Erik Filkorn - News

LOCAL AND GLOBAL CARBON MANAGEMENT COMPANIES TEAM UP TO HELP VERMONT BUSINESSES

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Burlington-based Spring Hill Solutions has joined with Carbon Clear, a leading international carbon management company, to offer a hands-on workshop addressing the benefits of carbon management to the Vermont business community. The workshop will illustrate how a comprehensive carbon management program can yield energy and cost savings, create a stronger brand, prepare businesses for regulation, and position organizations for sustainable growth in a low-carbon future. Titled Beyond Footprinting: Managing Carbon for Growth, the workshop will be held from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, March 27 at Champlain College.

“We’re excited to take the discussion beyond footprinting and show the many ways that a carbon management plan can strengthen Vermont’s businesses,” said Greg Strong, president of Spring Hill Solutions. “We’ll share several stories from all types of organizations that are managing their carbon emissions successfully.”

Suzy Hodgson of Carbon Clear said of the workshop: “Vermont has a deserved reputation as a green state. Many local businesses are already known for their environmental leadership and stewardship. Now, they have an opportunity to make further cost savings and lead the way in carbon management, keeping abreast of new methods and international standards for measuring and managing greenhouse gases and preparing themselves for inevitable regulation in this field.”

In addition to Spring Hill Solutions and Carbon Clear, presenting organizations will include Efficiency Vermont, Kilawatt Technologies, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Native Energy, and Champlain College.

Workshop sponsors include Champlain College, Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation, and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. For more information, please visit www.springhillsolutions.com or call Spring Hill Solutions at 802-864-2372.

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NSB WINS ABA AWARD

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) was recognized for its contributions to the community at this years’ American Bankers Association (ABA) National Conference for Community Bankers. The award was presented to NSB for its efforts in the category, Reaching Out to the Underserved for its groundbreaking partnership with the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, including the formation of the Chittenden and Washington County Hunger Councils.

VERMONT ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS $250,000 IN COMMISSIONS TO TEN ARTISTS

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Montpelier, VT -- Following a two-day marathon of presentations, ten artists have been chosen to receive nearly $250,000 in total commissions for “The Art of Action: Shaping Vermont’s Future Through Art”. The finalists – nine Vermonters and one from Massachusetts – will receive commissions ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to create projects that grapple with diverse issues facing our state, as identified over the past two years through the work of the Council on the Future of Vermont. The project, coordinated by the Vermont Arts Council, is funded by visionary philanthropist Lyman Orton and his associates Craig Byrne and Janice Izzi. The finalists were chosen from more than 300 applicants spanning the United States and three foreign countries.

VTSDA Names Three New Directors

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Burlington, Vermont—March 19, 2009--The Vermont Software Developers Alliance (VTSDA) announced the addition of three prominent industry players to their board of directors. Annmarie Curley, practice manager at Competitive Computing, Joanne Forkey, most recently general manager for Breen Systems and Ali Rafieymehr, Sc.D., dean, division of information technology and sciences at Champlain College.

Camels Hump Solar Project Lands Over $500 In Grants

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

CAMELS HUMP MIDDLE SCHOOL TO SERVE AS TEST SITE

FOR GMP SOLAR ON SCHOOLS PROGRAM

More Than $500,000 in Grants From Senator Sanders, The State & GMP

COLCHESTER, Vt. --- Camels Hump Middle School is well on its way to hosting a solar installation that could serve as a statewide model for power generation and renewable energy education. Thanks in large part to federal funding secured by Senator Sanders and grants from the state’s Clean Energy Development Fund and Green Mountain Power, the Chittenden East school district will convert the roof of the 37 year-old school into a 72kW solar array.

Read Full Release

UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP FORMS RECIPE TO END HUNGER

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

NSB Foundation Renews $450,000 Commitment for Securing Lasting Solutions to Hunger in Vermont

Williston, Vermont—May 13, 2009—The Northfield Savings Bank Foundation today announced a $450,000 grant to continue its work with the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger (VTCECH) for an additional three years. This brings the Foundation’s total six-year commitment to VTCECH to $900,000.

