Climate Economy Logo

VCRD’s Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund Supports 24 Local Projects

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the awardees for the fourth competitive round of the Climate Catalyst Innovation ...
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Call for Climate Economy Resilient Communities

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the call for Climate Economy Resilient Communities participants for 2025. Through the ...
Lunenburg & Gilman to Set Priorities for the Future ~ November 19

Lunenburg & Gilman to Set Priorities for the Future ~ November 19

Lunenburg and Gilman community members are encouraged to participate in the second phase of the Lunenburg-Gilman: One Community Working Together ...
VCRD is hiring!

VCRD is hiring!

The application deadline for these 2 positions has passed, so we are no longer accepting applications. Community Programs Associate VCRD ...
Lunenburg-Gilman Community Invited to Share Ideas for the Future - Oct. 24

Lunenburg-Gilman Community Invited to Share Ideas for the Future – Oct. 24

On Thursday October 24, all members of the Lunenburg and Gilman community are invited to come together for a free ...
VCRD in the News

Village Trust Initiative Selects First Seven Communities

The Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Council on Rural Development, and the Vermont Community Foundation are pleased to announce the ...
Re-Imagine Johnson Community to Set Priorities for the Future

Re-Imagine Johnson Community to Set Priorities for the Future

Johnson community members are encouraged to participate in the second part of the Re-Imagine Johnson process to discuss and vote ...
Denise Smith to become the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s next Executive Director

Denise Smith to become the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s next Executive Director

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announced that Denise Smith has been selected as its Executive Director, a role ...
VCRD Announces 2024 Vermont Community Leadership Award Recipient

VCRD Announces 2024 Vermont Community Leadership Award Recipient

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announced the recipient of the Vermont Community Leadership Award at its 2024 Vermont ...
VCRD Welcomes Fifth Cohort of Climate Catalysts

VCRD Welcomes Fifth Cohort of Climate Catalysts

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) has welcomed fifteen participants to the 2024 Climate Catalysts Leadership Program from a ...
Bridport Community Invited to Share Ideas for the Future May 7th

Bridport Community Invited to Share Ideas for the Future May 7th

On Tuesday, May 7, all members of the Bridport community are invited to come together for a free community dinner ...
Village Trust Initiative

Village Trust Initiative

Call to Vermont's Small Towns! Expertise and funding available to support community revitalization Your village is an essential part of ...
VCRD Offers Expanded Services Through MTAP

VCRD Offers Expanded Services Through MTAP

Often, our small rural towns in need of investment lack the internal capacity to develop local projects and access grant ...
VCRD job opening: Executive Director

VCRD job opening: Executive Director

Application Deadline has passed. VCRD is seeking an Executive Director to advance and increase the impact of VCRD's mission and ...
Climate Economy Logo

Applications Open for VCRD’s Climate Catalysts Leadership Program

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is seeking applicants for the fifth Climate Catalysts Leadership Program. Over the past ...
Franklin Community Members Invited to Share Ideas for the Future - March 19th

Franklin Community Members Invited to Share Ideas for the Future – March 19th

On Tuesday, March 19 2024, all members of the Franklin Community are invited to come together for a free community ...
Climate Economy Logo

VCRD’s Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund Supports 25 Local Projects

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the awardees for the third competitive round of the Climate Catalyst Innovation ...
Climate Economy Logo

Call for Climate Economy Resilient Communities

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the call for Climate Economy Resilient Communities participants for 2024. Community leaders ...
Job opening: VCRD Village Trust Initiative Director

Job opening: VCRD Village Trust Initiative Director

The application deadline has passed, so we are no longer accepting applications. The Village Trust Initiative Director will help launch ...
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Applications Open for VCRD’s 2023 Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the opening of applications for the third competitive round of the Climate ...
Barre Up: Community Flood Recovery Discussions

Barre Up: Community Flood Recovery Discussions

Due to flooding again in 2024, Barre Up! is actively organizing volunteers and folks in need. Find the current status ...
VCRD in the News

Johnson Commentary: Community Visits

The mission of the Vermont Council on Rural Development is to “help Vermont citizens build prosperous and resilient communities through ...
2022 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

Read VCRD's 2022 Annual Report for an overview of our work in Community, Policy, Climate, and Leadership. Our work in ...
VCRD in the News

Koloski Commentary: Helping Communities

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is committed to supporting locally defined progress in rural communities throughout Vermont. This month ...
VCRD Announces 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Award Recipient

VCRD Announces 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Award Recipient

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) today announced the recipients of the Vermont Community Leadership Award, which will be ...
2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit

VCRD: Leadership Summit

For the fourth time, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is gearing up for our statewide Vermont Community Leadership ...
VCRD job opening: Community Engagement and Policy Associate

VCRD job opening: Community Engagement and Policy Associate

VCRD is seeking a dedicated, energetic and hardworking Community Engagement and Policy Associate to support VCRD community leadership and engagement ...
VCRD in the News

Lowe Commentary: Leadership Summit

For the fourth time, the Vermont Council on Rural Development is gearing up for our statewide Vermont Community Leadership Summit ...
Shelburne Community Members Invited to Share Ideas for the Future July 27

Shelburne Community Members Invited to Share Ideas for the Future July 27

On Thursday, July 27, all members of the Shelburne Community are invited to come together for a free community dinner ...
2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit

Statewide Community Leadership Summit Serves as Platform for Vermont Volunteers & Leaders

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is inviting all Vermonters thinking about their community and the future of our ...
Putney VCRD Community Visit

Johnson: the VCRD community visit process

The mission of the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is to “help Vermont citizens build prosperous and resilient communities ...
Sharon Task Force Kick Off

Sharon Connects Task Forces

The "Sharon Connects" process brings community members together to actively participate in examining issues, decide top priorities and develop action ...
VCRD Inaugural Community Social

Rupe: Getting to know Vermonters better

Here at the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), we’re committed to listening to community members from around the state ...
Northfield: Our Common Future

Northfield Community Plans for Action May 16

All members of the Northfield community are encouraged to attend the final phase of the Northfield: Our Common Future Community ...
Northwest Region Youth Opportunity Forum

Youth Opportunity Regional Forums Takes Place in Northwest Region

Residents of the Northwest Region of Vermont are encouraged to attend the upcoming Youth Opportunity Regional Forum on May 23 ...
VCRD Inaugural Community Social

VCRD Invites Vermonters to Inaugural Community Social on Lake Bomoseen

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is inviting community leaders, volunteers, and partners committed to Vermont to join the ...
Northfield: Our Common Future

Northfield Community Members Set Priority Tasks Forces & Seek Volunteers

Members of the Northfield community came together Tuesday, April 18 for the second step of the Northfield: Our Common Future ...
Upper Valley YOI

Youth Opportunity Regional Forums Kicks Off in Upper Valley

Residents of the Upper Valley Region of Vermont are encouraged to attend the first Youth Opportunity Regional Forum April 20 ...
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Koloski: youth opportunity

The strength of our democracy, the vitality of our economy, and the emotional and physical wellbeing of our population start ...
Northfield Step 2 Flyer

