Around the Chamber - October 2024

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Don ’tMiss Don ’tMiss This This

AWARDS DINNER AND HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

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

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

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

SEAN DORSEY DANCE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH

10AM-3PM

Behind the Scenes with CarlyJack

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!

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.

BehindtheScenes with CarlyJack

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.

Biggest Career Challenge?

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

DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS

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.

here here here

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

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

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