February
2016
Vermont Businesses for 
Social Responsibility
 
Just Good Business.
Members and Friends:

I am SO excited! I'm the new executive director at VBSR, and the more I learn about all the good work VBSR is doing to help businesses with their triple bottom lines, the more jazzed I get!

One of our most important services is providing a strong public policy voice on your behalf. I hope to see you tonight at our Legislative Reception in Montpelier at Capitol Plaza (if you're planning to attend, please register ASAP, as we've almost reached our limit!). Even if you can't come this evening, rest assured that VBSR will be at the State House throughout the session, bringing our business perspective to state officials and legislators. 

And, speaking of events, please mark your calendar for our annual Spring Conference on May 12th! It's always inspiring and full of new business ideas, contacts, and info to help your company with socially responsible practices. If you'd like to present a conference workshop, please submit your proposal before February 28th. Also, if you'd like to highlight your business with a sponsorship at the event (and on the 2100 conference brochures we mail), please let Russ know by March 15th, at russe@vbsr.org. You can find the sponsor levels at http://vbsr.org/events/vbsrs_26th_annual_spring_conference. Please share this info with others in your company!

Last but not least, if you have ideas, suggestions, or feedback, please let me know. You can reach me via email at janec@vbsr.org, or call the VBSR offices at (802) 862-8347.

I look forward to working with you!

Jane Campbell
Executive Director
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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
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VBSR to Welcome Legislators Back to Montpelier
February 17 Legislative Reception Open to All 
  
VBSR will welcome legislators back to Montpelier and introduce the organization's new executive director at its annual Legislative Reception on Thursday, February 18.
 
VBSR members, friends, legislators, and lobbyists are invited to attend the reception in the Montpelier Room at the historic Capitol Plaza & Hotel, located just a short walk from the Vermont State House. Registration for the event is limited to 150 people and space is quickly filling up. As of Tuesday, more than 120 people were registered for the event. Hors d'oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar. REGISTER TODAY- there is no charge to attend!
 
This event will be the first opportunity for VBSR members and the public to meet Jane Campbell, VBSR's new executive director. Campbell, who previously served as VBSR's executive director from 1992 to 2002, began work at the 26-year-old organization on Monday.
 
"From helping people improve their businesses, workplaces, environment and communities, to providing a business voice on key policy issues, VBSR is a tremendous resource for businesses," said Jane Campbell. "I am so excited to be working with this organization, and I see tremendous potential for its future."
 
VBSR is on track for a successful session at the State House this year, which is the second half of the legislative biennium. The organization is thankful to the Vermont Senate for their hard work this year on a bill establishing a minimum standard of paid time off for Vermonters and looks forward to engaging the Legislature on issues such as establishing a state-based tax on carbon pollution, banning the criminal history question on job applications to increase job opportunities for ex-offenders, and improving the state's procurement and bidding processes for state contracts.
 
KSE Focus is the gold sponsor of the event and VBSR received additional support from Washington Electric Cooperative, National Life Group, WrightJones PLC, Green Mountain Power, and The Alchemist. VBSR is thankful for their support.
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Call for Nominations for Terry Ehrich Award
Deadline March 15, 2016  
  
Each year VBSR honors an outstanding member with the Terry Ehrich Award for Excellence in Socially Responsible Business. Named for the late owner of Hemmings Motor News and founder of the First Day Foundation, the Terry Ehrich Award is given annually to the person who best 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. (Employees of not-for-profits or public sector agencies as well as past award winners and sitting Nominating Committee members are not eligible.) Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.

The award will be presented at the VBSR Annual Awards event held in mid-September 2016. (Check out last year's photos.)

For more information, click here or call VBSR at (802) 862-8347.

Already have someone in mind? Nominate someone today! 
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Get Involved Today!
VBSR Needs You to Put On Great Programs  
  
VBSR's Event Calendar is FILLING UP FAST! We are looking for Spring Conference Workshop Ideas, sponsors for these great events, and, of course... attendees! Scroll down to see how you can be involved, click the titles for more info, and contact us if you have questions!

   
March 8, Brattleboro

Our Southern Vermont Chapter is growing! This group of SR-minded folks in the southern part of the state meets monthly! Click here to RSVP for our March meeting, "Zero Waste: It's Easier than You Think". Special thanks to our chapter coordinator and sponsor, The Green Up Girl!


March 22, Colchester 

VBSR members and friends are invited to join us for an evening networking and education at Groennfell Meadery, located inside Colchester's Mead Hall. Join us as we "Get-Together" to talk CSR, business, clean water and the wonderful beverage is that is craft mead!
This event is open to the public and is free for VBSR members and state officials, $10 for non-members. Registration coming soon!

We have 3 sponsorships remaining! Thank you City Market, Ogee, Sugar Snap, SunCommon, and TruexCullins! Click here to learn more or get involved today.


April 13, Manchester Center
 
VBSR members and friends are invited to join us for an evening networking and education at Northshire Bookstore in beautiful Manchester Center! Join us as we "Get-Together" to talk CSR, sustainability, and the importance of supporting your local business community. This event is open to the public and is free for anyone interested in the triple-bottom-line approach to business. Complete details and registration coming soon!

