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

Happy autumn!

Thank you to the more than 200 folks who came out for a day of education and networking at Shelburne Farms on the 15th! In the past year, VBSR has welcomed 136 new members (including those below); several of those folks were on hand at the event, mingling with founding members of the organization, legislators, and other friends of the cause. THANK YOU everyone, especially our hosts!

We're hoping for another great turnout next month in downtown Brattleboro on November 17. Please click here to learn more about (and register for!) our Southern Vermont Summit. We're thrilled to welcome EILEEN FISHER's Director of Social Consciousness, Amy Hall, who will discuss sustainability in the clothing industry and what it means to use your business to lead. We'll also hold VBSR's Annual Meeting and round out the afternoon with a networking reception.

In other VBSR news... WE'RE HIRING! We're seeking an articulate and organized Office Manager/Bookkeeper to support a range of office activities. The Office Manager/Bookkeeper will be a driving force in keeping our office running and oversee an evolving range of projects. We're looking for someone who has a passion for solving problems and making things run smoothly. Interested or know someone who'd be a natural fit? Click here for more information.

Thanks for all you do for CSR in VT and beyond... see you next month!

People. Planet. Profit.

Russ Elek
Communication and Membership Manager
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VBSR Welcomes and Thanks our Newest Members! 
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This Edition of E-news Sponsored by:
 

Learn more about how you can use your business to support quality education
 
www.letsgrowkids.org/business
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Southern Vermont Summit - Register Today!
Join us in Downtown Brattleboro November 17th 
  
VBSR members and friends are invited to join us for an afternoon of education and networking. We are pleased to announce that our speaker for the Southern Vermont Summit will be Amy Hall, Director of Social Consciousness for EILEEN FISHER. Amy will talk about the the prospect of sustainability in the clothing industry and discuss what it means to use business to be a leader for change. She'll also engage in a Q&A with the audience, so make sure you bring your questions!

Our Southern Vermont Summit will also serve to facilitate VBSR's Annual Meeting. With 750+ members, it's important to know how VBSR is advocating for our constituents and the triple-bottom-line approach to business. A short presentation will be given on VBSR's efforts and financial standing year to date.

Finally, guests will enjoy a Networking Get-Together in the River Garden space immediately following Amy's presentation and the 2015 VBSR annual meeting. We'll have a cash bar on hand and provide hors d'oeuvres... bring your business cards and be prepared to positively engage with fellow VBSR members and friends!

This event is FREE for VBSR members, $20 for nonmembers. Don't wait... Click here to learn more OR 

About our Speaker  
As Director of Social Consciousness and a member of the Leadership Forum for women's clothing designer EILEEN FISHER, Amy supports the company's efforts to practice "business as a movement." Amy collaborates internally and externally to guide the company toward ever-increasing human, environmental and economic sustainability, including co-leading the company's Vision2020 work. She also co-leads the company's People and Culture area, together with leaders of the Human Resources, Leadership Learning & Development and Internal Communications teams.

Amy came to EILEEN FISHER 22 years ago following a fundraising career with various Asian-American cultural, educational and social service organizations in New York City. Her educational background includes a B.A. from Georgetown University, an M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a sustainable MBA from Green Mountain College. She currently chairs the advisory board of Social Accountability International and serves on the boards of Made-By and the American Sustainable Business Council. In 2011, Amy rode from New York City to Washington, DC, on her self-built bamboo bike as part of the Brita Climate Ride. She also plays the bassoon in the Really Terrible Orchestra of Westchester. Together with their two daughters, Amy and her husband Rob raise honeybees and enjoy adventures on land and water. 
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Networking Get-Together at Shelburne Farms Draws 200+
Thank You Shelburne Farms! 
  
We are overwhelmed by the response to our recent Networking Get-Together Hosted by Shelburne Farms! Throughout the evening, more than 200 folks joined us for the evening of networking and education. In typical VBSR fashion, there were great conversations still going AN HOUR after the event's closing time, a testament to the fact that VBSR members want to learn from, and do business with, others who support the triple-bottom-line approach to business.

Special thank you to our hosts for delivering such an inspiring message. It was great to learn how you are working with educators to spread the message of sustainability around our state and country. Because of you, the next generation is tuning into the idea that we cannot have a healthy community and economy without a healthy planet... Keep up the amazing work!