Full Release

See the press conference

NEHP Tapped for SpectraWatt PV Plant

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

NEHP has been selected by Harder Mechanical to provide high purity process piping for the new SpectraWatt solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing plant in Fishkill, NY.

“We have worked with NEHP for nearly a decade,” said Ed Arthur, Senior Project Director at Harder Mechanical. “Their experience in process utilities and their knowledge of the New York electronics market made them the obvious partner on this project.”

SpectraWatt is in the process of moving operations from Oregon and intends to have the facility in production by early 2010. The first line will have an initial capacity of 60 megawatts (MW) with a total site capacity exceeding 120MW within two years.

SpectraWatt concentrates on improvements in current manufacturing processes and capabilities to reduce the cost of PV generation as part of its mission is to deliver solar energy at grid parity through product and manufacturing technology innovation. Investors include Intel Capital, Cogentrix Energy, PCG Celan Energy and Technology Fund and Solon SE.

VBSR Merges With Local First Vermont

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Burlington, Vermont, August 12, 2009--Two of Vermont’s most innovative trade associations have decided to join forces. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) and Local First Vermont are merging their memberships. VBSR is a statewide business membership organization made up of over 600 Vermont companies representing over 30,000 employees and $4.5 billion in annual sales. Local First Vermont has been one of the leading voices in the “Buy Local” movement in Vermont.

“A new economy is taking shape in Vermont.” said VBSR board chair Julie Lineberger. “It features an old-fashioned appreciation for supporting our neighbors and communities and taking care of our land. Local First Vermont and VBSR are leaders in the creation of that new economy. We are delighted to team up with the hundreds of business members of Local First Vermont to promote strong local communities.”

“Building a resilient economy that positions us well for the coming decades is a priority,” said Local First Vermont board chair Chris Morrow. “Having a solid, foundational local economy will build strong communities and put us in a good position to interact with the national and global economies as needed. Our local, independent businesses are the backbone of our economy and the torch bearers of a way of life we want to strengthen. The Local First Vermont leadership will continue to push this agenda”

Together with VBSR’s membership, Local First Vermont will continue to work to raise awareness about the value of locally owned, independent businesses by working with companies around the state and through special marketing efforts such as Independents Week and their holiday campaign. LFVT is also part of a larger effort called the 10% Shift (10percentshift.org) which encourages people to shift just 10% of their purchases to local vendors. The impact of purchasing decisions is large.

VBSR member companies are committed to VBSR’s mission to foster a business ethic in Vermont that recognizes the opportunity and responsibility of the business community to set a high standard for protecting the natural, human and economic environments of our citizens. Businesses interested in joining VBSR or learning more about Local First Vermont can find information at www.vbsr.org or call the VBSR office at 802-862-8347.

NEHP Top Innovator

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Erik Filkorn

(802) 238-4560

erik@filkorn.com

NEHP Inc. Named a Top Innovator Winner

Award Recognizes Cutting Edge Private Companies Driving the Future of Innovation

NEHP is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a winner of the annual New England Venture Summit Top Innovator award by youngStartup Ventures. The list of privately held companies recognizes those that play a leading role in innovation for the Technology, Life Sciences and Clean-tech sectors.

As one of the winners, Adam Tarr, CEO of NEHP Inc., will present the company at the exclusive 2009 New England Venture Summit on December 8^th at the Hilton in Boston Dedham, where a select group of 450 entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate developers will gather to be the first to meet this next wave of leading edge companies.

NEHP is excited and honored to be in this very elite group of youngStartup Ventures Top finalists.

Honoring the Best

To Honor the youngStartup Ventures Top Innovator recipients, youngStartup Ventures has invited their CEOs and founders to present at the New England Venture Summit, a forum for the most exciting early stage and emerging growth companies, and to share their insights on the future of innovation, and the entrepreneurial journey. Held at the Hilton in Boston Dedham, this intimate, invitation-only conference is the premier venue for today's promising startups.

About NEHP Inc.

Founded in 2000 and based in Vermont, USA, NEHP is a pioneer in the field of process utilities and products for the semiconductor, solar and life sciences industries. NEHP is considered a leader because the company was the first to introduce our process for modularization in the semiconductor industry and were awarded a patent for this process in 2006.