Northfield Community to Set Priorities for the Future

Northfield community members are encouraged to participate in the second phase of Northfield: Our Common Future Community Forums to set ...
PropositionLogo1080

Future of Vermont Action Team Launches Youth Opportunity Initiative Statewide Engagement Process

The Future of Vermont Action Team is launching a statewide Youth Opportunity Initiative, facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural ...
VCRD in the News

Lowe Commentary: VCRD mission

Building a flourishing democracy requires many things of the citizens and residents of the United States. One of the most ...
Northfield Community Members Invited to Share Ideas for the Future March 21

Northfield Community Members Invited to Share Ideas for the Future March 21

On Tuesday, March 21, all members of the Northfield Community are invited to come together for a free community dinner ...
2023 Vermont Climate Catalysts

VCRD Welcomes Fourth Class of Climate Catalysts

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is welcoming sixteen participants to the 2023 Climate Catalysts Leadership Program from a ...
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VCRD Announces 2023 Resilient Communities

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is pleased to announce the four selected communities for their Climate Economy Resilient ...
Putney Community Plans for Action January 17

Putney Community Plans for Action January 17

All members of the Putney community are encouraged to attend the final phase of their Community Visit process, Our Future ...
Putney Community Visit Voting

Putney Community Members Set Priority Tasks Forces & Seek Volunteers

Members of the Putney community came together Monday, December 12 for the second step of the Our Future Putney community ...
Putney Community Plans to Set Priorities for the Future

Putney Community Plans to Set Priorities for the Future

Putney community members are encouraged to participate in the second phase of the Our Future Putney Community Forums to set ...
Climate Economy Logo

VCRD’s Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund Supports 25 Local Projects

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the awardees for the second competitive round of the Climate Catalyst Innovation ...
Climate Catlaysts 2022 Graduation

VCRD Celebrates Third Class of Climate Catalysts and Gears Up for Fourth

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is celebrating the graduation of sixteen local leaders from the third class of ...
Putney Invites Community to Share Ideas for the Future

Putney Invites Community to Share Ideas for the Future

On Monday, November 14, all members of the Putney Community are invited to join their neighbors for a free community ...
Let’s Grow Concord Action Report Available Now

Let’s Grow Concord Action Report Available Now

Residents of the Concord community are encouraged to review the newly released Let’s Grow Concord Action Report for a recap on the ...
Working Communities Challenge 2022 Report Cover

Vermont Working Communities Challenge Releases Initial Report

The Vermont Working Communities Challenge (WCC) has released its Initial Report sharing the new approaches made by the eight Vermont ...
Concord Community Plans for Action September 14

Concord Community Plans for Action September 14

All members of the Concord community are encouraged to attend the final phase of their Community Visit process, Let’s Grow ...
Climate Economy Logo

Applications Open for VCRD’s Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announces the opening of applications for the second competitive round of the Climate ...
VCRD Announces Vermont Community Leadership Award and Vermont Lifetime Leadership Award Recipients

VCRD Announces Vermont Community Leadership Award and Vermont Lifetime Leadership Award Recipients

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) today announced the recipients of the Vermont Community Leadership Award and Vermont Lifetime ...
VCRD in the News

Advocates for Londonderry community center take first major step

By Ethan Weinstein, as seen in VT Digger: https://vtdigger.org/2022/07/17/advocates-for-londonderry-community-center-take-first-major-step/ Excerpt: Enlisting the help of Norwich University students, the town of ...
Statewide Community Leadership Summit Serves as Platform for Vermont Leaders

Statewide Community Leadership Summit Serves as Platform for Vermont Leaders

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is inviting Vermonters of all backgrounds who are working with a goal of ...
Vermont Working Lands

Working Lands Summer 2022 Update

The recently concluded Legislative Session was a busy one, resulting in major investments in housing, broadband, and many other areas ...
2021 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

Read VCRD's 2021 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2021, and what we're looking forward to ...
Climate Economy Logo

Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund: Small Grants for Innovative Local Climate and Energy Projects

New round of applications are now open and available: APPLY HERE The Vermont Council on Rural Development, in collaboration with local ...
VCRD Annual Report 2020

2020 Annual Report

Read VCRD's 2020 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2020, and what we're looking forward to ...
Paul Costello

VCRD Executive Director Paul Costello leaving post

As seen in Vermont Business Magazine: https://vermontbiz.com/news/2021/june/02/vcrd-executive-director-paul-costello-leaving-post After 21 years at the helm of the Vermont Council on Rural Development ...
Paul Costello VCRD

Paul Costello to leave VCRD in September

After 21 years, the head of a group that’s helped organize hundreds of communities across the state is stepping down ...
Video: Group releases blueprint ahead of ‘Future of Vermont’ summit

Video: Group releases blueprint ahead of ‘Future of Vermont’ summit

See story on WCAX: https://www.wcax.com/2021/05/20/group-releases-blueprint-ahead-of-future-of-vermont-summit/ BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The Vermont Council on Rural Development has just completed a blueprint ...
VCRD in the News

Virtual summit to lay groundwork for Vermont’s future 30 years from now

Next week, hundreds of Vermonters including state leaders, business owners and advocates will gather virtually for a summit on the ...
VCRD in the News

Vermont Proposition Released Today: Captures Thousands of Vermonters’ Ideas for Long-Range Recovery

As the state finalizes its budget for next year, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) releases its summary of ...
Community News VCRD

For Northeast Kingdom entrepreneurs already dedicated to “going green,” the pandemic has been a challenge — and an opportunity.

Kehler spoke Thursday as part of a virtual forum with NEK business and education leaders on how confronting the climate ...
Community News VCRD

Emerson Lynn: How we maximize value of billions coming our way

The City of St. Albans can expect its share of the American Rescue Plan stimulus money to be a shade ...
Community News VCRD

Route 4 and outdoor recreation rise as Mendon priorities

MENDON — Making Route 4 better, and boosting outdoor recreation are the town’s top priorities coming out of two big ...
Ideas for the Future of Vermont

Ideas for the Future of Vermont

Ideas for the Future of Vermont is a collaboration between the nonpartisan Vermont Council on Rural Development, The Times Argus/Rutland ...
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Video: Virtual summit aims to provide blueprint for Vermont’s future

A Vermont nonprofit is looking to create a blueprint for the state’s future priorities. The Vermont Council on Rural Development ...
VCRD in the News

Actions for Vermont’s future is focus of May 26-27 summit

MONTPELIER, VT – The Summit on the Future of Vermont on May 26-27 will bring Vermonters together virtually to consider “The Vermont Proposition” ...
Community News VCRD

Wheelock Town Hall Accessibility Project is underway

Wheelock has hired a project team to help the town move toward its long-sought goal of allowing all citizens to ...
Community News VCRD

Poultney secures competitive planning grant

The town is among three communities to receive a state planning grant that’s only awarded to a few places every ...
Community News VCRD

Bellows Falls Rural Development visit, one year later

A year ago, Rockingham launched three citizen task forces eager to complete “actionable goals” by tackling areas of need identified ...
VCRD in the News

Costello: What are your Ideas for the Future of Vermont?

