Around the Chamber - October 2024

AROUND THE CHAMBER October, 2024

In This Issue 2 - Annual Award Winners 6 - VT Chamber News 16 - Behind the Scenes (Carly Jack, AllEarth Renewables) 28 - Chamber Briefs

MIDDLEBURY CAR SHOW & FALL FESTIVAL SUNDAY 10/13

Connect With Us!!

2024 AWARDS DINNER s AND is M HALL OF FAME INDUCTION t ’ n October s Thursday Evening o i 24th D Th 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

REGISTER HERE 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

Around the Chamber

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ACCOC publishes Around the Chamber monthly and it reaches thousands of business, non profit leaders and their employees in Addison County and beyond. Around the Chamber boasts an average 52% open rate with an average read time of 8:32 Members are encouraged to supply their announcements and events by emailing phil@addisioncounty.com. For ad availability and rate card email phil@addisoncounty.com.

Addison County Chamber of Commerce. 2024, All Rights Reserved

THE 2024 MANUFACTURING SUMMIT 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

FALL 2024 SEASON

SEAN DORSEY DANCE

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

December 4 ■ 7:30 PM

SEAN DORSEY DANCE

BRIA SKONBERG JAZZ QUINTET

THE LOST ART OF DREAMING Tickets: $25/20/15/10/5 On sale now. go.middlebury.edu/pas

DOWNTOWN MIDDLEBURY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH 10AM-3PM

s e n e c S e Behind th with Carly Jack

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 challenges require a complete paradigm shift, and I admire anyone willing to embrace this.

Scenes e h t d n i h Be with Carly Jack

Favorite Vacation Spot?

Biggest Career Challenge?

I grew up going to Weekapaug, Rhode Island and to this day it is still one of my favorite places.

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.

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.

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.

Addison County

CHAMBER of Commerce

Thursday Nov 14, 2024 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM EST

Art on Main 25 Main Street Bristol, VT 05443

After Hours

NETWORKING MIXER

DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS

Exclusive Offer for Chamber Members:

FREE 60-Minute Marketing Consultation

As new members of the Addison County Chamber of Commerce, we're excited to offer our fellow members a complimentary opportunity. We can: Assess your marketing approach Identify areas for improvement Provide actionable recommendations

Let's Explore Your Potential Together Book Your Consultation hello@londonmiddlebury.com 802-497-0462

CHAMBER BRIEFS September Ribbon Cuttings

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.

CHAMBER BRIEFS Addison County Visitor Center News The Visitor Center welcomed its 2,400th 2024 guest in September! Learn more

here

DID YOU KNOW?

As a member of the Chamber you can post your job openings on our job board for

FREE!

For more member benefits visit www.AddisonCounty.com/benefits

CHAMBER BRIEFS September Mixer Hosted by Vermont Federal Credit Union

2024 COMMUNITY EVENT SPONSORSHIPSle 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

HERE

HERE

Officers

Robert Feuerstein, Kennedy Brothers (Chair) Megan Mandigo, Marble Trail Financial (Treasurer) Nancy Foster, Champlain Valley Properties (Secretary) Phil Summers, ACCOC (Executive Director)

Directors

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

Article IV, Section D Designate Directors

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