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Community Announcements
Save the Date! NVDA's 75th Anniversary Dinner Celebration
- Thursday, October 9th, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
- Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, VT
Join the NVDA staff and Board of Directors to celebrate 75 years of working to strengthen our communities and promote business opportunities in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties. Seventy five years ago, U.S. Senator George Aiken coined the phrase "Northeast Kingdom" in a speech about the rugged rural beauty of the largest and most sparsely settled region in the state. Come and celebrate this milestone with us at Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro. Enjoy a social hour, dinner, and remarks from a surprise guest speaker! All are welcome. Please RSVP Here
NVDA's Regional Plan is Being Updated - We want to hear from you!
Updating the NVDA Regional Plan takes place every eight years to better serve our fifty-five towns and villages. The 2026 updated plan will guide decisions on housing, transportation, natural resources, economic development, and more! The content is informed by changing local needs, state requirements, and most importantly, input from the people who live and work in the NEK. Your voice matters! Robust community participation is essential to ensure the plan reflects the values, priorities, and unique character of our region. Staff members have spread out across the Kingdom to be present at popular public events. Stop at our exhibit table and provide feedback, share your priorities and concerns, and sign up to win Raffle Prizes! You can also take NVDA's Survey here. Click on the link for information about the Regional Plan Update Here. Do you have any questions? Contact us anytime: Clord@nvda.net
Look for us at this upcoming event:
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Hardwick Farmers Market - Hardwick, Sept 19, 3-6 pm
- More events to be announced soon - check the website above for updates!
Recognizing Excellence: David Snedeker Named to VermontBiz Inaugural 91 Influencers VermontBiz Magazine salutes the achievements of 91 Vermonters chosen as Inaugural 91 Influencers. Being selected as a Influencer signifies more than professional achievement. The honorees have inspired those around them and earned the respect from peers and colleagues alike. Bill Stimpson, General Manager at Weidmann Electrical Technology, was also named to the Inaugural 91 list of Influencers. Congratulations Bill and Dave! Their work has not only resonated within their industry, but they have contributed to shaping Vermont's business landscape.
Beth Torpey, NVDA Water Quality Planner, Receives Recognition from the Governor!
After 25 years of professional leadership, The Seymour Lake Association honored Beth for her professional guidance and dedication to preserving Lake Seymour's native species. While thanking her for her good work, Governor Scott recognized the value of her scientific knowledge in helping to keep Lake Seymour free of invasives. Well done, Beth! NVDA appreciates your ongoing efforts to protect and improve water quality of the lakes and rivers in our region.
Open House at the Danville Train Station! Thursday, Sept 18th, 4:00-6:00 pm
The new, reimagined Danville Train Station at the LVRT Trailhead is having an Open House. All are welcome to gather at the historic structure, 347 Peacham Road, to celebrate with music, tours, and food for purchase. Don't miss the opening ceremony at 4:30 pm!
Congratulations Lunenburg & Gilman
The Town of Lunenburg and Village of Gilman are celebrating exciting public art projects made possible through grant funding from the VT Arts Council and the VT Community Foundation. The creative projects reflect the vitality of each community: a large-scale mural painted and installed at the transfer station, and a movable Art Cart that can be positioned at town-wide events!
Regional Emergency Management Committee Meetings
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Orleans-Essex REMC: Mon, Sept 15th, 1:00 pm / Newport Fire Station
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Caledonia-Essex REMC: Wed, Oct 1st, 1:00 pm / Barnet Fire Station
The meetings are in-person and virtual via ZOOM. Contact Bruce Melendy bmelendy@nvda.net for ZOOM and agenda information.
"Ripple Effects - Watershed Forum" Four Conversations on Water, Wildlife & Climate Change at Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick
The Town of Hardwick invites residents, students and landowners to join a community conversation series that explores the intersection of water, wildlife and climate in Vermont's rural landscape. Q & A and light refreshments will follow the 6:00-7:30 pm presentations: Sept 3rd Dredging Rivers; Sept 10th Beavers & Natural Infrastructure; Sept 24th Dam Removal & Rivers; Oct 1st Climatology & the Future of VT's Watersheds. Everyone is welcome. No registration required. Questions? Contact Kristen Leahy (802) 472-1686 zoning.administrator@hardwickvt.gov.