NEHP delivers process utility solutions with cost savings, faster installation and unsurpassed quality to worldwide customers that include Applied Materials, IBM, Intel, Nikon, Vishay, Fluor, Amgen, Stryker, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. All NEHP product and field work are compliant with SEMI, cGMP, and BPE industry standards and regulations. For more information please visit www.nehp.com.

John Miller Earns Renewable Energy Vermont’s Technical Achievement Award

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

John Miller Earns Renewable Energy Vermont’s

Technical Achievement Award

Engineering Director at AllEarth Renewables Honored for Pioneering Renewable Energy Engineering Achievements

Burlington, Vermont…October 1, 2010……John Miller, Engineering Director at AllEarth Renewables, Inc., was honored today at the Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) annual conference at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel in Burlington, Vermont, with their Technical Achievement Award. This award recognizes Miller’s 30-year career as an innovator, electrical designer and pioneer in wind and solar energy instrumentation technology.

David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables said, “This award is a fitting tribute to recognize all John has done in his life to move renewable energy forward here in Vermont, across the U.S. and around the world."

Miller, a resident of Starksboro, Vermont, holds both a bachelor and masters degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont. He met David Blittersdorf when they were both students at UVM’s school of engineering, and began a life-long professional collaboration with Blittersdorf in the early 1980s. This collaboration bore fruit in the form of a wide array of instruments and sensors at NRG Systems, a company manufacturing wind measurement technology that Blittersdorf founded in 1982, and continues with Miller’s ongoing contributions on the electronic systems used in AllEarth Renewables’ in-development residential-scale wind turbine and AllSun Tracker™ solar PV array. Over the past three decades, Miller’s technical, rational approach has complemented Blittersdorf’s zeal for innovation and action.

After UVM, Miller developed industrial controls and microprocessors for small companies, including his own, Senix, which he ran from 1991 until 1999. He worked as a contractor with NRG Systems for more than two decades between 1982 and 2007, offering development expertise as a senior designer for all of NRG’s electronic sensors, instruments and software products. Miller left NRG Systems to join Blittersdorf’s newly founded second company AllEarth Renewables as Engineering Director in 2008. Throughout his career to date, Miller has remained dedicated to designing renewable energy instrumentation that provides innovation and efficiency to the emerging wind and solar energy technology value chain.

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j.peg Attached - photo of John Miller

j.peg Attached - photo of David Blittersdorf and John Miller receiving award at REV Conference 10-1-10

About AllEarth Renewables Inc. www.allearthrenewables.com

AllEarth Renewables, Inc., Vermont's only manufacturer of residential wind turbines and the AllSun Tracker™ dual-axis solar electric system, designs and installs grid-connected renewable energy systems that lessen dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company's goal is to provide turnkey products that harness the power of the wind and sun for homes and businesses.

About Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) www.revermont.org

Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) is working to bring about an intelligent transformation from a foreign fossil fuel based economy to an economy increasingly based on our own renewable energy. REV is comprised of renewable energy companies, institutional and academic partners and concerned citizens of Vermont. REV member businesses are leading experts in helping homes and businesses generate their own clean power and heat.

NSB Named Top Performer By Highline Financial

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

NORTHFIELD SAVINGS BANK RATED A BEST PERFORMING BANK BY HIGHLINE FINANCIAL

Northfield, VT (September 28, 2010) – Highline Financial recently released its quarterly bank performance report. Northfield Savings Bank was rated a “Best Performing Institution.”

The Highline Rating is calculated on a quarterly basis using four key ratios (capital adequacy, asset quality, earnings strength and liquidity) and encompasses both current and historical data. It compares banks on a national and regional basis, and by asset size. In addition to rating banks, Highland ranks the states in terms of the overall quality of the banks domiciled in each state. Vermont was ranked as one of the top four states nationally, along with Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Nebraska.

“Consistent high performance has been the hallmark of Northfield Savings Bank,” remarked Thomas N. Pelletier, President and CEO. “Our continuing success is predicated on an outstanding staff, and the loyalty of our customers, as well as adherence to strong operating standards. Northfield is very pleased to be rated highly. We are grateful to operate in Vermont and proud of the Vermont banking industry’s strong position nationally.”