Vermont’s pandemic recovery is a catalytic opportunity for creative renewal. How do we work together to revitalize Vermont? Where do ...
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VCRD Announces a New Action Center within the Vermont Community Leadership Network – The Community Response and Recovery Corps

As part of the Vermont Community Leadership Network, the Vermont Council on Rural Development is forming a new “action center” ...
VCRD in the News

Mendon to go on the move

After being delayed for a year by the pandemic, the town is set to hold a pair of community-wide forums ...
Community News VCRD

Rockingham Looks to “Incremental Development” for Neighborhood Revitalization: BDCC Supports Rockingham’s Work with Local Development Experts

Restoring downtown buildings was identified as a top priority during last year’s Rockingham community visit, led by the Vermont Council ...
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Video ~ The Future of Vermont with Paul Costello

Executive Director of Vermont Council on Rural Development, discusses the work of bringing attention to the fundamental needs that communities ...
Vermont Working Lands

Coalition celebrates governor’s proposal to invest in working lands

Governor Phil Scott unveiled his proposal to add $3 million to the base funding for the Vermont’s Working Lands Enterprise ...
Partridge: Notes from Montpelier | The value of the working landscape as key to our future

Partridge: Notes from Montpelier | The value of the working landscape as key to our future

This was a rich week for the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee as we took testimony regarding some of the ...
Community News VCRD

Local Community Group Working on Village Revitalization

Strike up a conversation with the locals at one of the general stores in West Burke and you’re bound to ...
Vermont Council on Rural Development presents Roger Allbee with lifetime achievement award

Vermont Council on Rural Development presents Roger Allbee with lifetime achievement award

Former Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Roger Allbee’s extensive work on behalf of rural Vermont was recognized on Wednesday by the ...
Rockingham will use VNRC grant toward revitalizing buildings in Bellows Falls

Rockingham will use VNRC grant toward revitalizing buildings in Bellows Falls

The Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) has awarded a Small Grant for Smart Growth to the Town of Rockingham to ...
Manchester Riverwalk receives $2,500 grant to help complete bridge

Manchester Riverwalk receives $2,500 grant to help complete bridge

The Manchester Riverwalk Association has received a $2,500 grant that will help the group build a bridge over the West ...
Covid19 Response and Recovery

Covid19 Response and Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic took us all by surprise. When the public health crisis hit in early March 2020, community leaders ...
Working the landscape: Roger Allbee

Working the landscape: Roger Allbee

There aren't many people in Vermont who have accomplished as much and been publicly recognized so little as Roger Allbee ...
PropositionLogo1080

Vermont Council on Rural Development launches VT proposition initiative to engage Vermonters in envisioning the future

Over the last couple months, The Vermont Council on Rural Development has been working on an initiative they’re calling the ...
PropositionLogo1080

Vermonters asked how to go about rebuilding

An effort is underway to find out what thousands of Vermonters think should be done to set the state up ...
News from VCRD

Costello Commentary: The future of Vermont post-COVID

As we come out of the crucible of the pandemic and look to a new year, we need more than ...
Community News VCRD

Pittsford Village Farm still growing behind the scenes amidst pandemic

Despite the pandemic slowing the world down, the Pittsford Village Farm has been plugging away on its redevelopment over the ...
Community News VCRD

Lamoille County impresses COVID recovery team

When it comes to navigating the ever-changing course of the pandemic and meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, Lamoille County’s ...
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Apply for the Climate Catalysts Program -October 2022

The Vermont Council on Rural Development will open the application process for the Climate Catalysts Leadership Program October 1, 2022. The ...
VT Community Leadership Network Logo

Community leaders get support, from the ground up: VCRD launches a network and a professional development center for grassroots leaders

The launch of the Vermont Community Leadership Network, an online portal that will serve as a place for leaders of ...
Vermont Community Leadership Guide

VCRD Launches the Vermont Community Leadership Network and Community Leadership Guide

Nearly 200 Vermonters joined Senator Patrick Leahy and the Vermont Council on Rural Development for an online celebration of local ...
Des Hertz VCRD Leadership Award

VCRD Announces its Annual Vermont Community Leadership Awards – Ceremony This Thursday

Each year the Vermont Council on Rural Development recognizes leaders who have had a transformative impact on their community with ...
VCRD in the News

Federal program disburses $4.4 million among 14 Vermont communities

Fourteen Vermont communities will see $4.4 million distributed among them for a range of projects ranging, including the purchase of ...
Community News VCRD

Fried: Pandemic Threatens NEK Cultural Institutions: Future Dim If Shut-down Continues For A Year, Fried Says

Jody Fried, head of Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury, offered that grim assessment during a remote forum Thursday evening that ...
VCRD 2019 Annual Report

2019 Annual Report

Read VCRD's 2019 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2019, and what we're looking forward to ...
VCRD in the News

Local Support and Community Action Team Makes First Recommendations for Economic and Social Recovery in Interim Report to Governor Phil Scott

The Local Support and Community Action Team led by Paul Costello, Executive Director of Vermont Council on Rural Development, today ...
Community News VCRD

Local Coronavirus Response Groups Contemplate Longer-Term Recovery

The local groups that sprang up across Vermont to help neighbors in crisis due to COVID-19 are now turning their ...
VCRD in the News

Soundcloud Interview: Essential Vermonters

Paul Costello, VCRD Executive Director, and Xusana Davis, State of VT Racial Equity Director, discuss Vermont's COVID-19 recovery phase as ...
Community News VCRD

Rockingham Rural Development Task Force three-month check in

Last year, the Rockingham Selectboard invited the Vermont Council on Rural Development to come to Bellows Falls and hold community ...
Community News VCRD

Greensboro Free WiFi Goes Live!

In 2019, VCRD completed its Community Visit process in Greensboro. Improving broadband and cell service was one of the priorities ...
Helping Vermonters Prepare For The Economy's Reopening

Helping Vermonters Prepare For The Economy’s Reopening

On April 16, 2020, Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development announced the creation of the Economic ...
News from VCRD

Commerce Agency establishes Vermont Economic Mitigation & Recovery Task Force

Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) today announced the establishment of the State of ...
VCRD in the News

Group forms to coordinate COVID response at local levels

Several organizations have come together to create a community response coordinating team to help the community-based response teams and mutual ...
Community News VCRD

One Burke Receives Grants to Fund West Burke Revitalization Project

In 2017, VCRD completed its Community Visit process in Burke. The "One Burke" initiative was formed as part of the ...
Community News VCRD

Next steps, task forces determined at latest Let’s Take Action forum

Rockingham residents gathered at Bellows Falls Middle School last Thursday for the third Let’s Take Action forum with officials from ...
Community News VCRD

Council on Rural Development gives Rockingham task forces a start

On a suggestion by Development Director Gary Fox, the Rockingham Selectboard invited the Vermont Council on Rural Development to come ...
Community News VCRD

