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Community Announcements
NEK Together Conference
The NEK Collaborative hosted 152 regional, state, federal, nonprofit and business leaders at their 2025 NEK Together Conference. The gathering reaffirmed the organization's role as a neutral convener within the framework of the region's Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP Zone) and USDA Rural Development. The participants reflected on the NEK's shared identity, celebrated collaborative successes, and identified pressing challenges shaping the region's future: housing, healthcare, affordability, and flood & climate resilience. These priorities will guide the Collaborative's work in the coming year under the leadership of Abby Long, Interim Executive Director. www.nekcollaborative.org Read the NEK Together REPORT Here
NEK Day at the Statehouse, 115 State Street, Montpelier - Thurs Jan 22nd
This is an annual opportunity for community members, nonprofit, business, and municipal leaders to gather in Montpelier, advocate for Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties, and connect with legislative policymakers who make funding decisions that impact our region. The NEK Collaborative organizes this FREE event each year - All are welcome! RSVP NEK Day
What is a Regional Plan? 2026 Draft Plan Update
The purpose of the 2026 Regional Plan is to guide future growth and development in the NEK. The Plan offers goals and strategies to foster economic development, preserve resources, guide development patterns, and address quality of life issues in our region. The focus is on land use, energy, transportation, utilities & facilities, historic & cultural resources, housing, natural resources, economic development and flood resilience. Updating the Plan takes place every eight years to better serve the towns and villages in the region. The content is informed by changing local needs, state requirements, and input from people who live and work here. Thank you to everyone who participated in our regional outreach process during the Fall. Staff members visited communities throughout the NEK and hosted a survey online and on-site. Click Here to watch slides and a recording that recap the poll findings. NVDA planners are now in the final drafting stages and intend to submit a draft plan to the VT Land Use Review Board in April. In the meantime, the interactive Future Land Use Map will be available very soon! Do you have questions? Contact us anytime! Clord@nvda.net
Meet Vermont's Climate Action Plan - Virtual Event
Jan 6th, 6:00-7:15 pm, Jan 12th, 12:00-1:15 pm
The Vermont Climate Action Plan is a roadmap for how Vermont will continue to act on climate change. Join the VT Climate Council to learn about the new 2025 Plan's priority actions. A discussion will focus on how the plan will turn into action Register Contact anr.cao@vermont.gov with questions and accessibility requests.
TIF + CHIP Webinar Series
A series of three webinars will be offered in January to explain to municipal leaders and first-time learners the steps to take in using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to implement the new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Learn how CHIP can help Vermont communities overcome infrastructure barriers and advance the development of much-needed housing. The webinars, presented by the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) in coordination with the VT Economic Progress Council, will take place on Jan 8th, 13th, & 15th, 2:00-3:00 pm. TIF + CHIP Registration Free and open to all.
Regional Emergency Management Committee Meetings
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Orleans-Essex REMC: Tues, Jan 20th, 1:00 pm / Newport Fire Station
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Caledonia-Essex REMC: Wed, Jan 28th, 1:00 pm / Barnet Fire Station
The meetings are in-person and virtual via ZOOM. Contact Molly Dockter mdockter@nvda.net for Agenda and Zoom information.
Mobile Home Infill Program (MHIP)
To help address the housing affordability crisis, the State of Vermont and State Housing Authority launched MHIPs. Participating mobile home park owners and manufactured home communities are improving vacant lots and fast-tracking the placement of quality, affordable manufactured homes to expand opportunities for attainable homeownership. Many lenders have partnered with the State to support MHIPs by offering favorable loan terms. Learn more at affordablehomes.vermont.gov.
What is Going On in Your Watershed: Lamoille River Basin & Missisquoi
Vermont is updating the Lamoille River and Missisquoi Bay Tactical Basin Plans. The water quality and habitat management plan identifies rivers, lakes and wetlands in need of restoration and protection. A plan also outlines actions to achieve water quality goals and identifies funding critical to implementing action. Learn more about the planning process: Basin 7 Lamoille River Tactical Basin and Basin 6 Missisquoi Bay Tactical Basin Contribute to the planning process - click on the Survey link shown on each document. Your answers benefit the planning process by providing input on community needs.
Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Awards
The NBRC Catalyst Program supports projects that help stimulate economic growth in rural communities. Thirteen Vermont projects received funding, two located in the Northeast Kingdom. Taproot Farm & Environmental Education Center in Lunenburg will establish a 60-acre farm, recreation and education campus to support agriculture, youth programs, and tourism. Northeast Kingdom Community Action will expand the Lakemont Family Resource Center in Newport to purchase a building, add childcare classrooms, and extend mobile services to rural areas. Governor Scott and Vermont's Congressional Delegation made the announcement, and emphasized that these community investments will pay dividends for future generations.
NEK Recipients of the Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund
Funding from the VT Council on Rural Development supports projects that create new ways to expand community resilience and reduce energy use. NEK awardees: Hardwick The Civic Standard will install a geothermal heat pump system in its new headquarters; Greensboro's Energy & Climate Action Committee will pilot a "Building Readiness Campaign" to help homeowners, towns and contractors learn the benefits and steps needed to meet Vermont's Residential Building Energy Standards; NVDA and Lyndon Institute will partner to expand accredited solar workforce training; and Ticket to Ride plans to create a nine-month program to engage safely in bicycle commuting and multi-modal transportation (bike to bus).
Business Announcements
Two NEK Businesses Awarded Business Equipment Grants
The Regional Economic Development Grants Program is administered by the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services. NVDA applied for the competitive grants on behalf of two regional businesses: Steven Hunter Timber & Dirtwork based in Wheelock, received funding for a 2026 gooseneck trailer. Theo Global Services, a logistics company in Newport for textile warehousing and distribution was awarded funds to purchase specialized cutting equipment for fabrics.
Get Counted! Calling Food Organizations...
Organizations across New England are invited to Get Counted in the 2025 Local Food Count, a regional effort to measure how much food is sourced locally by schools, hospitals, dining services and other organizations. Data collection is open through April 30th and the information gathered will help identify current purchasing patterns and opportunities to expand local procurement. Visit the website and take the survey today.
Federal Employer Child Care Tax Credit Expansion Goes Into Effect in January
Attention Employers: Tax credits are available for investment in childcare facilities and also for contracts for childcare spaces for employees. If employers want to connect with childcare operators who might want to partner on expanded facilities or reserving spaces for employers, contact Erin Roche, Vermont Director of First Children's Finance (802) 341-0368 erinr@firstchildrensfinance.org
Regulatory Compliance Deep Dive - Webinar, Jan 22nd, 12:00-1:00 pm
The Vermont Small Business Law Center is offering a practical overview of regulatory compliance for small businesses that includes DEC permitting, Act 250 and local zoning, hazardous waste, certifications, and more.
Upcoming events information Here Registration is free but required. Questions? skochavi@vermontlaw.edu
Do North Coworking Launches 2026 Business Accelerator Program
Kickstart NEK is a business accelerator program open to entrepreneurs at all stages and across all industries. Beginning in February, Do North Coworking will launch two simultaneous cohorts designed to help small businesses explore, test and grow ideas into sustainable, profitable ventures. The accelerator will run for ten weeks: Feb 3rd - Apr 14th, Tuesdays 6:00-8:30 pm at Do North Coworking in Lyndon; or Wednesdays 6:00-8:30 pm in Newport at a location TBD. To learn more and apply visit bit.ly/kicknek26 Questions? team@donorthcoworking.com
Vermont Tariff Resources & Task Force
The Agency of Commerce & Community Development has compiled key resources to help Vermont businesses respond to evolving tariff-related challenges on the federal level, evaluate the potential impact, and focus on solutions. Vermont Tariff Resource Page.
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