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Community Announcements
Vermont's 2025 Green Up Day is Saturday, May 3rd!
Volunteers make a big difference every year in helping to clean up litter in our neighborhoods and along streets, roads, trails and waterways. Green Up trash bags are available from Volunteer Town Coordinators. Find your specific town details Here
A Spotlight of Regional Planning
Municipal planning efforts of the Towns of Newark and Greensboro were confirmed by the NVDA Board of Directors on March 27th. Newark, as having its first confirmation in an 8-year cycle, and Greensboro having its second. Congratulations to both municipalities! Also, the Town of Sheffield finished their town plan which was voted on and approved by its town members on March 4th. NVDA staff will follow up in Sheffield to assist with next steps for regional approval.
Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) Training: May 15th, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
RBES is a minimum standard for energy efficient construction that applies to all new residential construction, additions, renovations, alterations, and repairs. As per Act 89 of 2013, municipal officials must provide RBES information when a residential building or zoning permit is applied for. This training for municipal staff will explain RBES in detail and provide information and tools to assist builders and ensure RBES certificates are recorded in the land records. Register Here
Directory of Consultants for Municipal Planning Grant Program
The Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) is updating its Directory of Consultants for the Municipal Planning Grant program. If consultants would like to have their contact information included in the updated directory and made available to the public on the DHCD website, complete this survey by May 15th. The list is revised annually. Note: consultants who are currently on the list need to complete the survey to remain on the updated list. Questions? Contact Jennifer.Lavoie@vermont.gov
Final 2025 Legislative Breakfast: Monday, May 19th @ 8:00 am
The 2025 Legislative Breakfasts, sponsored each month by NEK Chamber of Commerce, have been held at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum on Main Street. The region's legislators have participated regularly to interact with 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 The event is presented by the New England chapter, American Public Works Association (APWA) newengland.apwa.org. Register online. 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; and First Responder Award. For detailed information about award nominations, contact Lisa Schaeffler vmesfd2023@gmail.com (802) 355-1142
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
Spring Job Fest, May 9th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Fenton Chester Ice Arena
Local employers are hiring! Northeast Kingdom Workforce Partners, VT Department of Labor, Hire Ability VT, and Lyndon Institute are sponsoring a job fair at the Fenton Chester Arena, College Rd., Lyndon Center. The event is FREE for job seekers and employers! Questions? (802) 748-3177.
Legal Support for Small Manufacturers
VMEC and the Vermont Law & Graduate School's Small Business Law Center are launching a new partnership to offer free legal education to manufacturers. A webinar series has been designed to help small manufacturers better understand their rights and responsibilities. Topics include contracts, regulatory compliance, business entities, risk management, and other legal issues. The first FREE webinar "How to Hire & Work With a Lawyer" will be held May 14th, 2:00-3:00 pm. Register Here. Questions? Contact Robynn Albert ralbert@vmec.org Visit the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center website: www.vmec.org
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.
Bear Den Partners Poised to Acquire Burke Mountain
A U.S. District Court judge approved the sale of Burke Mountain Resort to Bear Den Partners, a consortium including Burke Mountain Academy and the Graham and Schaefer families who bring over 100 years of experience in skiing, hiking and biking on Burke Mountain. Bear Den Partners have long-held ties to the mountain, expertise in year-round mountain operations, and financial capacity and commitment to invest in the resort's long-term success. The Bear Den purchase and planned multi-million dollar investments have wide community support - a boon to the town's economic and community development. The Purchase Agreement was approved and the sale is scheduled to close in May.
NEK Broadband Positions Open
NEK Broadband (dba NEKCA) is a community-driven organization committed to bringing reliable, high-speed fiber internet to the most rural and underserved parts of Vermont. As a small but growing team deeply rooted in the Northeast Kingdom, NEK Broadband is eager to hire locally. Several positions are open. Visit the website for specific details and information on how to apply. www.nekbroadband.org. Questions? Ruchi Nadkarni, HR Analyst ruchi@nekcv.org
Start Your Own Childcare Business, June 18th (2 sessions) 1:30- 3:00 pm & 4:00-5:30-pm
Attend an Open House at North Country Career Center in Newport. Meet and connect with childcare professionals and learn the essential steps to launch a successful childcare business. Sponsored by NVDA and Child Development organizations. Refreshments and door prizes! Call or text (802) 540-5163 for more information.
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.
Flood Recovery Updates
Public Hearing: May 15, 6:00-8:00 pm - Disaster Recovery Action Plan
The purpose of the hearing is to listen to Vermont residents who were impacted by the July 2023 floods to help determine the state's unmet needs for planning, housing, infrastructure, economic revitalization, and public service. The Department of Housing & Community Development staff will hold the public hearing for input on the DRAFT HUD CDBG-DR Action Plan. To participate virtually to the You Tube Live Session go to https://youtube.com/live/U-uLOsFcX8Y?feature=share. The DRAFT Action Plan and public hearing information can be found Here
Flood Recovery Work Continues at NVDA
In addition to sharing information on 2023 and 2024 flood recovery resources, NVDA staff have participated in local recovery group efforts and long-term planning. Staff are continuing with other regional commissions in the RIVER project (a resiliency initiative) in Barton, Glover and Hardwick. Other flood recovery work at NVDA includes an EDA-funded modelling effort of the Lamoille River Basin which includes Hardwick in our region. Flood planning and business continuity sessions are being planned for the summer.
Flood Recovery Resources:
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