The Highline Rating has been used for rating banks since 1985. Originally developed by Sheshunoff Information Services, it was first known as the Sheshunoff Rating. Over the last 25 years, the Highline Rating has undergone periodic evaluations and improvements to ensure its effectiveness as a strong indicator of a bank’s financial health.

Northfield Savings Bank was founded in Northfield, Vermont in 1867 by a schoolmaster and haberdasher who believed a local community bank was needed. More than 143 years later, the Bank continues this community-minded tradition, and has grown to become the second largest bank headquartered in the State. Also known for its role as a corporate citizen, Northfield Savings Bank proudly donates 10% of profits to Vermont community organizations, totaling at least $300,000 per year. Northfield Savings Bank operates 13 branches throughout central Vermont and Chittenden County. Member FDIC. www.nsbvt.com

(Source: Highline Financial on Friday, September 24, 2010, www.highlinefi.com)

AllEarth Renewables to Install Largest Solar Array in the State of Vermont

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

AllEarth Renewables to Install 2.2 MW of Solar Power for Largest Solar Array in the State of Vermont

382 AllSun Trackers™ at the South Burlington Solar Farm Will Produce Enough Electricity to Power More Than 400 Vermont Homes

WILLISTON, Vermont--October 27, 2010--AllEarth Renewables, a Vermont manufacturer of small scale grid-connected wind turbines and solar tracking systems, has received a contract to install 382 AllSun Trackers at a solar farm in South Burlington, Vermont. Final permits have been issued on the project, and construction is scheduled to begin in early November. The installation will be the largest solar array to date in the State of Vermont and is anticipated to be operational on a 32-acre site off of DuBois Drive in South Burlington, Vermont by early 2011.

The AllSun Tracker solar tracking system was designed by AllEarth Renewables CEO David Blittersdorf and his engineering team based in Williston, Vermont, and will be manufactured in Vermont.

“This project was made possible through incentives that the State of Vermont passed last year to spur the development of new renewable energy generation,” says Mr. Blittersdorf. “Part of this incentive package was Vermont’s Standard Offer for solar energy which was established at a rate of $0.30 per kWh. This rate provided an economic incentive to develop projects like this and help create sustainable jobs in Vermont’s hard-hit manufacturing sector.”

Because of the enhanced efficiency of the AllSun Tracker technology, which follows the movement of the sun with a GPS system throughout the day, total kilowatt hours produced by the South Burlington Solar Farm are estimated to be over 3,000,000 kWh per year, 45% more than the amount of electricity produced by same number of fixed PV panels.

The project will be owned and operated by Chittenden County Solar Partners, LLC. AllEarth Renewables has been contracted to perform the installation, which includes design of the solar farm’s electrical infrastructure and oversight and management of all subcontractors, as well as manufacturing the 382 AllSun Trackers required for the farm.

About AllEarth Renewables, Inc www.allearthrenewables.com

AllEarth Renewablesis a Vermont company that specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of complete grid-connected wind and solar renewable energy systems that lessen dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s goal is to provide turnkey products that harness the power of wind and sun for homes and businesses while creating sustainable, well-paying jobs.

Emerging Growth Companies To Present In Stowe

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VERMONT EMERGING GROWTH COMPANIES PRESENT TO

ANGEL INVESTORS AND VENTURE CAPITALISTS
18^th Annual Vermont Investor’s Forum October 29^th at Stowe Mountain

Dr. Richard Bruno of Beyond If Corporation and Dr. Gilles Durufle to Keynote

Contact:             Linda Dissinger
                        info@VermontInvestorsForum.com
                        (802) 658-7830

Burlington, Vermont—October 26, 2010--The Vermont Investors Forum (VIF) will hold its 18^th annual forum October 29th at the Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe, VT. The invitation-only event provides accredited investors with a series of presentations by emerging growth companies seeking equity investment. This year’s participants run the gamut of industries from green technology to food and sports equipment. Dr. Richard Bruno of Beyond If Corporation and Dr. Gilles Durufle of Canada will deliver the keynote address.