Let’s Take Action takes next step

Rockingham residents started to map a path Thursday toward their shared goals of reusing old buildings, creating a youth-led youth ...
Community News VCRD

Allen: A succession plan 20 years in the making

It seems everyone has a story to tell about Paul Bruhn and his work with the Preservation Trust of Vermont ...
VCRD in the News

Community Action Plan advances to next stage

As seen in the Brattleboro Reformer: https://www.reformer.com/stories/community-action-plan-advances-to-next-stage,596733 BELLOWS FALLS — The Vermont Council on Rural Development will hold its last ...
VCRD in the News

Video ~ Paul Costello on Across the Fence

Aired 2/4/20, as seen on WCAX Across the Fence: Fran Stoddard interviews Paul Costello about VCRD's Community Visit program and ...
VCRD in the News

Nick Richardson: Rural communities are vital to our economic future

In his State of the State, Governor Scott spoke about the demographic crisis that is creating a divide between the ...
Community News VCRD

Rupe: Poultney pride

For 26 years, I’ve called this glorious little town home — I was born and raised here, stayed in the ...
Community News VCRD

Council on Rural Development holds follow-up to community forums

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the Vermont Council on Rural Development visited the town of Rockingham in a priority-setting meeting at ...
VCRD in the News

Youth Center emerges as top priority

By Susan Smallheer, as seen in the Brattleboro Reformer: https://www.reformer.com/stories/youth-center-emerges-as-top-priority,594301 BELLOWS FALLS — Rockingham community members have set their priorities: ...
How The Alchemist Goes Above And Beyond To Give You Sustainable Beer

How The Alchemist Goes Above And Beyond To Give You Sustainable Beer

The Alchemist co-founder Jen Kimmich is on the VCRD board of directors. ---------------- By Kenny Gould, as seen in Forbes: ...
VCRD in the News

Vermont town wrestles the cycle of revisiting the same challenges

By Kevin O'Connor as seen in vtdigger.org: https://vtdigger.org/2020/01/09/vermont-town-wrestles-the-cycle-of-revisiting-the-same-challenges-%EF%BB%BF/ ROCKINGHAM — More than 100 residents buzzed as they worked to whittle down ...
Community News VCRD

‘Rockingham in Action’ priorities meeting is Wednesday

The second meeting of Rockingham In Action, the community visit by the Vermont Council on Rural Development will be this ...
VCRD in the News

Rural Maryland Council Funds more than $6 Million in Grants; Caps off a Year of Achievements to 2020

Enhancing quality of life is a goal that’s at the heart of most policymaking regardless of whether you are working ...
VCRD in the News

Following the Entergy money

By Susan Smallheer, as seen in the Brattleboro Reformer: https://www.reformer.com/stories/following-the-entergy-money,593574 BRATTLEBORO — Where has that $10 million Entergy Nuclear money ...
VCRD in the News

Zulkoski: Farmers Almanac says, change is coming

By Robert Zulkoski & team, Social Entrepreneur, as seen in Vermont Business Magazine: https://vermontbiz.com/news/2019/december/22/zulkoski-farmers-almanac-says-change-coming “It’s been a long time coming. But ...
Community News VCRD

Costello: Poultney facing the challenge

The temptation with bad news, like that of the closing of Green Mountain College, is to sit on one’s hands, ...
VCRD in the News

GrowSmart Maine named to fill State Rural Development Council gap

State Rural Development Councils collaborate both with in-state public and private-sector groups and with other states to strengthen rural development. Maine ...
VCRD in the News

What’s the future for Rockingham? With help from the Council on Rural Development, townspeople share ideas for strengthening their community

By Layla Burke Hastings, as seen in The Commons: http://www.commonsnews.org/site/sitenext/story.php?articleno=31565 BELLOWS FALLS—Echoes of solidarity and a desire for a unified ...
VCRD in the News

Council on Rural Development holds community forums in Rockingham

BY BILL LOCKWOOD, as seen in The Shopper: https://vermontjournal.com/news/council-on-rural-development-holds-community-forums-in-rockingham/ BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – On the evening of Dec. 4, a large, ...
VCRD in the News

Lack of public wastewater systems inhibits rural development

When talk turns to obstacles holding back rural Vermont, the lack of high-speed internet is often cited. The last gubernatorial ...
Community News VCRD

Rockingham future forum echoes statewide challenges

The community conversation was billed as “Attracting and Retaining Young People.” But the older resident in work jeans and boots ...
VCRD in the News

Loyalty, pride cited as Rockingham assets

By Susan Smallheer, as seen in the Brattleboro Reformer: https://www.reformer.com/stories/loyalty-pride-cited-as-rockingham-assets,591832?fbclid=IwAR2C0V9RF_mYYRcao7hclDhvjo8VTcoLsq7HNzp6hIYXLTC22xduwBwVbHI BELLOWS FALLS — Hometown pride is palpable in Bellows Falls ...
VCRD in the News

Brainstorming about Rockingham’s future

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is bringing its "Let's Take Action" program to Rockingham that will help townspeople set ...
VCRD in the News

Let’s Take Action: Rockingham community forums

As seen in vtdigger.org: https://vtdigger.org/press_release/lets-take-action-rockingham-community-forums Community Process to Set Direction for the future of Rockingham On December 4th, all members ...
Community News

The Task Force Working To Reduce and Transform Energy Use and Increase Renewable Energy Generation For Homes, Businesses, Twinfield School, the Towns, and Other Institutions

Task Force Co-Chairs: Diana Batzel and Nick Siefert Task Force Description: This task force will work with partners to assist ...
VCRD in the News

How rural development helps town to town

by Joseph Gresser as seen in The Chronicle: https://bartonchronicle.com/ GREENSBORO — Community leaders who attended the annual meeting of the ...
Community News

The RAMP Task Force Working To Support And Strengthen Both Village Centers and Improve the Route 2 Corridor Travelling Through Both Towns

Task Force Co-Chairs: Richard Baker (Marshfield) and Jamie Spector (Plainfield) Task Force description: Downtown Marshfield and downtown Plainfield are key ...
VCRD in the News

Two Vermonts

As seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/editorials/two-vermonts/article_131453ae-20ea-576a-adc8-facc6ce56370.html Vermont seems to have a pretty good story to tell right now. But ...
VPR & Vermont PBS Rural Life Survey Spotlights Vermonters' Optimism, But Also Challenges

VPR & Vermont PBS Rural Life Survey Spotlights Vermonters’ Optimism, But Also Challenges

By Peter Hirschfeld as seen on VPR: https://www.vpr.org/post/vpr-vermont-pbs-rural-life-survey-spotlights-vermonters-optimism-also-challenges#stream/0 Listen here: https://cpa.ds.npr.org/vpr/audio/2019/10/vpr-news-poll-overview-20191021.mp3 A survey of 801 Vermonters, conducted between Aug. 26 ...
VCRD in the News

Group forming to promote White Rocks area

In 2018, Wallingford participated in our Community Visit Program. Through the process, a task force group was formed to "Build ...
VCRD in the News