VT Forest Economy Tour of Kingdom Trails & Weyerhaeuser Forest - Sept 26th, 9:00 am-12:30 pm (Refreshments at stream crossing site)
The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation with the Forest Future Strategic Roadmap Implementation Steering Committee, is offering a visit to Kingdom Trails East Haven Site and a tour to explore the Weyerhaeuser Working Forest. The aim is to connect decision-makers with people working on the ground who support forest health, to better understand the complex issues at play. Join the tour for a first-hand look at how the VT Forest Future Strategic Roadmap is being put into action. Learn more RSVP Here
Leadership NEK - Empowering Future Leaders
This regional leadership development initiative is a project of the NEK Chamber of Commerce. The 10-month program is designed to equip future leaders in Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties with a deeper understanding of the region, expand their networks, and grow their capacity to lead positive change. Participants will be paired with mentors and take part in either individual or collaborative community development projects. Visit the website and find out more about this unique leadership opportunity! www.nekchamber.com/leadership-nek
- September 2025 - June 2026
- One day-long session per month, 8:30 am-4:00 pm!
Vermont Solutions Summit, Sept 18th, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, Hotel Champlain, Burlington
This conference, grounded in the work of the Vermont Futures Project and the Economic Action Plan, is for municipal, state, and business leaders to gather and focus on sustainable growth. Explore solutions for housing expansion, community revitalization, and workforce barriers. Register here
VCDA Fall Conference, Sept 24th, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
The VT Community Development Association will hold its Fall Conference at the Old School Community Center in Wilmington, VT. Register VCDA
Vermont Municipal Day: Oct 17th, 8:00 am-3:45 pm
The Agency of Natural Resources invites all municipal officials and volunteers to participate in this annual day-long event at National Life, Montpelier. Sarah Waring, Ex. Director of the Northern Border Regional Commission, is guest speaker. Agenda & Workshops Register Here
Business Announcements
Build Your Future Workforce - At No Cost!
Partner with Knovva and the VT Department of Labor to hire pre-screened, motivated young people. The program, Paid Work Experience (PWE), is for employers to host an internship-style work experience for up to 32 hours a week for 4+ weeks. The VT DOL pays the wages of participants at no cost to employers. Questions? Contact John.harlow@knovva.com (480) 217-6333 or Jennifer Palmieri jennifer.palmieri@vermont.gov
VtSBDC and Passumpsic Bank Offer Small Business Incubator Workshop Series
The four-part series, supported by the VT Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC), is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners in the NEK. In-person workshops are aimed at building foundational business skills. Registration opens soon.
Questions? Contact Rick.Daniell@vtsbdc.org
- Mondays: Oct 20 & 27 and Nov 3 & 10, 5:30-7:30 pm
- Where: Catamount Arts, 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury
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Cost: FREE!
Business Coaching for Weatherization Contractors
A nine-month in-person training program, offered by the VT Sustainable Jobs Fund and Efficiency VT is now accepting applications for "Tools of the Trade" Business Coaching for Energy Pros, The program is designed to support Vermont's weatherization and clean energy contractors strengthen operations, grow their workforce, and improve financial sustainability. . Program dates: October 2025- June 2026. Application deadline Sept 12th. Questions? Contact Kurt Ericksen kurt@vsjf.org.
NEKCA Free Small Business Coaching - Wednesdays in September, 1-2 pm
Join NEK Community Action's Micro Business Development Program for a remote series that started in August and runs through September. Each class is 1-hour. Pick a topic: an overview of business taxes, QuickBooks 101, Business Financial Planning Overview, and more! Contact Dustin Smith for more information and a list of classes: dsmith@nekcavt.org. (802) 323-9010 NEKCA Micro Business Development
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.
Vermont Cheese Week - Sept 6-13, 2025
Cheese Week is a statewide celebration of Vermont cheese and cheese makers through restaurant specials, farm tours, dinners, special events, and lodging packages. Learn more
Vermont Biz 2 Biz Expo, Oct 9th, 7:00 am-3:00 pm
The one-day business event at the Double Tree Conference Center in South Burlington is an opportunity for companies to advertise and promote their services. The 2025 theme is "Together Towards Tomorrow" and 3,000 business leaders and customers are expected to attend the popular Biz 2 Biz Expo with business sessions, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Exhibitor information and more Here
"Making It!" Advanced Manufacturing Day (AMD) Oct 16th, 10:00 am-3:30 pm, Generator Makerspace, Burlington
2025 AMD is a unique opportunity to celebrate Vermont manufacturing. This year, a Problem Solving Symposium is designed for Vermont manufacturers to share challenges, explore solutions, and strengthen the statewide manufacturing ecosystem. Learn more & Register
Do North Pitch Competition Returns this Fall!
The NEK's hottest pitch competition is back and applications are open for Rumble in the Kingdom, presented by Do North and NVDA. Pitch your business idea, compete for prizes, and connect with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs. Oct 23rd, 5:30-8:00 pm, Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury. Apply here
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