We have a few sponsorships left for this event. Special thanks to Let's Grow Kids, RGS Energy, TruexCullins and VCLF for sponsoring! Contact Russ to learn more or get involved today.


May 12, Burlington

The time has come! VBSR's marquee event returns for the 26th year and we need your help to make this the best conference ever.

Here's how you can help:

Submit a Workshop Proposal
Share your SR adventures, initiatives, and knowledge! Participate and help us to make our 26th gathering the best VBSR Conference ever! We are soliciting workshop proposals that demonstrate values-led business practices, inspire CSR values, and educate about sustainable products and services, and policies. 
Click here to submit a proposal. Deadline is February 28th.

Sponsor the Conference
300+ will attend VBSR's Annual Spring Conference. Get noticed at our biggest event of the year. The day-long conference in Burlington is a great chance for our community of socially responsible business leaders to come together, network, and learn the latest in innovative SR business practices, policies, and thinking.  

Don't miss this chance to showcase your business or organization to our highly engaged VBSR community.  
With 5 different sponsorship levels and a chance to exhibit, it is easy to be involved! Contact us if you need more information about these opportunities. The deadline for sponsorship is early March; exhibit tables are first come, first serve until they sell out.   
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Join the Local Love Fest
Buy Local, Get Rewarded!  

This month, Local First Vermont launched the Local Love Fest, a social media photo contest designed to show the businesses who advertise in the Buy Local Coupon Book and Resource Guide some extra love and increase sales of books.

Entering the Love Fest is simple...

1) use the Buy Local Book to make a purchase,
2) snap a photo that includes the Buy Local Book at the business, and
3) upload the photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram -- include the name of the business and #vtlovefest.

Seventeen of our Buy Local Book advertisers donated $50 gift cards as prizes. The contest is being promoted via posters in businesses, Facebook, and Front Porch Forum. The Buy Local Books will also be featured as a 50/50 special on 5 radio stations:  WOKO, KOOL 105, The Buzz, The Wizard and WJOY.

Start taking photos... the contest ends soon!

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Paid Sick Days, Ban the Box
David Goodman Explores VT Policy Work  
  
More than 57,000 working Vermonters lack any kind of paid time off. In 2015, a paid sick leave bill passed the Vermont House but failed in the Senate. The Healthy Workplaces Bill currently in the Vt. Legislature would enable many Vermonters to be eligible for paid sick days.

At the same, today, over 100 cities and counties have adopted "ban the box," and a total of 19 states representing nearly every region of the country have adopted the policies. "Ban the Box" refers to the policy of removing the conviction history check-box from job applications. If employers must ask about convictions, they can ask later in the hiring process. The call to "ban the box" has become a powerful movement for fair hiring.
  
VBSR is supporting both of these efforts in the statehouse. 
Click here to hear stories on these issues and other recent shows, including:  

January 14: Paid Sick Days; Is Your Privacy Protected?
January 7: Ban the Box; When We Fight, We Win
December 30: Waterbury's Good Neighbor; The Face of Homelessness

Thank you to our sponsors!
 
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New Marketplace Website
Save, Grow, Plan, Learn. 
  
We are excited to announce that the new website for the VBSR Marketplace is up! Our home page is now easier to navigate, helping you find new vendors and customers quicker. Check it out!

Additionally, its our hope that this new site will help you Save, Grow, Plan, and Learn.

Save: See a sample of Business Basics you can buy through the Marketplace (login not required).
Grow: Find out how you can use the Marketplace to go Beyond Your Budget.
Plan: Our New Event Planning Template helps you lower your cash costs for your new Conference or Workshop by finding you new VBSR vendors.
Learn: Use the Marketplace to gain New Skills for a New Economy; see a List of Upcoming Events - login not required.

You'll also find VBSR member testimonials and Success Stories and a list of RFPs if you're looking for new customers.

Visit the new site today, and don't forget you can always contact Amy if you want to learn more about this innovative program that allows you to use excess products and services to purchase what you need to be successful and bolster your bottom line. The VBSR Marketplace, Like a Barter... but Better!!! 
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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 the latest offers to have come across the wires.

$5 Off Treatments
Open Community Acupuncture  

This new VBSR member based out of Waterbury wants to work with you! Email Travis for details!


BONUS! Staff Pick 
50% Off Local + Social Workshop
Marlboro Graduate School and VBSR 
You heard right. Marlboro College Grad School and VBSR have teamed up again! This workshop examines businesses that place a social mission ahead of, or on par with, their financial mission, and you can get 50% off just for being a VBSR member! Click here for more info on this great event, or contact Hillary with any questions.
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Member Events
Upcoming Member Events
 

February 20: Creative Ideas for Community Celebrations (Hunger Mountain Coop)

February 22: Awakening to Your Agency Virtual Practice Round Table (Global Round Table Leadership) 
Special 10% discount for VBSR members! 

February 23: Invest Local Series: Norwich (Milk Money Vermont)
Special 20% discount for VBSR members!