Select Board supports land sale in 4-1 vote

Several hundred people turned out last year for forums held by the Vermont Council on Rural Development and the list ...
Revitalizing All Marshfield-Plainfield ("RAMP") - Fall 2019 Update

Revitalizing All Marshfield-Plainfield (“RAMP”) – Fall 2019 Update

Over 120 Marshfield and Plainfield residents came together through the Model Communities program to consider the future of their two ...
Remembering Paul Bruhn

Remembering Paul Bruhn

The brilliant, irrepressible, irresistible Paul Bruhn, one of Vermont’s most effective leaders and beloved citizens, passed away on Thursday the ...
Vermont Working Lands

Working Lands Update – October 2019

VCRD and our partners in the Working Lands Coalition had a major victory in the past legislative session. Legislators recognized ...
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Climate Economy Action Team (CEAT) Update – October 2019

Since 2017, VCRD has convened the Climate Economy Action Team (CEAT), a group of business and non-profit leaders dedicated to ...
VCRD in the News

The Deeper Dig: Where migrating Vermonters are going — and why

Vermont’s stagnating population has concerned residents and policymakers for years. Census data shows that from 2010 to 2018, 10,000 more ...
VCRD in the News

Montgomery board eyes police services contract with Franklin sheriff

In 2018, VCRD brought its Community Visit program to Montgomery. Residents prioritized "improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety" as key ...
VCRD in the News

Leadership Summit Emphasizes Importance Of Collaboration

“A leader doesn’t want to be the best in the world, but the best for the world,” said Paul Costello, ...
Gus Seelig

Seelig and Maclure receive awards at VCRD’s Community Leadership Summit

At VCRD’s Community Leadership Summit Today, VCRD Awards its Annual Vermont Community Leadership Award and Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award ...
2019 VCRD Leadership Summit Logo

Leadership summit to promote skill sharing, idea exchange

Gov. Phil Scott and U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., will address the second Vermont Community Leadership Summit at Vermont Technical ...
2019 VCRD Leadership Summit

Video ~ Hundreds attend 2nd Annual VT Community Leadership Summit

See the video clip here on NBC5 News: https://www.mynbc5.com/article/hundreds-attend-2nd-annual-vermont-community-leadership-summit/28679873 Here's the transcript: RANDOLPH, Vt. — Hundreds of leaders from across ...
2019 VCRD Leadership Summit Logo

“The Second Annual Vermont Community Leadership Summit” to Take Place August 12 at Vermont Technical College in Randolph

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is inviting local leaders from throughout Vermont who are working to improve life ...
VCRD in the News

Moats: Big new ideas often precede shifts of power

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is a nonprofit that has been instrumental in helping communities articulate community goals and ...
Vermont Working Lands

Gov. Scott recognizes funding for working lands

Eighteen Vermont working lands businesses and service providers were recognized today at an event celebrating the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative ...
Working the land ... Vermont values its working lands - but who will work them?

Working the land … Vermont values its working lands – but who will work them?

By Elodie Reed , Landscapes correspondent, as seen in the Manchester Journal: https://www.manchesterjournal.com/stories/working-the-land,578183 DUMMERSTON — Somewhere along Bunker Road, not ...
Costello Commentary: What is the climate change story we tell our children?

Costello Commentary: What is the climate change story we tell our children?

By Paul Costello, and printed in multiple media outlets, including The Bennington Banner: https://www.benningtonbanner.com/stories/paul-costello-what-is-the-climate-change-story-we-tell-our-children,577259 I’ve been wrestling with a sentence ...
Working Lands Enterprise Board names FY19 grantees, over $800,000 awarded

Working Lands Enterprise Board names FY19 grantees, over $800,000 awarded

As seen in Vermont Business Magazine: https://www.vermontbiz.com/news/2019/june/13/working-lands-enterprise-board-names-fy19-grantees-over-800000-awarded Eighteen Vermont working lands businesses and service providers were recognized Wednesday at an ...
18 forestry businesses, groups get state grants

18 forestry businesses, groups get state grants

By the Associated Press, as seen in the Burlington Free Press: http://burlingtonfreepress.vt.newsmemory.com/?publink=17cc51b49 BURLINGTON – Vermont has awarded another round of ...
Four Towns Make Plans For a Vibrant Future: Choose Priorities For Ongoing Projects

Four Towns Make Plans For a Vibrant Future: Choose Priorities For Ongoing Projects

By Jo Levasseur, as seen in the Randolph Herald: https://www.ourherald.com/articles/four-towns-make-plans-for-a-vibrant-future/ At the most recent “Our Four- Town Future” gathering, residents ...
Community Events Are Serious Fun And Economic Drivers: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun In Island Pond This Weekend

Community Events Are Serious Fun And Economic Drivers: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun In Island Pond This Weekend

In 2017, VCRD brought its Community Visit process to Brighton/Island Pond where residents identified a number of action ideas for ...
Woodstock looks ahead with launch of ‘Our Woodstock, Our Future’

Woodstock looks ahead with launch of ‘Our Woodstock, Our Future’

As seen in vtdigger: https://vtdigger.org/2019/05/22/woodstock-looks-ahead-launch-woodstock-future/ Woodstock, VT— What do you love about Woodstock? What do you want for its future? ...
VCRD in the News

Group plans Wallingford Day revival

Eighteen Vermont working lands businesses and service providers were recognized today at an event celebrating the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative ...
VCRD in the News

The USDA Loaned Millions to Five Vermont Colleges. Two Are Closing.

Paul Costello, executive director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development, said colleges bring multiple benefits to rural areas, and ...
VCRD in the News

‘Our 4-Town Future’ Prepares for Next Step: Project Seeks to Combine Efforts

The towns of Royalton, Sharon, Strafford and Tunbridge are working together with the Vermont Council of Rural Development (VCRD) to ...
David Snedeker Commentary: Invest In Weatherization

David Snedeker Commentary: Invest In Weatherization

As seen in the Caledonian Record, April 30, 2019: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/opinion/columns/david-snedeker-invest-in-weatherization/article_5124474b-a682-535d-a43f-7be3213af1f4.html One of the smartest investments Vermont can make as a ...
Four Vt. towns set priorities for economic development, housing, conservation

Four Vt. towns set priorities for economic development, housing, conservation

By DANIELA VIDAL ALLEE, as seen in the Valley News: https://www.vnews.com/4-Towns-Meeting-25098296 TUNBRIDGE — A group of residents from four White ...
GMC's Impending Closure Prompts Poultney Residents To Propose New Uses For Campus

GMC’s Impending Closure Prompts Poultney Residents To Propose New Uses For Campus

By Nina Keck, as seen and heard on Vermont Public Radio: https://www.vpr.org/post/gmcs-impending-closure-prompts-poultney-residents-propose-new-uses-campus#stream/0 There's still no decision on what will happen ...
GMC announces receipt of proposals

GMC announces receipt of proposals

By Kate Barcellos, as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/gmc-announces-receipt-of-proposals/article_f9e17f25-229a-52e2-9bfc-32a43cec8d75.html POULTNEY — Hundreds of staff members, students, community members and ...
After Stopping NewVistas Development, 4 Upper Valley Towns Discuss Their Future