“Presenting at the Vermont Investors Forum is a 'golden' opportunity for an entrepreneur who's looking for angel or institutional investment,” said Ken Merritt, Co-Chair of the Forum. “The Forum is the largest gathering of investors in Vermont”.

Founded eighteen years ago by a group of Vermont investors, entrepreneurs and service providers, the Vermont Investors Forum provides an opportunity for companies seeking equity capital to receive coaching from the Forum Steering Committee and volunteers to hone their presentations to the investor audience.

Companies will be allowed 15 minutes each for their pitch and will be free to interact with interested investors throughout the day. In addition to the 8 primary presentations, 5 “Innovators” will set up a mini trade show and be able to make abbreviated pitches to the assembled group.

The 14 member Vermont Investors Forum Steering Committee is comprised of leaders in the Vermont investment and entrepreneurial community.

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Vermont Investors Forum, Inc. is an independent not-for-profit entity and is sponsored by Brook Venture Partners; Champlain College BYOBIZ; Middlebury College DigitalBridges2.0; FreshTracks Capital, L.P.; Gallagher, Flynn & Company; Merritt & Merritt & Moulton; Union Street Media; University of Vermont Continuing Education; University of Vermont Office of Technology Commercialization; University of Vermont School of Business Administration; Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies; Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development; Vermont Economic Development Authority; and Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. For further information about the Forum, please visit www.vermontinvestorsforum.com

e-Corporate English Moves To Middlebury

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

eCorp English To Move Global Headquarters & IT to Middlebury

VEDA, VEGI and VT Seed Capital Fund Work to Bring Jobs To Region

Middlebury, VT—December 9, 2010—eCorp English has announced it will be relocating its global headquarters and IT development center to Middlebury, Vermont in January, creating a projected 35 jobs by the end of 2011 and over 100 by 2013. The company provides online English-language training to the personnel of global corporations including Google, Alcatel Lucent, UPS, HSBC and AXA. The move was made possible in large part due to a coordinated effort involving a wide spectrum of public and private entities in Vermont including Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET), VT Dept. of Economic, Housing and Community Development, Addison County Economic Development Corporation and Middlebury College. The company received approval of an Initial Application under the Vermont Economic Progress Council’s Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) program in August 2010.

Governor Douglas said, “I am very pleased to welcome e-Corp English to Vermont. They are just the kind of high quality employer we are looking to attract to the Green Mountain State. By working collaboratively with VEDA, our regional partners and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and utilizing tools like the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive, we are competing for jobs here in Vermont and succeeding.”

“I am thrilled to welcome eCorp English to Vermont,” said Governor-elect Peter Shumlin. “eCorp English’s move to Vermont is a great example of what happens when you make capital available to potential businesses. My Administration will be focused on continuing to provide capital so that we can bring more good paying jobs, like these, to Vermont.”

“VEDA is very pleased to provide working capital financing to help eCorp English establish its first subsidiary in the United States. This growing and profitable multinational business will create well-paying jobs in Vermont over the next three years, and that’s good news for all Vermonters,” said Jo Bradley, Chief Executive Officer of the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA).

"The English as a Second Language (ESL) market is a very large, fast growing global market and one that the Fund determined a high potential employment and investment opportunity for Vermont," said Fund Manager and VCET President David Bradbury. "eCorp English pairs well with our workforce, College partners and offers potential for significant wealth creation within Vermont and for those Vermonters who are employed."

“We are grateful for the warm welcome we have received in Vermont, said eCorp English founder and president, Deborah Schwarz. “We looked seriously at a number of states, but found it was ultimately Vermont that offered the best combination of high tech infrastructure, an educated workforce with linguistic skills and easy access to European and Asian markets via air. We are looking forward to growing our company here”.

eCorp English was provider of choice for over 50 global corporations in 2010 in the francophone market (France, Switzerland, and Belgium), a number which is expanding rapidly in this market to include Luxembourg, Monaco, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Canada. In 2010 operations began in China.

The company has leased 6500 square feet at 1197 Exchange Street in Middlebury and will begin occupying temporary space in Middlebury starting January 1^st and until its Exchange Street center is ready in March. The company will be looking to fill seven positions immediately with an additional 30 to be filled in 2011.