  
Special 20% discount for VBSR members!
 
March 18: Decoding Dysgraphia: 2016 Spring Symposium Series (Stern Center Vermont )

March 19: VSO Masterworks ft. Bella Hristova (Vermont Symphony Orchestra) 

March 20: VSO Sunday Matinee Series ft. Bella Hristova (Vermont Symphony Orchestra) 

April 2: SEVCA's First Fools' Run Couch-to-5k Event (Southeastern Vermont Community Action)
  
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 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.
     


    KSV Becomes a Certified B Corporation - CONGRATS!
    KSV, a marketing and advertising agency with deep expertise in the energy, sustainability and outdoor industries, is proud to announce its certification as a B Corporation that voluntarily meets a higher standard of public transparency, legal accountability and verified performance.

    Certified B - the B stands for "Benefit" - Corporations use the power of business to solve social, environmental and economic problems. Benchmarking and measuring the company's social impact lets consumers, clients and employees know that a company is serious about doing good and doing well. Learn More  

    Free Executive Training Program Available to VT Entrepreneurs
     
    Vermont is seeking 20 small business owners to participate in the Emerging Leaders Initiative beginning in April at Vermont Technical College in Williston, Vt.

    Emerging Leaders is a free executive-level training program for entrepreneurs to learn how to establish a three-year strategic growth plan for their businesses. The strategic plans emphasize organizational structure, resource network and assistance needed to build a sustainable business of size and scale.

    It is a seven-month program consisting of 13 three-hour in-class sessions, seven out-of-class CEO mentoring sessions, assigned reading and other assignments.  Learn more and apply! 

    VSECU Announces Support of Milk Money L3C To Foster Local Entrepreneurship and Small Business

    VSECU
    VBSR Champion Member VSECU, a credit union for everybody in Vermont, recently announced a partnership with Vermont-based equity crowdfunding company Milk Money L3C (also a member), designed to empower entrepreneurialism and drive local business development.   

    "This is exactly the type of collaboration that makes Vermont a very special place to grow a business or an idea. With a community by your side who believes investing locally is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do, Vermonters are tackling economic and social challenges head on in the most creative ways," said Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin. "Thank you to Milk Money and VSECU who have created such a partnership to support Vermont small businesses and local entrepreneurs in a big way," he added Learn More

    CPA Firm Reveals Economic Outlook of Vermont Businesses Survey Results

    Davis and Hodgdon Associates CPAs conducted its semi-annual economic survey in January regarding the outlook of Vermont's small-to medium-sized businesses, which revealed that respondents have much less confidence in both the Vermont and U.S. economies than they did just six months ago, regardless of their scope of marketplace.

    Overall more than half of respondents (54%) believe that the Vermont economy is declining as opposed to 37% previously just six months ago. 64% of businesses exclusive to Vermont believe the state's economy is in decline (compared to 38% in the previous survey); 8% feel it is improving (compared to 19% previously) and 24% indicate there is no change. 51% of Vermont businesses doing business outside the state believe the state's economy is declining (compared to 38% previously); 18% feel it is improving (17% previously), and 23% see no change. Learn More

    Encore Rebrands, to Focus on Solar Energy
    Encore Redevelopment, based in Burlington, is changing its name and its focus. President Chad Farrell announced recently the new direction and its new name: Encore Renewable Energy. The comprehensive rebrand reflects the completion of Encore's transition from a traditional property redevelopment company to a singular focus on the development of new sources of clean energy - specifically, the development of commercial, industrial, and community-scale solar PV systems. Leveraging past work in the brownfields redevelopment arena, Encore's projects are often connected to undervalued or underutilized properties, and therefore foster sustainable economic growth, environmental awareness, and community improvement. Learn More 

    CSWD receives $72,650 Grant for Hazardous Waste Collection Program 

    The Chittenden Solid Waste District has been awarded a grant worth $72,650 by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to help cover costs for providing facilities and education for the proper disposal of hazardous waste generated by residents and qualifying businesses.

    The grant is part of a solid waste assistance fund provided by the state to help towns and solid waste planning entities implement their solid waste plans, as required by state law. The grant is awarded annually to towns by the DEC, an arm of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Learn More

    PP&D Brochure Distribution Acquires Vacation Valley Coupons

    Bill Orleans, president of PP&D Brochure Distribution, has announced that he has purchased the Valley Vacation Coupons from Tom Shampnois.

    "I've admired the Vacation Valley Coupons for decades. Tom has done a great job promoting tourism businesses in the Champlain Valley. I look forward to assisting his clients and the tourism community to continue those efforts," says Orleans.

    The Coupon Program was established over 20 years ago. Long-time clients include VBSR Member Shelburne Museum and many others. Coupons are currently distributed to all advertisers and dozens of lodging properties. PP&D will now be adding coupon distribution to many of Vermont's Highway Welcome Centers and Rest Stops, The Church Street Marketplace kiosk and the Waterfront Information Center. Congrats PP&D! Learn More.
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    This Edition of E-news Sponsored By:
    The VBSR Marketplace 
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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