After Stopping NewVistas Development, 4 Upper Valley Towns Discuss Their Future

VCRD is working with the 4-Town region of Royalton, Sharon, Strafford and Tunbridge through our Community Visit process to help ...
Kate McCarthy Commentary: Continuing the state’s working lands legacy

Kate McCarthy Commentary: Continuing the state’s working lands legacy

By Kate McCarthy, as seen in vtdigger.org: https://vtdigger.org/2019/03/12/kate-mccarthy-continuing-states-working-lands-legacy/ We hear it all the time, but it’s true: We have something ...
Poultney grapples with GMC closure

Poultney grapples with GMC closure

By Julia Purdy, as seen in the Mountain Times: http://mountaintimes.info/poultney-grapples-gmc-closure/ Poultney is at a crossroads with the impending shuttering of ...
Paul Costello Commentary: Addressing climate change while boosting Vermont’s economy

Paul Costello Commentary: Addressing climate change while boosting Vermont’s economy

As seen in the vtdigger.org: https://vtdigger.org/2019/02/20/paul-costello-addressing-climate-change-boosting-vermonts-economy/ Carbon tax. Cap and Trade. Carbon Markets. Depending on our point of view, these ...
Moats: Though dairy wanes, Vermont agriculture can thrive

Moats: Though dairy wanes, Vermont agriculture can thrive

By David Moats as seen in the VtDigger.org: https://vtdigger.org/2019/03/04/moats-though-dairy-wanes-vermont-agriculture-can-thrive/ A crisis atmosphere pervades the topic of farming this year among ...
VCRD 2018 Annual Report

2018 Annual Report

Read VCRD's 2018 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2018, and what we're looking forward to ...
Towns Plot Path Ahead: "Our 4-Town Future" Kicks Off in SoRo

Towns Plot Path Ahead: “Our 4-Town Future” Kicks Off in SoRo

BY ZOË NEWMARCO as seen in the Randolph Herald: https://www.ourherald.com/articles/towns-plot-path-ahead/ More than 100 people crowded into the gym at the ...
Poultney seeks guidance from municipal developers, legislators

Poultney seeks guidance from municipal developers, legislators

By Kate Barcellos as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/poultney-seeks-guidance-from-municipal-developers-legislators/article_95de33b7-fea6-5f2f-8714-89de1b7cce55.html POULTNEY — School will be out — and not just ...
Depot Square Remake To Feature 38 Affordable Units

Depot Square Remake To Feature 38 Affordable Units

In 2015, VCRD brought its Community Visit process to St. Johnsbury where residents identified a number of action ideas for ...
‘NewVistas’ Towns To Host Vermont Council on Rural Development

‘NewVistas’ Towns To Host Vermont Council on Rural Development

BY ZOË NEWMARCO, as seen in the Randolph Herald: https://www.ourherald.com/articles/newvistas-towns-to-host-vermont-council-on-rural-development/ On February 21, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), ...
Ross Sneyd Commentary: Electric vehicles, weatherization can save thousands

Ross Sneyd Commentary: Electric vehicles, weatherization can save thousands

As seen in the Stowe Reporter: https://www.stowetoday.com/stowe_reporter/opinion/opinion_columns/electric-vehicles-weatherization-can-save-thousands/article_ca39627e-2574-11e9-8077-27779dc5907d.html?fbclid=IwAR0x5fWtwRlciIRiBnud22vhqhMd5ybWjkR2QOOQGMJuPL6USPhiJiMSVr0 As with most adages, there’s truth to one we hear a lot: Vermont ...
Sterling College Receives Grant and Matching Challenge for Peter Alfond Wellness Center

Sterling College Receives Grant and Matching Challenge for Peter Alfond Wellness Center

VCRD held a Craftsbury Community Visit process in 2015. The article below shows how Sterling College built on the opportunities ...
Georgia — and other states — have rural prosperity on their minds. Now how to get it done?

Georgia — and other states — have rural prosperity on their minds. Now how to get it done?

Paul Costello, VCRD Executive Director, was interviewed by this Georgia newspaper about what is working in Vermont as Georgia looks ...
Communities that rallied against NewVistas continue dialogue about growth

Communities that rallied against NewVistas continue dialogue about growth

By DAVID CORRIVEAU as seen in the Valley News: https://www.vnews.com/Seeking-Common-Ground-After-New-Vistas-Fight-23172366 SOUTH ROYALTON — By day, Rob McShinsky oversees information-technology systems ...
How a Vermont social network became a model for online communities

How a Vermont social network became a model for online communities

VCRD helped bring Front Porch Forum to every town in Vermont through our eVermont Community Broadband and Vermont Digital Economy ...
Rural Towns Fixing Up Historic Buildings To Strengthen Community Ties

Rural Towns Fixing Up Historic Buildings To Strengthen Community Ties

By HOWARD WEISS-TISMAN as seen on Vermont Public Radio: http://digital.vpr.net/post/rural-towns-fixing-historic-buildings-strengthen-community-ties#stream/0 Much has been written about what Vermont’s small rural towns need ...
Grange Hall to reclaim role in Guilford activities

Grange Hall to reclaim role in Guilford activities

By Bob Audette, as seen in the Brattleboro Reformer: https://www.reformer.com/stories/grange-hall-to-reclaim-role-in-guilford-activities,559930 GUILFORD — In 2013, the Vermont Council on Rural Development ...
Leahy hails passage of five-year Farm Bill, Vermont 'wins'

Leahy hails passage of five-year Farm Bill, Vermont ‘wins’

Thanks to Senator Leahy for his work to include the continuation of authoriation, by statute, for State Rural Development Councils ...
The Lamberts ‘Building on good things’

The Lamberts ‘Building on good things’

VCRD awarded Hank and Molly Lambert its "Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award" in September 2018. Together, they are a force ...
Can Four Upper Valley Towns Plan a Future Together?

Can Four Upper Valley Towns Plan a Future Together?