Thank you Merritt & Merritt & Moulton, High Rock Consulting, WrightJones PLC, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council, TruexCullins, Davis & Hodgdon Associates CPAs, and Burak Anderson and Melloni for sponsoring such a great event!

Click here to check out the photos. 
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The Perfect Pre-holiday Gift!
2015/16 Buy Local Book 
  
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for employees and clients? Something everyone will appreciate that is consistent with your values and doesn't break the bank? Then look no further: Give the Buy Local Book!

The Buy Local Book is locally-produced, low fat and gluten free! It's a thoughtful, one-size-fits-all gift that is easy to wrap, has a long shelf life, and is completely regiftable!

We'd also like you to consider something radical this year: shifting your "holiday" gift giving to November before Thanksgiving. This has a few key advantages, including:
  • Linking your "thank you" gift to Thanksgiving, a non-religious holiday celebrated by the vast majority of Vermonters
  • Ensuring the people receiving the book can use the coupons on Small Business Saturday (November 28) and save money throughout the holiday shopping season
The Buy Local Book includes 230+ coupons valued at more than $3,000 at some of Vermont's finest locally-owned businesses in Addison, Chittenden and Washington counties. The book retails for $18 at select stores, but VBSR businesses can purchase in bulk for just $14/book.

Contact Wendy if you'd like to order books and check this off your to-do list! Can't afford to buy books for your entire staff? Invite Wendy to table in your cafeteria or lobby and offer the books at a discounted rate to your staff members! 
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Vermont's Craft Beer Revolution
VBSR Members Join David Goodman to Talk Beer 
 
In 1988, the Vermont Pub & Brewery opened for business as the first brew pub in the state. Today Vermont craft beers are taking the state, and world, by storm. Out of state visitors now flock to Vermont to bring back a sample of brews, such as The Alchemist's Heady Topper and beers from Hill Farmstead, that have become cult classics.
 
All this is happening against a backdrop of consolidation in the beer industry. On October 13, the world's leading brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced its plan to take over its main rival, SAB Miller, in the biggest merger in brewing history, creating a company with sales of $55 billion. It means one mega brewer will now own nearly half the world's top beers.

But the microbrewers are posing a challenge to the megabrewers. In 2013, sales of craft beer (by volume) exceeded the sales of Budweiser, America's top selling brew. And 44 percent of Americans between the ages of 21 and 27 have never tried a regular old Budweiser. We talk about Vermont's craft brew phenomenon with its pioneers, as well as VBSR members The Alchemist and Blackback Pub. 

Click here to this story and other recent shows, including:  

Thank you to our sponsors!

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VT Intern Program Connects YPs, VBSR Members
Young Professionals Attend VBSR Networking Get-Together
 
Under an auspicious double rainbow on the evening of October 15, VBSR hosted a Networking Get-Together bringing together some 200 people in the spirit of socially responsible business.

In celebration of our 25th year, VBSR's Vermont Intern Program had extended a special invitation to college students, recent graduates and young professionals 25 or younger to attend the event free of charge. Following a warm-up session with Intern Program Manager Roxanne Vought, more than 20 college students and recent graduates joined the event,  striking up conversations with VBSR members and friends, including potential employers and mentors.

Vought said "We've been wanting to do this for a long time, and our anniversary year was the perfect opportunity to highlight the next generation of Vermont's business leaders. For those just starting out in their careers, face time with more established professionals is gold, and we're so thrilled to be able to provide a venue for making these valuable connections."

To learn more about the Vermont Intern Program, one of the many ways VBSR strives to support Vermont's growing economy, click here. 
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VBSR Members Looking to Purchase from You
Current Marketplace Requests 
  
Are you looking for extra business from VBSR members? The good news is that the VBSR Marketplace has experienced a substantial increase in users over the past year. That means VBSR members are looking to purchase from you!

Check out this list of current requests:

Bookkeeping Services
Constant Contact consulting
Carpet Cleaning
Office Cleaning
Signage
Thank You Gifts
Logo Wear
Small Construction Job*
Catering

*In the Marketplace, jobs are often paid through a combination of cash and VBSR Trade Dollars. VBSR Trade Dollars keep money local, helps VBSR members get more customers, and saves you cash when you purchase!

Can you fulfill one of these orders? Login today to bid, or contact Amy for more information. (She can also help broker large and/or custom transactions.)

Ready to learn more about how the VBSR Marketplace can bolster your bottom line? Click here. 
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New Member-to-Member Offers!
70+ Member Businesses Want to Work with Fellow Members 
  
Did you know VBSR has a list with more than 70 member-to-member offers???