Job offerings will be posted at noon on December 9^th, 2010, and are updated each Friday at noon.

For more information please visit www.e-corpenglish.com

Food Hub Set To Launch In Mad River Valley

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mad River Food Hub To Open In Waitsfield

Community Food Processing Facility Will Serve Local Farms and Value-Added Producers

Waitsfield, VT—August 25, 2011—A revolution in local food production is set to launch in the Mad River Valley with the opening of Mad River Food Hub L3C (MRFH). MRFH is a new storage, processing and distribution facility based in Waitsfield that will serve the many local food producers in the region. More than ten farms and five value-added producers have already committed to using the facility including: Kingsbury Market Garden, The Vermont Meat Company, Vermont Raw, Vermont Yak and Lawson’s Finest.

“We wanted to build a food facility that integrates the growing local food system in a way that encourages growth in capacity and demand for fresh and value-added food,” said founder Robin Morris. “We expect to see growth in the local economy through stronger farms, improved job opportunities and a greater supply of local, year-round food. The combination of sufficient population density and a good variety of producers is a big part of what makes Waitsfield the right place for this operation.”

Using the State’s Farm to Plate 10 year strategic plan as a roadmap, this new facility will be the first for-profit food hub and the first shared-use, State-inspected meat processing facility In Vermont. The capacity for meat, produce, and specialty food processing and storage also makes it unique in the state. The social nature of the for-profit as an L3C is to be a permanent self-sustaining resource for the local farmers, value-added producers and the community of the Mad River Valley.

Located in the Irasville District of Waitsfield, Vermont, a downtown area that serves as the Valley’s retail and commercial center, the MRFH will lease and operate out of an existing 4,000 SF of space at Irasville Business Park. The space will include two meat-processing rooms, a smoker room, a vegetable/fruit processing room and an industrial sized cooler and freezer.

MRFH is the result of many years of discussion and collaboration with the Mad River Valley
Localvore Project, Valley Futures Network, Mad River Valley Planning District, Vermont Land Trust, Farmers, Businesses, Non-profit Organizations and residents. Funding has come from a variety of sources including, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund - Farm to Plate, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board Farm Viability Program, Vermont Agriculture Innovation Center, Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and local residents.

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VT Irene Flood Relief Fund Announces First Round of Grant Awards Over $107,000 Provided to Flood-Impacted Small Businesses

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Barre, VT – As recovery efforts continue to move forward, the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund has reviewed nearly 200 grant applications from many small businesses showing more than $18 million in damages from Tropical Storm Irene. To date, the advisory committee has made first round grant awards to businesses from Wilmington to Waterbury; 54 applicants have received more than $107,000 out of the nearly $250,000 that has been generously pledged by individuals and organizations . Additional pledges continue to come in, but much more effort is required in order to meet the needs of the applicants seeking assistance.

Todd Bailey, the Fund’s founder and an Associate at KSE Partners in Montpelier, said, “This has been a very difficult process – every application that we have seen shows a need, but some tough decisions have had to be made because of the limited resources.” The other members of the advisory committee echoed Bailey’s comments – the seven-member committee has had a number of conference calls and has reviewed and evaluated every application.

Central Vermont Community Action Council serves as the Fund’s fiscal agent and has received a steady stream of applications. Executive Director Hal Cohen notes, “We’ve have done our best to get money disbursed as quickly as we can, but continued financial support will go a long way in helping us to meet the needs of more businesses across Vermont.” Cohen continued, “Some businesses are just now becoming aware of the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund”.

Businesses who have applied but may not have received a grant to date may be reconsidered as more funds become available. The advisory committee will be meeting to make another round of grant awards next week, and will continue reviewing applications as they are received.

“This kind of help is unique – it provides a financial shot in the arm for businesses to get their doors opened again,” said Bailey. “The more applications we see, the more we know we’re doing our best to help our small businesses in Vermont right now.”

# # #

About the Vermont Irene Flood Relief Fund (www.vtirenefund.org)

Founded in August 20011 by Montpelier resident Todd Bailey for the purpose of raising money to support small businesses damaged by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. After a grant application review process, all funds raised will be directly awarded to Vermont businesses in their efforts to rebuild from damage or losses sustained. Grant applications can be obtained online atwww.vtirenefund.org or by calling 802-552-3449.

