




Thursday Evening October 24th
5:00 - 8:00 PM
The Historic Vergennes Opera House, Vergennes, VT.
Business of the Year
Bristol Works & Stoney Hill Properties
Non-Profit of the Year
Addison County Relocalization Network
Buster Brush Citizen of the Year
Brian Carpenter, Champlain Valley Equipment
Young Professional of the Year
Nathaniel Klein, Charter House Coalition
Hall of Fame Inductees
Jim Douglas
Fred and Judi Danforth
Keynote Speaker
Angelo Lynn
Publisher
The Addison Independent
Sponsored by:
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Vermont Public 8-week Radio Underwriting Raffle Prize
Drawing: Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Tickets can be purchased online until 5pm on 10/23/24 OR in person at the Annual Awards Dinner on 10/24/24.
NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN
1 ticket - $20 OR 7 tickets - $100
Join the Vermont Chamber at the Manufacturing Summit on November 13-14, 2024, where Vermont's manufacturing sector takes center stage. Designed for businesses of all types and sizes within the manufacturing industry, this reimagined event offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, suppliers, and potential business partners from across Vermont, New England, and Canada. Discover actionable strategies and resources to enhance your business operations, explore new growth opportunities, and gain insights into the latest trends shaping the future of manufacturing Don’t miss this chance to build a more resilient supply chain and drive your business forward.
https://www.vtchamber.com/vermont-manufacturing-summit/
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT VERMONT’S BUSINESS CLIMATE?
The Vermont Chamber continues to work diligently on behalf of the Vermont business community, even while the Legislature is not in session. As we speak with our members around the state, there is a troubling theme growing about the mounting challenges within Vermont’s business climate. We encourage you to take five minutes to complete our business survey to provide crucial insights for our advocacy team as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=rjgHCBMxNEy6QfavnyGNG
PROMOTE YOUR EVENT TO VERMONTERS AND VISITORS
The Vermont Signature Events program is a partnership with the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The program offers an invaluable opportunity for events to garner widespread recognition. Signature events are awarded annually and showcase the rich variety of experiences that can be had in the Green Mountains. These top-rated events offer a true taste of all that is local, bringing visitors into the heart of our communities and serving as an important component in the Vermont visitor economy. The application deadline is Friday, December 1
https://www.vtchamber.com/2025-26-vermont-signature-events-award-application-open/
EMPLOYER-ASSISTED HOUSING GUIDE
The Vermont Housing Finance Agency released a new Employer-Assisted Housing (EAH) resource guide which outlines how employers can play a crucial role in addressing housing affordability through financing or development initiatives. EAH encompasses both renter and homeowner programs, with strategies ranging from direct financial assistance to partnerships with affordable housing organizations, developers, and municipalities.
https://vhfa org/sites/default/files/publications/VHFA%20Employer-Assisted%20Housing%20Guide pdf
LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH THE VERMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Vermont Chamber is offering an exciting internship opportunity for undergraduate students to gain firsthand experience in policymaking. Ideal for those with a strong interest in politics, this position offers the chance to report on, witness, and learn about new policy initiatives as they move through the legislative process Interns will support our advocacy staff by monitoring and summarizing committee hearings both virtually and in person at the Vermont State House. With a monetary stipend, the program also provides valuable networking opportunities with lawmakers, administration officials, lobbyists, and business leaders. Students must be able to travel to Montpelier at least once a week.
https://www vtchamber com/wp-content/uploads/Vermont-Chamber-Internship-Description-2025 pdf
October 25 ■ 7:30 PM
CAROLINE SHAW and SŌ PERCUSSION featuring RINGDOWN
November 2 ■ 7:30 PM JERUSALEM QUARTET
November 15 and 16 ■ 7:30 PM
SEAN DORSEY DANCE THE LOST ART OF DREAMING
December 4 ■ 7:30 PM BRIA SKONBERG JAZZ QUINTET
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
10AM-3PM
Each month, "Behind the Scenes" features an interview with a leader in our community designed to provide readers a glimpse into his/her interests and passions inside and outside of the workplace
This month, "Behind the Scenes" sat down with Carly Jack of AllEarth Renewables
What is your hometown?
I grew up in Huntington, VT - so far up a dirt road that I walked a mile or so from the bus stop every day. I moved to Jericho when I was in high school, which at the time felt like moving to the big city. But Richmond – the town between the two – is probably where I hold the most memories growing up.
Where did you go to school?
I completed my undergrad degree in Public Communication at UVM. I also spent a semester studying abroad in Seville, Spain, donde estudié International Business – minoring in gelato-eating. I had a passion for business and marketing but knew I wanted to use it for good, so UVM’s Community Development & Applied Economics Department (often referred to as the ‘hippie business school’) was a perfect fit for me!
First ever job?
My first ever job was working at Joe’s Snack Bar in Jericho. Before I had my driver’s license (and before the days of e-bikes!) I biked 3 miles each way to serve up greasy fries, burgers and creemees all summer! This was also before the days of digital tilling systems, so it was cash only and we did order calculations manually on pen and paper. Talk about real hands-on job experience!
Carly Jack AllEarth Renewables
Who was your greatest inspiration growing up?
The people who have inspired me the most in life are probably a toss-up between Bill McKibben and Bernie Sanders. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, they have both unwaveringly dedicated their lives to standing up against corporate greed – true David and Goliath stories. The world needs more inspiring leaders like them, and I attribute my own career journey in large part to reading Bill McKibben’s books.
