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Community Announcements
Dept of Housing & Community Development Releases Housing Needs Assessment
The five-year document is required from the U.S. Dept of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for approved federal funding. The findings show that housing stock and affordability remain leading factors impacting housing needs across the entire state. Vermont 2025-2029 Statewide Housing Needs Assessment
Congratulations Lunenburg and Greensboro Bend!
The Village Trust Initiative is a new partnership with Preservation Trust of VT, VT Council on Rural Development, and the VT Community Foundation. Communities from all fourteen counties have been selected to form a Community Trust and undertake transformational revitalization project in their historic villages. Lunenburg and Greensboro Bend were included in the first round of seven communities. Lunenburg identified the Gilman Middle School reuse project and Greensboro Bend will focus on a church and parsonage adaptive reuse project. The Village Trust Initiative will provide selected communities with substantial planning and implementation funding to launch their projects forward. https://ptvermont.org/village-trust-initiative.
NEK Together 2024: Thurs, Nov 14th, Burke Mountain Resort
The NEK Collaborative will host its annual region-wide summit to celebrate the Kingdom, make connections, share ideas, and explore solutions to our most pressing challenges. Join leaders and residents of the NEK for a full day of networking and panel discussions. Register
Caledonia County Locally Led Conservation Meeting & Community Dinner, Nov 7th
Peacham Community Meeting House, Church St., Peacham. Free catered dinner at 5:30 pm and childcare is available with RSVP. Get together for a community-driven conversation about the future of our working lands, and how federal NRCS money should be allocated to address conservation issues at the local level. Find out more
VCRD Community Visit in Lunenburg-Gilman, Nov 19th and Dec 17th, 6:30-9:00 pm
The VT Council on Rural Development is hosting a 3-part Community Visit in Lunenburg and Gilman that brings community members together to discuss assets, challenges and ideas for their town's future. Topics for discussion include: Community Connection & Communication; Recreation; Businesses & Tourism; Youth & Young Adult Engagement; and Infrastructure & Affordability. The first event was Oct 24th, but community members are invited to attend Step 2, Nov 19th, and Step 3, Dec 18th. A listening team of federal, state, business and non-profit leaders will join the forums to provide local leaders with the resources they need to build capacity. Attend the sessions most important to you! All are welcome. bit.ly/LunenburgGilman
Regional Emergency Management Committee - November Meetings
- Orleans-Essex REMC: Mon, Nov 18th, 1:00 pm / Newport Fire Station
- Caledonia-Essex REMC: Wed, Nov 20th, 2:00 pm / Barnet Fire Station
The meetings are in-person and via ZOOM. Contact Bruce Melendy bmelendy@nvda.net or by calling (802) 424-1420 for ZOOM access information.
Business Announcements
Weidmann is Expanding!
Weidmann Electrical Technology is expanding its St. Johnsbury manufacturing operations with a $44 million investment. As the country's leading maker of electric transformer components, this project is designed to meet the growing demand for transformer insulation boards, and expected to create approximately 60-70 new well-paying jobs. A host of local, state, and federal leaders turned out with workers and well-wishers for the groundbreaking ceremony. Congratulations Weidmann! www.weidmann-electrical.com
Work in VT and Get $5,000 Off Student Loans Green Mountain Job Retention Program
The program is designed to retain employees who have recently graduated from a Vermont university or college from December 2023-June 2024, and plan to live and work full-time in Vermont for at least 2 years. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis for as long as funding is available. Don't delay! Apply by Dec 1st.