Fiscal Agent: Central Vermont Community Action Council

Founded in 1965, Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) helps people achieve economic sufficiency with dignity through individual and family development. CVCAC is part of the nationwide network of Community Action Agencies; a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency and a Community Development Corporation. The organization serves over 15,000 low-income Vermonters each year in Washington, Orange and Lamoille counties and offers a number of statewide programs. www.cvcac.org

Member of the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund Advisory Committee:

· Todd Bailey – Associate at KSE Partners (www.ksefocus.com)

· Andrew Brewer, Owner, Onion River Sports

· Hal Cohen, Executive Director, Central Vermont Community Action Council

· Andrea Cohen, Executive Director, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility

· Kate Paine, Executive Director, Women Business Owners Network and Principal, Kate Paine Associates

· Shawn Shouldice, Principal, Capital Connections, LLC

· Charlie Wilson, Chairman, Vermont Alliance of Independent Country Stores

· Kevin Wiberg, Fund Administrator, Central Vermont Community Action Council

Erik Filkorn

Media, Community & Government Relations

(802) 238-4560

www.filkorn.com

Skype: efilkorn

Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.

Please note: Any response or reply to this electronic message may be subject to the Vermont Public Records Act.

Central Vermont Community Action Council and Efficiency Vermont Seek Local Hosts for 2011 Button Up Workshops

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Barre, VT—October 5, 2011--Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC), in partnership with Efficiency Vermont, is seeking community hosts for the 2011 series of Button Up Vermont workshops to be held throughout the state this fall. This 2-hour event is focused on helping home and small business owners find the best ways to make their buildings more energy-efficient, affordable, and comfortable. In 2008 -09 more than 180 workshops were held and attended by over 4,000 Vermonters.

“Local hosts are critical to the success of the Button Up program,” said CVCAC Weatherization Director Paul Zabriskie. “We provide all of the technical expertise and the materials. The only special skills required of the local partner are a friendly disposition, the ability to get the word out in their own community, and an interest in helping their neighbors save money!”

Efficiency Vermont event manager, Bob Murphy agrees; “We know that once people learn about the ways they can improve the energy efficiency of their homes, they are eager to take action. Attending a Button Up workshop is the first step.”

The Button Up workshops are an excellent way for building owners to find out the basic steps for making thermal (heating and cooling) improvements to their homes and businesses. Each workshop is presented by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified contractor and designed to give a solid overview of how buildings waste heat and how they can be made more comfortable and affordable.

Hosts can be community leaders, energy committee members, business owners or others interested in helping their neighbors save money and energy. The only skills required are the ability to fill a room in your hometown. [AE1] Interested hosts should visit the Button Up Vermont website at www.buttonupvt.com or contact Linnea at Central Vermont Community Action Council at 802-477-5083. Button Up workshops will be scheduled on a first-come first-served basis throughout the fall.

CVCAC and Efficiency Vermont are also offering a special flood recovery version of Button-Up Vermont workshops in October. These free workshops deal with drying walls and basements, addressing mold issues, and improving building and heating system efficiency. Community leaders in flood-affected areas who want to schedule workshops are also encouraged to contact Linnea at CVCAC.

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About Central Vermont Community Action

Founded in 1965, Central Vermont Community Action Council helps people achieve economic sufficiency with dignity through individual and family development. CVCAC is part of the nationwide network of Community Action Agencies; a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency and a Community Development Corporation. The Weatherization Program has been operating since 1978, and has weatherized over 10,000 homes at no cost to the residents. www.cvcac.org

About Efficiency Vermont

Efficiency Vermont was created by the Vermont Legislature and the Vermont Public Service Board to help all Vermonters reduce energy costs, strengthen the economy, and protect Vermont's environment. Efficiency Vermont is currently operated by Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), an independent organization under appointment to the Vermont Public Service Board. VEIC is a Vermont-based nonprofit organization founded in 1986. For more information, contact Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 or visit www.efficiencyvermont.com.