2023 Summit schedule and SEssions
Summit introduction: 9:00-10:00
Plenary Keynote Speaker: Rob Riley, President, Northern Forest Center
Sponsored by MSK Engineering
Rob has guided the Northern Forest Center to become the respected regional innovation and investment partner it is today and launched the Center’s first impact investment funds to support the Millinocket Housing Initiative and Lancaster Main Street Fund. Learn how the Center is bringing new ideas and resources to accelerate innovation across geographic, social and ideological boundaries.
Morning Sessions: 10:20-11:30
The Power of Collaboration: Working across towns to increase capacity and clout
Sponsored by Efficiency VT
Inter-municipal cooperation is a great way to build capacity for the services and programs your town wants to provide, but can’t do (or afford to do) alone!
We’ll hear from leaders of recent successful cross-town collaborations that are moving the dial on broadband, housing, recreation and energy resilience.
Increasing Local Engagement: Practices to invite and encourage participation
Our communities are people-powered, but a lack of human capital is the challenge most commonly cited by community leaders.
Experts from VLCT and VCRD will present perspectives on how we got here, and provide actionable recommendations on how towns and organizations can encourage greater participation.
The Missing Link: Connecting recreational assets to the local economy
Sponsored by VT ACCD
Are you doing a good job of connecting your recreational assets to your small businesses and using them to grow the local economy?
We’ll hear from leaders in the field who will share their experience and hard-won wisdom. Whether your town’s recreational assets are a large entity like a ski mountain, or a home-grown network of trails (or both!) this session’s for you.
Extending Your Workforce Options: J1, H2, H1B, and other ways to find workers for your business in the new workforce reality
Sponsored by the Richards Group
Whether your workforce fluctuates seasonally, or your team must have specialized qualifications, hiring staff in today’s labor market is a challenge.
Explore hiring options, including hosting J1 visa holders or sponsoring H2 or H1B workers. From legal requirements to housing needs, get an overview of how employers, small and large, across several sectors, have successfully used these programs.
‘Show me the numbers:’ Data-Informed Community and Economic Development
Sponsored by The VT Futures Project
What data is needed to inform decision-making and planning for community and economic development? What are the state’s primary data resources, and what are the data gaps that must be filled?
Representatives from the Vermont Futures Project and UVM Office of Engagement discuss key challenges and opportunities facing communities and organizations in accessing the information they need. Explore different ways to access and use data at the state, county, and local level, and learn about some organizations that are innovating around data use in their work.
Emerging Leaders Award Presentation 11:45-12:15 (Lunch 12:15-1:15)
Sponsored by CCV
Join us in recognizing these outstanding Vermonters under 40 who are doing amazing work in their community. They bring passion, skill and empathy into the workplace and beyond!
Awards supported by Southern VT Young Professionals & Shires Young Professionals
Mid-Afternoon Sessions: 1:20-2:30
"Big Money for Big Projects:” Preparing for and funding local infrastructure & energy resilience in your town
Sponsored by VT ACCD
Between ARPA and upcoming federal and state funding programs, money is out there to fund big projects.
But as a small town, how do you plan for your community’s future and take these projects on? Meet with our Regional Planning Commissions to learn about resources to help you Think Big and take the first steps.
‘Steal This Idea!’ Workshop: Actionable strategies for Main Streets of all sizes
Sponsored by VT ACCD
There are proven strategies that any size town can implement to support a vibrant downtown or village center!
In this session we'll review best practices and success stories, then workshop YOUR town’s ideas and stuck points in small group conversations with peers, guided by local, state and regional experts.
Welcoming Communities: From partnership to programming
How do we as a region go from small successes to systems-wide change?
Learn about how the Welcoming Communities initiative is building a foundation of partners to attract, welcome, support, and retain New Vermonters. We’ll share the short, medium, and long-term solutions we’ve identified to develop systems that will support all Vermonters.
Marketing Fundamentals For Businesses and Organizations
Sponsored by Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA)
Join business and marketing expert Joanne Randall for a ‘back to basics’ session on marketing best practices. Joanne will address how marketing fits within a larger organizational plan, and help you overcome ‘scarcity mentality.'
Learn proven tactics that will help you market your organization, services or products and make better use of your valuable time!
A Place for Youth: Efforts to help them stay (or return) and thrive
How do we create a Vermont where young people can thrive?
In this panel we will look at ways to meet the needs of the next generation of Vermonters, and build a place where they can stay or return to, and succeed. We’ll go into current workforce education programs and hear directly from youth about what they want for their future.
CEDS vital Projects Video Project 2:40-3pm (and Coffee Break)
CEDS Vital Projects Video Project Showing
Sponsored by M&T Bank
GNAT-TV produced video profiles showing a selection of projects from around our region that were chosen as Vital Projects over the past 4 years. These projects are submitted with yearly updates of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). See the value that these projects have brought to our region over the past 4 years, and keep dreaming big!
Late Afternoon Session: 3:30-4:15
Taking Action from Today's IDeas (Roundtables & Small groups)
Sessions under development: check back for updates!
Business Investing for Local Impact - Presentation & Discussion
Community /Municipal Project Funders: Roundtable
Small Business Support Services: Q&A with SCORE mentors
Developing Partnerships for Resilience (Roundtable with UVM Office of Engagement)
Local Trails Groups: Meetup and Conversation
Big Ideas for the Creative Economy: From Data to Action (Roundtable)
Local Housing Committees/ Small Developers: Discussion and Resources
Summit Close and Reception 4:15-5:30
Summit Hosts