Here are some of the newest offers that have come across the wires.

Vermont PBS
We offer a $500 discount to new VPT underwriters who are VBSR members.
Contact: MJ Reale Web: www.vpt.org

Wright/Jones
10% off HR Policy & Practices Review service. Though our HR review, we help clients align their human resources practices and legal compliance obligations with their strategic and cultural goals. We can help VBSR members handle the "people" element of their triple-bottom-line.

Contact:  Heather Wright Web: www.wrightjoneslaw.com 
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Member Events
Upcoming Member Events

October 30: Fifth Friday: Intellectual Property (Core Business Seminars)

November 4: 2nd Annual Vermont Development Conference (White + Burke)

November 5: 4th Annual Vermont Vision for a Multicultural Future (VT Partnership for Fairness & Diversity)

November 5: Selling to the Employees: Employee Stock Ownership Plans for Business Succession (Burlington) (VEOC)
 
 
December 9: A Night of Networking & Talking Sustainability! (VBSR Southern Vermont Chapter Meeting)
 
February 16: UVM's Business of Craft Beer Professional Certificate (UVM)

ALSO, check out this series of state-sponsored public hearings designed to engage the public in a conversation about public transportation and highway safety. Topics include bus service, the future or passenger rail, the proliferation of car sharing, bicycle and pedestrian safety, and how the legalization of marijuana could affect highway safety. Click here to find an event near you.
  
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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    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 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.
       


    Global Round Table Leadership Talks Shared Leadership in Conscious Company Magazine
     "To change the way we work, we have to change the way we lead."

    Shared Leadership is the practice of bringing out the greatest capacity in everyone by empowering each individual to be responsible for and engaged in the success of the whole. This is not positional leadership. This is a fundamental shift to lead from our personal and collective agency, in all that we are and all that we do. Click here for a link to VBSR Member GRTL's article in Conscious Company Magazine.
     
    At 125, LUND Continues to Meet Women's Needs - Article on VT Digger
    "The pregnant young women who filled the beds at the Home for Friendless Women in Burlington 125 years ago were sent by families filled with shame, who would often claim their daughter was away visiting a relative. During their stay, the women could pick a wedding ring from a bowl near the home's front door so that people wouldn't stare at them when they went downtown. Rarely did they keep their baby. At the hospital, they all checked in with the same last name, Lund."Read the VT Digger Article here.

    Housing Vermont Honored at RE 2015
    Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) will recognize outstanding contributions to the progress of a sustainable energy future at Renewable Energy 2015: "Leading the Energy REVolution", an annual conference hosted by REV taking place on October 8-9 at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center in Burlington. The 2015 Renewable Energy Awards are generously presented by VLITE as part of their continuing commitment to building an energy secure Vermont. Learn more about the recipients of the awards here.

    People's United Community Foundation Awards More than $50,000 to NonProfit Organizations in Vermont
    The People's United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People's United Bank, announced today that it awarded $51,500 in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the communities it serves in Vermont.

    Eleven organizations received funding in support of activities ranging from an emergency shelter and basic needs, to home repair and weatherization, and after school programs. Recipients included VBSR members Cooperative Fund of New England, Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center. Learn more and see the whole list here.

    Skirack is named one of America's Best Bike Shops for 2015
    Skirack of Burlington, VT has been named one of America's Best Bike Shops for 2015 by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA).
    There are approximately 4,000 bike shops in the United States, and fewer than 300 were chosen to be named "America's Best."
    The recipients of the America's Best Bike Shops title not only offer great shopping experiences, but are also rated on their support for their communities, as well as support for bicycle advocacy both locally and nationally.
    2015 is the third year the NBDA has sponsored the program, and Skirack is proud to be the only bicycle shop in Vermont to be named one of America's Best Bike Shops for all three years. Read more here.

    City Market Announces Grant Recipients for Local Food System Projects
    City Market, a Member-owned cooperative, has announced the 2015 recipients of its grant program to support the local food system: Co-op Patronage Seedling Grants. City Market declares Patronage Dividends in profitable years and returns a portion of profits back to its Members, who own the Cooperative. Over the past five years, City Market has returned almost $4 million to its Members with over 44,000 checks mailed. As part of the Patronage Refund, the Co-op offers Members the opportunity to donate to support Vermont's food system. 
    Click here to learn more about the grant recipients.
     
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    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.

     

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