the business, education, civic and government sectors in Bennington and Vermont to develop this concept with the goal of bringing greater economic development and prosperity to the region.

    "We are thrilled to be a bigger part of the Bennington community, by offering an alternative to traditional banking options and serving our existing and new members in the area," said Yvonne Garand, SVP Business Development. Read more about the Grand Opening here. 

     
    VEIC Announces Free Pilot Program for Vermont Businesses to Green their Fleet

    Participants in the pilot program will receive an audit of their existing fleet operations, customized recommendations for best ways to integrate electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids into their fleet, and site assessments for electric vehicle charging stations. The program is open to private, nonprofit, and municipal organizations in Vermont that operate a commercial fleet of two or more light-duty, passenger vehicles. Learn more about this great program here. 

     

       

    Commonwealth Dairy Wins Contract to Supply Greek Yogurt for USDA School Lunch Program

     

    USDA earlier this year moved to include Greek Yogurt as one of the food products schools are allowed to consider when spending federal money on the national school lunch program.
    Commonwealth Yogurt, which opened in Brattleboro in 2011, will supply about 7,000 pounds of Greek Yogurt to schools in Vermont and Connecticut when the new rule takes effect in the fall of 2015.
    "It is one of our main goals to be involved with the community and this is a way for us to get our yogurt to more people," said Commonwealth Yogurt Development Manager Alfons van Heerwaarden. "If this is successful nationwide it could be a very interesting to be a part of this." Learn more here.

      

    Children's Literacy Foundation to Donate Over 10,000 Books During 2015 Summer Readers Programs

     

    The Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is increasing its efforts to prevent "summer slide" among New Hampshire and Vermont children. Its popular Summer Readers program will reach more than 5,000 children at risk of growing up with low literacy skills and donate more than 10,000 books.

    The program is "a wonderful literacy experience during the summer when reading tends to drop off among children," says Jennifer Berkowitz of the School's Out! Program at Ossipee Central School in Ossipee, NH. "The free books encourage and inspire the children to read and ensure that they have new reading materials of their very own at home!" Learn more here.   

    _______________________________________________________________________
    Thank you VBSR Champion Members for your ongoing support!

      

       Ben and Jerry'sGardener's Supply
    as of 12/17/12
    Marketing Partners New Chapter newRenewable NRG 8/2013

    S     VSECU
    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.

     

    Find us on FacebookView our profile on LinkedIn Follow us on TwitterContact Us

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