It's hard to believe that the beginning of the school year, fall, and Town Fair are already on the horizon. Just as a few gold-to-red leaves on occasional trees this month are the early signs of full-on autumn foliage, this issue of the VLCT Journal previews of some of what we have lined up for you at Town Fair (including a very special Keynote speaker). Read through it to learn the session tracks you can attend, the fun activities that are planned, how you can share your knowledge and ideas with others, and when to sign up at the lowest cost.
Follow our Facebook page for more news, updates, and announcements: facebook.com/VTLeague.
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Join Us on October 2 in Killington
One of your greatest membership benefits is the VLCT connection to people facing similar challenges, similar opportunities, and similar head-slapping moments in the town office. You are not alone, and plenty of people are interested in your success. Come meet them.
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Jim Cantore of The Weather Channel to Deliver Keynote
We're excited to announce that Jim Cantore, longtime meteorologist for The Weather Channel, will provide the keynote address at Town Fair. Cantore grew up in White River Junction and graduated from Lyndon State before becoming one of the best known meteorologists in the country. He will speak to attendees about changing weather patterns and climate resiliency, and he will share some true-life stories of what he has encountered while covering severe weather events. Look forward to it!
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Election Tools and Contingency Planning
Election administrators can get help preparing with three sessions presented in partnership with the Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association. Speakers will discuss tools, resources, and sources of advice; introduce a practical way to plan for continuity of communications if an interruption occurs during an election; and host an interactive session about your elections incident response plans and procedures.
Learn more.
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Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon!
Don't miss out on the lowest Town Fair price of the year! Right now, it's only $79 to attend all Town Fair activities. The price increases on September 1, so make sure to check out the agenda and register soon.
Register.
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Building Safe and Healthy Communities
The sessions in this Town Fair track highlight three key areas of need for municipalities: housing creation, civility and effective meetings, and cybersecurity. First, hear about how recent legislation can spur housing creation, then discuss how to run an effective meeting, and finally hear about important strategies to enhance your cybersecurity to protect the data of your organization and your citizens.
Learn about these sessions.
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Make the Rounds at Breakfast!
Start your Town Fair off right with a perennial favorite that provides easy access to several current hot topics. Plan to arrive hungry and enjoy breakfast while discussing whichever topic you choose in the moment. Each roundtable focuses on a single topic and is facilitated by a subject matter expert (or two). You can ask questions, share your knowledge, and hear others' ideas while you slake your thirsts for both knowledge and coffee.
Fuel for body and brain.
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Nominate an Outstanding Local Official or Legislator
VLCT is accepting nominations for the three VLCT awards that recognize people who have provided outstanding service to Vermont local government. Officials and employees of Vermont cities, towns, and villages are encouraged to nominate a deserving person for any of this year's awards.
Read all about it!
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HR is Everywhere at Town Fair
While there's not a specific human resources "track" this year, people interested in elements of HR will find related content spread throughout the event. From the breakfast roundtables to sessions about best hiring practices and thriving through change, you'll find plenty of opportunity for learning and discussion. Plus, don't forget to visit the exhibit hall – where multiple employee benefits vendors will be ready to chat.
Hint: Look for Julie M., Jill M., and Trevor W.
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THANK YOU Sponsors & Exhibitors
Each year the exhibit hall at Town Fair is filled with organizations from across Vermont and beyond showcasing the products and services they have to offer. Their support, through VLCT's Business Alliance Program, is a major source of non-dues revenue for not only Town Fair but VLCT as a whole all year long. Make sure to stop by and chat with these folks when you're at Town Fair! They are experts in their fields and can help you with funding, insurance, engineering, technology, and more. See who is exhibiting.
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POP Quiz
Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
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By when do you have to register to receive the Early Bird discount? | | | | |
NLC: City Summit
Fall is conference season. Join the National League of Cities (NLC) in Tampa Bay, Florida for the annual City Summit, November 13-16. This year, NLC is celebrating 100 years of strengthening cities. City Summit is one of the most comprehensive conferences for local elected officials and municipal staff.
Learn more.
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VLCT, PACIF, and VERB Annual Meetings
As part of Town Fair 2024, VLCT, PACIF and VERB will hold their annual business meetings of their respective members on Tuesday, October 1 at 3 PM virtually via Zoom. There is no cost to attend.
Every VLCT, PACIF, and VERB member that wants to vote at the annual meetings must designate voting delegate(s). Your legislative body needs to designate one official as the Voting Delegate for each VLCT organization that your municipal entity is a member of. You may register to attend the meetings even if you are not a voting delegate. Please make sure to check the correct boxes and indicate which (if any) meetings you are the delegate for using the online registration form. Designate your delegate.
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Elections
Wednesday, October 2
8 AM – 4:30 PM
Presented in cooperation with VMCTA. Register.
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Leadership
Wednesday, October 2
8 AM – 4:30 PM
Skills and best practices every leader needs. Register.
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Facilitated Discussions Track
At the suggestion of our Town Fair Planning Committee, we created an entire track that aims to create space to talk about what you want to talk about. One of our board members likened this track to an “un-conference”. These loosely structured and lightly facilitated sessions will bring people together around a common topic for conversation. Learn more.
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About VLCT Journal
Find all issues of the VLCT Journal at vlct.org/journal.
As always, be sure to follow us on social media and regularly check the updated home page of our website for breaking news and announcements.
Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.
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* POP QUIZ ANSWERS
August 31 is the right answer! Regular rates begin on September 1. Learn more.
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