In early 2019, VCRD is bringing its Community Visit process to the 4 town region of Tunbridge, Strafford, Royalton and ...
Space on Main Founder Monique Priestley Cultivates Engagement in Bradford

Space on Main Founder Monique Priestley Cultivates Engagement in Bradford

Monique Priestley, founder of the Space on Main in Bradford, is a VCRD board member. Read on to see what ...
Vermont Climate Economy Action Team announces 2019 action priorities

Vermont Climate Economy Action Team announces 2019 action priorities

The Vermont Climate Economy Action Team (CEAT) today announced their 2019 agenda for advancing economic progress and making Vermont more ...
Montgomery builds its ‘bones’: Initiative hones in on infrastructure needs

Montgomery builds its ‘bones’: Initiative hones in on infrastructure needs

By Mike Frett, as seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/montgomery-builds-its-bones-initiative-hones-in-on-infrastructure-needs/ MONTGOMERY – A community initiative dubbed Montgomery Thrives entered ...
Do North Coworking Opens In Bag Balm Building

Do North Coworking Opens In Bag Balm Building

In 2017, VCRD brought our Community Visit process to Lyndon where residents identified a number of opportunities for future progress ...
Montgomery Thrives: Infrastructure, broadband emerge as priorities

Montgomery Thrives: Infrastructure, broadband emerge as priorities

As seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/montgomery-thrives-infrastructure-broadband-emerge-as-priorities/?fbclid=IwAR35itY7UPZ8tEC60K5PHtzn92uWFZufwO81YuuI4pE4kf5FenPLv2vdxgs MONTGOMERY – Working with the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s (VCRD) Community Visit ...
Grant Received For Burke Infrastructure Project

Grant Received For Burke Infrastructure Project

By Amy Ash Nixon, as seen in the Caledonian Record: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/grant-received-for-burke-infrastructure-project/article_43785238-68bc-5260-a62b-b8b50b4ebfb6.html BURKE — Hoped-for infrastructure improvements to East and West ...
Video ~ Making It Happen! Vermont Community Leadership Summit, Oct 1, 2018

Video ~ Making It Happen! Vermont Community Leadership Summit, Oct 1, 2018

Video captured by CCTV at some sessions of the "Making It Happen! Vermont Community Leadership Summit" held October 1, 2018 ...
Steve Costello Commentary: Rutland's growing sense of pride

Steve Costello Commentary: Rutland’s growing sense of pride

By Steve Costello, as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/rutland-s-growing-sense-of-pride/article_891a9956-b057-5838-bdac-50108c82cc14.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share Your Sept. 27 editorial and this week’s Vermont Council on ...
Panel: Lead by example, lead together

Panel: Lead by example, lead together

By Kate Barcellos, as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/panel-lead-by-example-lead-together/article_9c38041d-9110-5718-a74e-27da4b5e7335.html CASTLETON — The Casella Theater at Castleton University was standing ...
Wallingford woman wants to bring Odd Fellows building back to life

Wallingford woman wants to bring Odd Fellows building back to life

By Keith Whitcomb Jr. as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/wallingford-woman-wants-to-bring-odd-fellows-building-back-to/article_4d2fd0e4-c939-575b-ac51-0106c6a1963d.html WALLINGFORD — A local woman wants to return the ...
Vermont Natural Resources Council Presents Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership to Paul Costello of Vermont Council on Rural Development

Vermont Natural Resources Council Presents Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership to Paul Costello of Vermont Council on Rural Development

The Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) is pleased to present this year’s Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership to Paul ...
Marlboro gets space to create community: Library and long-awaited community center set to open in meeting house

Marlboro gets space to create community: Library and long-awaited community center set to open in meeting house

In 2010, VCRD brought its Community Visit process to Marlboro where residents identified a number of action ideas for future ...
Dan Smith: A new generation of local leadership

Dan Smith: A new generation of local leadership

By Dan Smith, VCRD board member and president and CEO of The Vermont Community Foundation, as seen in vtdigger.org: https://vtdigger.org/2018/09/04/dan-smith-new-generation-local-leadership/ ...
“Making It Happen: Local Leadership for Vermont Communities” Summit to Take Place October 1 at Castleton University

“Making It Happen: Local Leadership for Vermont Communities” Summit to Take Place October 1 at Castleton University

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) has launched registration for a statewide one-day summit focused on supporting emerging and ...
Paul Costello Op-Ed: 2018 Legislative Success

Paul Costello Op-Ed: 2018 Legislative Success

In a time when the political climate in Washington lends itself to chaos and uncertainty that undermines environmental and economic ...
Randolph Region Re-Energized (R3) next meeting June 11 - VTC President Patricia Moulton to serve as initiative chairperson

Randolph Region Re-Energized (R3) next meeting June 11 – VTC President Patricia Moulton to serve as initiative chairperson

RANDOLPH - The Randolph Region Re-Energized (R3) initiative will convene on June 11 as four task forces focused on community priorities meet ...
Pownal farms put out the welcome mat

Pownal farms put out the welcome mat

By Cherise Madigan, as seen in the Bennington Banner: http://www.benningtonbanner.com/stories/pownal-farms-put-out-the-welcome-mat,539776? POWNAL — Are you ready to discover Pownal? With a ...
Randolph Picks Its Missions: ‘Re-Energized’ Project Inches Toward Goals

Randolph Picks Its Missions: ‘Re-Energized’ Project Inches Toward Goals

By Tim Calabro, as seen in the Randolph Herald: https://www.ourherald.com/articles/randolph-picks-its-missions/ Though the volume of people filling the RUHS cafeteria Monday ...
VCRD 2017 Annual Report

VCRD 2017 Annual Report

Read the 2017 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2017, and what we’re looking forward to ...
Conquering Climate Change One Business at a Time

Conquering Climate Change One Business at a Time

By Terri Hallenbeck, as seen in Seven Days: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/conquering-climate-change-one-business-at-a-time/Content?oid=8281954 When Paul Costello and his team of organizers started putting together ...
Green business summit aims to spur national investment

Green business summit aims to spur national investment

By Kevin O'Connor as seen in vtdigger.org: https://vtdigger.org/2017/08/20/green-business-summit-aims-spur-national-investment/ Paul Costello doesn’t want to talk about the polarizing problem of climate ...
Robert Miller Commentary: Climate economy is an important opportunity

Robert Miller Commentary: Climate economy is an important opportunity

As seen in vtdigger.org: https://vtdigger.org/2017/08/16/robert-miller-climate-economy-important-opportunity/ Editor’s note: This commentary is by Robert Miller, of Shelburne, who is CEO of VSECU ...
Costello Commentary: Coming Together to Answer Climate Change

Costello Commentary: Coming Together to Answer Climate Change

As seen in the Times-Argus: https://www.timesargus.com/articles/answering-the-climate-challenge/ This week saw yet another disturbing climate change report in the news—this one authored ...
Catalysts of the Climate Economy summit set for Vermont

Catalysts of the Climate Economy summit set for Vermont

As seen in the Vermont Business Magazine Vermont will host the Catalysts of the Climate Economy (cc:econ), a three-day national ...
Hawken to keynote national climate innovation summit

Hawken to keynote national climate innovation summit

Montpelier, VT – Environmentalist, entrepreneur, journalist and author Paul Hawken will be the keynote speaker at the Catalysts of the ...
VCRD 2016 Annual Report

VCRD 2016 Annual Report

Read the 2016 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2016, and what we’re looking forward to ...
Action Alert: ANR is seeking input on best use of the $18M VW settlement comes coming to Vermont

Action Alert: ANR is seeking input on best use of the $18M VW settlement comes coming to Vermont

You may have heard in the news last year that Volkwagen (VW) violated the Clean Air Act with sales of ...
VCRD 2017 Work Plan

VCRD 2017 Work Plan

VCRD serves as a convener, catalyst, and leader for Vermont to build and advance policies to support the working landscape, ...
2015 VCRD Annual Report

VCRD 2015 Annual Report

Read the 2015 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2015, and what we’re looking forward to ...