Efficiency VT Offers Rental Property Services:
Climate Action Plan Input Sessions
Vermont Climate Council's subcommittees are hosting virtual input sessions on the Climate Action Plan Update. Climate Action Office Learn about each subcommittee's proposed direction for their portion of the update. Join in to share your perspective on these important issues. Questions? email anr.cao@vermont.gov
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Transportation, Nov 7, 12:30-2:00 pm Register here
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Rural Resilience & Businesses, Nov 8, 12:00-1:30 pm Register here
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Agriculture, Nov 12, 12:00-1:30 pm Register here
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Natural Lands & Forestry, Nov 13, 6:00-7:30 pm Register here
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Rural Resilience & Town Support, Nov 15, 12:00-1:30 pm Register here
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Municipal Climate Action, Nov 19 (two options, same content) 11:00 am-12:30 pm Register here ; 6:00-7:30 pm Register here
Vermont Saves Webinar Series:
Vermont Saves is the state's publicly administered retirement program, set to launch in December. The program creates a retirement savings plan for Vermonters not offered a plan through their employer. Employers with 5 or more employees who do not currently offer their workers a retirement plan will be required to sign up for Vermont Saves by the end of February 2025. The VT Treasurer's Office is offering 4 webinars with information for employers and employees - regardless of occupation or industry. Click on the date to register:
Oct 31, 2:00 pm ; Nov 7, 10:00 am ; Nov 14, 10,00 am ; Nov 21, 1:00 pm
Flood Recovery Assistance & Resources
FEMA Staff Continues to Assist With Applications
It's not too late! There are four ways to apply: the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362; online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov; FEMA's Mobile App; or in person at the NEK Disaster Recovery Centers located at the Lyndon Public Safety Building and Newport City Municipal Building. The Centers are open Mon-Sat, 9 am-6pm. Do you have questions about the FEMA process or need help filling out an application? The deadline to apply for assistance Nov 25th.
Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP)
The BEGAP application portal will remain open until Nov 15th for properties damaged by flooding in 2024. The state grant program, through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, is for businesses, nonprofits, farms, and landlords. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. NVDA's partner, Central VT Economic Development Corporation, is providing assistance with applications. If you need help, fill out the support request form Here. Visit the BEGAP website to learn how the program works and what information is needed for the application process. Questions? Annie McLean amclean@nvda.net
VT Main Street Flood Recovery Fund for Businesses - Apply today!
The Fund still has grant money remaining to support small independently owned businesses with up to $2,500 for equipment replacement, operating expenses, supplies, clean-up, etc. Grant application. The Fund was developed last year in the wake of the 2023 flooding event and continues to accept donations for 2024 damage. Learn more Anyone wishing to donate may send checks to: Capstone Community Action, 20 Gable Place, Barre VT 05641 (Make a notation on the check that the donation is for Main Street Recovery Fund) Questions? Annie McLean amclean@nvda.net
Disaster Unemployment Benefits for NEK Workers
Individuals living, working or scheduled to work in Caledonia, Essex and Orleans may be eligible for unemployment assistance - including independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and agricultural workers. The first full week for which benefits would be available is August 4-10, 2024. Claims must be filed by Dec 2nd. Find out more from the VT Department of Labor https://labor.vermont.gov/dua or through the Claimant Assistance Center at 1-877-214-3330.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans - Vermont
The U.S. Small Business Administration has loans available to private non-profit organizations, businesses, homeowners, and renters that suffered flood damage in July 2024. Damage may include repair or replacement of real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other assets. Interest rate 3.25% up to 30 years. Applications may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal Please contact SBA disaster assistance customer service 1-800-659-2955 for more help. SBA Disaster Assistance Filing deadline for physical property is Nov 25th.
Flood Relief for Businesses - NCIC Impact Loan Program
NCIC has established a small emergency loan fund for businesses in the NEK impacted by July flooding. Borrowers may apply for up to $3,000. Limited funds will be disbursed on a first come, first served basis. Contact Aimee Quimby aquimby@ncic.org
Efficiency Vermont: Technical & Financial Assistance
Efficiency Vermont is providing energy efficient technical and financial assistance for businesses. Recovery rebates are offered for damaged water heaters, refrigeration, commercial kitchen equipment, and heating & cooling units. What are your electrical and mechanical recovery needs? Learn more:
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