Who do you most admire?
I admire anyone who is willing to be BOLD, think differently, and challenge the status-quo to do what is right vs. what’s popular. I have found so often in my life that most people prefer not to rock the boat or take risks, so they choose to do nothing – even when deep down they may not agree. Today’s world - and today’s challengesrequire a complete paradigm shift, and I admire anyone willing to embrace this.
Favorite Vacation Spot?
I grew up going to Weekapaug, Rhode Island and to this day it is still one of my favorite places.
I spent every summer at a family friend’s summer cottage surrounded by vibrant hydrangea bushes and so close to the beach that you could smell the salt water –absolute paradise! I have the best memories of crab hunting in tide pools, skimboarding on the beach, eating lobster dinners, and driving mopeds to the local ice cream shop. I hope to go back with my daughter some day!
Favorite movie, TV Show?
Hands down the best TV series I’ve watched lately (well, maybe a close tie with Ted Lasso) is “This is Us”.
This show is a gold gem set amongst the rubble of trash reality television, not only in its on-point cast and acting, but in the quality and depth of its storyline. Though I can’t say I don’t enjoy indulging in a good binge watch of the Bachelor or Love is Blind!
Favorite type of music?
While you’re more likely to find me listening to podcasts than music these days, I am a big indie music fan – with Death Cab for Cutie, Radiohead, and Alt-J at the top of the list. But growing up in Vermont, there is nothing better than rocking out to local favorites Grace Potter, Guster, or Noah Kahan at an outdoor concert!
Typical work week?
Being a small company, I wear a lot of hats and no two weeks are the same. Some days, you’ll find me out and about talking to customers or attending events. Other days, I’ll be glued to my computer developing marketing strategies, designing ad campaigns, or managing our website and social media pages. But what I love most is networking and connecting with people.
Before rejoining AllEarth Renewables, I spent eight years working for a local government transportation agency. The biggest challenge for me was the pace of change. Seeing the challenges we face with climate change, I wanted to work for a forward-thinking company that was making positive, actionable change and not just ‘greenwashing’. I think I am not alone in this, as more and more people are starting to leave their corporate jobs in pursuit of something more purposeful and impactful. Working for AllEarth has been a breath of fresh air, and it is energizing to see the impact we have made in our local community even over this past year.
What's the greatest career risk you have taken?
In 2014, I took a leap of faith and quit my dream job to travel and work on a wine vineyard in New Zealand. When I gave my resignation, I remember many of my colleagues saying they regretted not taking the time to travel when they were that age. After 10 remarkable years living and working overseas, I’ve now made my way back to that same company, with fresh perspective and experience under my belt – a risk that certainly paid off! My advice: take risks and follow your passions. You never know where it might lead you!
What's the one thing you would like to see change in your industry/mission?
You’ll often hear me call the solar industry a ‘solarcoaster’, and it truly is just that. With constantly changing legislation, permitting, utility rate changes, etc. which differ by state – or even by utility – it can be tough to stay ahead of the curve and navigate uncertainty – as well as to educate our customers on these changes and what it means for them. Even with solar energy now becoming mainstream, we are still fighting an uphill battle with old systems, institutions, and corporate interests that have much greater wealth and lobbying power.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM EST
On September 16th, TVT celebrated the opening of two new bus shelters in Bristol at Shaw’s and Firehouse Drive
On September 20th the Chamber was on hand at Adagio Chocolates in Middlebury to help with their ribbon cutting.
here here here
September Mixer Hosted by Vermont
Federal Credit Union
Thank you to the organizations below that have already secured their sponsor positions for 2024!
Vergennes Day
Vermont Gas Systems
Gaines Insurance
Porter Medical Center
Kennedy Brothers
Grand Senior Living
Bristol Harvest Festival
Mountain Community Health
Vermont Gas Systems
Bristol Financial
Waitsfield Telecom
Porter Medical Center
Middlebury Car Show & Fall
Festival
Stone Motors
IPJ Real Estate
Silver Maple Construction
Vermont Gas Systems
Cambio Roasters
Porter Medical Center
National Bank of Middlebury
Sweet Cecily
Champlain Valley Equipment
Mr. Ups
Promote your organization and support our community events in 2024! Limited Sponsorships are still available. Click on the icon above to learn more!
Join the Addison County organizations below and advertise in 2024 at the Addison County Visitor Center For complete information visit us HERE
Robert Feuerstein, Kennedy Brothers (Chair)
Megan Mandigo, Marble Trail Financial (Treasurer)
Nancy Foster, Champlain Valley Properties (Secretary)
Phil Summers, ACCOC (Executive Director)
Dickie Austin, Black Sheep Bistro
Amy Carlin: Middlebury College
Doug Dewitt, Bristol Financial Services
Meaghan McLaughlin, National Bank of Middlebury
Ned Horton, Otter Creek Bakery and Deli
Marty Kulczyk, Robert Frost Mountain Cabins
Ben Fuller, The Richards Group
Dr. Nicole MacTavish, Hannaford Technical School District
Kathryn Torres, Better Middlebury Partnership
Renny Perry, Addison County Economic Development Corp.
Renny Perry, Vergennes Partnership
Bill Sayre, Addison County Regional Planning Commission
Courtney Radford, Bristol Core