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Community Announcements
Webinar: Municipal Strategies for Managing Short-Term Rentals, April 2nd, 12-1:30 pm
Short-term rentals offer local lodging options in communities where there are limited traditional accommodations, but they have the potential to introduce challenges including strains on public resources, reduced housing stock for residents, and disruptions in residential neighborhoods. A panel of four town leaders from across the region will share diverse experiences in how their communities have regulated short term rentals. Zoom registration is required Register here
Regional Project Priority List Updates
NVDA is updating the Regional Project Prioritization (RPP) List. Visit NVDA's website for more information on the RPP process Here. Please submit a completed Regional Priority Project Form to Annie McLean amclean@nvda.net by 5:00 pm on April 30th to be considered for the May RPP update.
Act 181 Resource Page
Passed in June 2024, Act 181 is a major overhaul of Act 250, and it has significant implications for state, regional, and municipal planning. At its core is a transition to "location-based" jurisdiction of Act 250, which is intended to streamline environmental review and promote housing in well-planned areas such as downtowns and village centers, and protect critical natural resources and working lands. NVDA offered a training session on Act 181 in February. (Find the recording, slide deck and Frequently Asked Questions on the NVDA website under "Land Use" Here) There will be additional trainings in the future and the web page will be updated when new information in available. Questions? Contact Alison Low alow@nvda.net
Vt Climate Action Plan - Public Input Session in Hardwick, April 14th, 6-8 pm
Don't miss your chance to weigh in on the update to Vermont's Climate Action Plan! Voice your climate priorities through diverse engagement activities around the state. Choose from virtual or free in-person events with food! Climate Councilors will listen and consider public input when revising the Plan (due July 1st). Please Register for the Hardwick event so the correct amount of food is ordered! Visit the website climatechange.vermont.gov/cap2025 to find all the event dates and read the draft priority actions. Questions? anr.cao@vermont.gov (802) 404-2729.
VT Capital Planning Forum, April 10th, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Alumni Hall, Barre
This is an in-person event for governmental units of all sizes, and associated professionals to explore best practices in capital planning. Register Here Registration closes April 3rd!
Kingdom Maple Festival, Saturday, April 19th
This family-friendly event in downtown St. Johnsbury celebrates the town's sweet maple heritage. Don't miss the street fair, food carts, live music, farmers market, maple-themed activities, crafts, and more! Vendor Registration form
Legislative Breakfast: Monday, April 28th @ 8:00 am
The 2025 Legislative Breakfasts, sponsored by NEK Chamber of Commerce, have been held at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum on Main Street. The region's legislators have participated each month to interact with their constituents and answer questions. All are invited to attend.
VT Municipal Equipment Show & Field Day: May 7th, 8:30 am-2:00 pm
Barre Municipal Auditorium Presented by the New England American Public Works Association (APWA) chapter newengland.apwa.org. Registration information is available soon.
State Awards for municipal employees will be presented at the show: Public Works Leader of the Year; Outstanding Public Works Department; Public Official of the Year; Public Works Supervisor of the Year; First Responder Award. For detailed information about award nominations, contact Lisa Schaeffler vmesfd2023@gmail.com (802) 355-1142
Save the Date! RBES Training for Municipal Staff: May 15th, 11:00 am-12:00 noon
Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) a.k.a. the Building Energy Code, is a minimum standard for energy efficient construction that applies to all new residential construction, additions, most renovations, alterations, and repairs. This educational session will explain RBES in detail and provide municipal staff with information and tools to assist builders and ensure RBES certificates are recorded in the land records. Register
Firefighter Appreciation Day - A New Summer Event!
Firefighter Appreciate Day will take place at the Canaan Recreation Park, on July 19th, from 3:00-8:00 pm. Resource and food vendors will take part in the free event as a way for community organizations, clubs, and local board members to interact with the public. Registration and vendor information can be found Here.
Business Announcements
Wage & Hour Employer Seminar: April 2nd, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Lyndon Institute
The seminar, provided by the VT Dept of Tourism and U.S. Dept of Labor, provides an opportunity for NEK businesses of all sizes to gain insights into labor regulations. Register
VT Manufacturing Day at the State House, April 2nd
This free event offers manufacturing businesses and industry leaders the opportunity to connect with legislators and highlight the sector's significant contributions to the Vermont economy. Register here The program begins at 9:00 am and will feature networking, joint hearing, listening session, and a press conference.
Vermont Tariff Resources & Task Force
The Agency of Commerce & Community Development has compiled key resources to help Vermont businesses understand and respond to evolving tariff-related challenges on the federal level, evaluate the potential impact on Vermonters, and focus on solutions. Vermont Tariff Resource Page.
TRACK Inc. Expands in Newport
The leading dealer of snow grooming and specialized off-road utility vehicles held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February at the former Bogner factory which had been vacant for over five years. The company's transition from Newport Center into the 43,000 sq-ft building on 85 acres of land was done in stages. The celebrated expansion will add jobs for Track Inc. and quadruple floor space to increase production capacity. NVDA provided assistance for the expansion and Dave Snedeker joined company representatives and state officials for the grand opening.
NEK Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, April 10th, 11:00 am-1:30 pm
Innovation: Tradition Meets Transformation, VT State University, Lyndon Campus
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the Northeast Kingdom Chamber and it's vision for the future. Guest Speaker will be Kyle Clark, President and CEO of BETA Technologies and potential buyer of the Caledonia County Airport. www.nekchamber.com Meeting Registration
Job & Resource Fair: April 25th, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Community College of VT, Newport
NEK Workforce Partners' will sponsor a FREE Job & Resource Fair for job seekers and local employers at Community College of VT, 100 Main Street, Newport. Employers can register Here Questions? (802) 334-6545
NEK Workforce Spring Job Fest: May 9th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Fenton Chester Ice Arena, Lyndon Center
VT Department of Labor, in partnership with Lyndon Institute and NEK Workforce Partners, will host this FREE event for local employers and area job seekers.
Employer Registration Questions? (802) 748-3177
Do North Pitch Competition Returns this Fall!
The NEK's hottest pitch competition is back and pitchers will be pitted against one another as they compete for a cash prize. Save the date: Oct 23rd. Are you interested in helping participants develop their pitches? Do North is looking for advisors, industry experts, or volunteers to be sounding boards as the businesses prepare their presentations. Email team@donorthcoworking.com for more information.
Orleans County NRCD is Hiring
The Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District is seeking a Community Engagement Program Specialist to support internal and external communications and deliver outreach, engagement, and education opportunities. Job description Applications submitted before March 31st will be considered, later applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position will remain open until filled.
Flood Recovery Assistance & Resources
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