Video ~ 2016 Climate Economy Summit

VCRD Summit Highlights Talented students from the Emergent Media Center at Champlain College interviewed Summit speakers and participants to capture ...
Editorial: Rising tides

Editorial: Rising tides

As seen in the Times Argus: http://www.timesargus.com/article/20160225/OPINION01/160229804 A report out this week found that sea levels are rising more rapidly ...
Summit Explores Vermont's Climate Economy

Summit Explores Vermont’s Climate Economy

By Steve Zind, VPR. Listen here: http://digital.vpr.net/post/summit-explores-vermonts-climate-economy More than 400 participants attended the second annual Vermont Climate Economy Summit held ...
Gathering asks: Could Vermont benefit from climate change?

Gathering asks: Could Vermont benefit from climate change?

By Mark Johnson, vtdigger.org: http://vtdigger.org/2016/02/22/gathering-asks-could-vermont-benefit-from-climate-change/ RANDOLPH — Vermont is poised to benefit economically while also helping the world cope with ...
Optimism on Vermont’s ‘climate economy’

Optimism on Vermont’s ‘climate economy’

By Gregory Dennis, Addison County Independent: http://www.addisonindependent.com/ When confronted with the latest piece of bad news about climate change – ...
Audio ~ Can Vermont adapt to climate change?

Audio ~ Can Vermont adapt to climate change?

In the midst of one of the warmest winters in memory, how can Vermont adapt to the new realities of ...
VCRD Summit focuses on growing Vt’s green jobs

VCRD Summit focuses on growing Vt’s green jobs

As seen at Mountain Times: http://mountaintimes.info/vcrd-summit-focuses-on-growing-vts-green-jobs/ RANDOLPH – Strategies for keeping Vermont in the forefront of stimulating the growth of green jobs ...
Conference Held On Implementing A Climate Economy In Vermont

Conference Held On Implementing A Climate Economy In Vermont

Listen to the audio of the Pat Bradley story on WAMC: http://wamc.org/post/conference-held-implementing-climate-economy-vermont#stream/0 Hundreds of people gathered in Randolph, Vermont Monday ...
Hundreds gather in Randolph for economic climate summit

Hundreds gather in Randolph for economic climate summit

See the story on WCAX: http://www.wcax.com/story/31285216/hundreds-gather-in-randolph-for-economic-climate-summit#.VsytXCQSffQ.email RANDOLPH, Vt. - Lawmakers and business leaders are fighting climate change and looking to ...
Communities lead in climate economy effort

Communities lead in climate economy effort

By Andy Clark, Times Argus: http://www.timesargus.com/article/20160224/NEWS01/160229839 RANDOLPH — Vermont’s climate economy is a pace-setter for the nation, in large part ...
Leahy to Open Vermont Climate Economy Summit Monday, February 22

Leahy to Open Vermont Climate Economy Summit Monday, February 22

As seen at: http://www.vermontbiz.com/event/february/leahy-open-vermont-climate-economy-summit-monday-february-22 Senator Patrick Leahy to be opening speaker at the Vermont Climate Economy Summit, sponsored by the ...
Today’s Summit: Growing Vermont’s Green Jobs

Today’s Summit: Growing Vermont’s Green Jobs

Contact: Paul Costello, VCRD Executive Director, 802-223-5763, [email protected] EDITORS: Note, a complete Summit packet, including participants and bios, is available ...
Living Economically

Living Economically

By Laurie Caswell Burke, Wind Ridge columnist | As seen at Shelburne News: http://www.shelburnenews.com/2016/02/18/living-economically/ Miss the Paris Climate Summit? Here’s ...
Times Argus Editorial: Building Blocks

Times Argus Editorial: Building Blocks

As seen at: http://timesargus.com/article/20160205/OPINION01/160209789/0/SEARCH About a year ago, the Vermont Council on Rural Development held a daylong summit in Randolph ...
Opinion: Sooner or later, a new economy

Opinion: Sooner or later, a new economy

Over the past year, as the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council (of which I was a member), listened to the ...
National Clean Energy Innovator to Keynote Vermont’s Climate Economy Summit

National Clean Energy Innovator to Keynote Vermont’s Climate Economy Summit

MONTPELIER, VT – Danny Kennedy, an internationally recognized opinion leader on climate and energy issues, will keynote Ideas to Action: ...
Improving Vermont's digital economy

Improving Vermont’s digital economy

Aired on WCAX: http://www.wcax.com/story/26609277/improving-vermonts-digital-economy Watch the video here: http://www.wcax.com/story/26609277/improving-vermonts-digital-economy?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=10615461 WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports- In the wake of ...
VCRD 2014 Annual Report

VCRD 2014 Annual Report

Read the VCRD 2014 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2014, and what we’re looking forward ...
A call for action

A call for action

By Steve Pappas, Times Argus: www.timesargus.com A summit at Vermont Technical College on Wednesday showed exactly how far Vermont has progressed when it comes to climate ...
2015 - Community Leaders of St. Albans

2015 – Community Leaders of St. Albans

On Wednesday , February 18th the Vermont Council on Rural Development  presented the Vermont Community Leadership Award to the community ...
Living Economically: Ramp it up with Vermontivate, the game that inspires behavior change and fun

Living Economically: Ramp it up with Vermontivate, the game that inspires behavior change and fun

By Laurie Caswell Burke, published in the Shelburne News: http://shelburnenews.com/?p=20752 Last month I joined 400 Vermonters from around the state ...
Opinion: A crisis and an opportunity

Opinion: A crisis and an opportunity

Published in the Times Argus: http://www.timesargus.com/article/20150308/OPINION06/703089979 By Brian Shupe, Executive Director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council Many people have ...
Video ~ Climate Economy Summit

Video ~ Climate Economy Summit

This video captured sessions at the Summit on “Creating Prosperity and Opportunity Confronting Climate Change” held at the Vermont Technical ...
Opinion: Moving forward on climate change

Opinion: Moving forward on climate change

By Bill Laberge, owner of Grassroots Solar, and published in the Times Argus: http://www.timesargus.com/article/20150301/OPINION06/703019960/1014 Despite the thermometer suggesting otherwise, the ...
VCRD Awards its Annual Vermont Community Leadership Award and a new Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award

VCRD Awards its Annual Vermont Community Leadership Award and a new Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award

MONTPELIER, VT – On Wednesday , February 18th the Vermont Council on Rural Development  presented the Vermont Community Leadership Award ...

Summit to tackle climate change, economy

This week’s Summit on Creating Prosperity and Opportunity Confronting Climate Change isn’t about the debate over climate change, organizers say ...

Video ~ Paul Costello and Ted Brady on City Room

This 28 minute program gives a good overview of the Climate Economy Summit and Initiative. City Room with Steve Pappas: ...
Nate Freeman: Vermont’s climate questions

Nate Freeman: Vermont’s climate questions

By Nate Freeman. Published in vtdigger.org: http://vtdigger.org/2015/02/15/nate-freeman-vermonts-climate-questions/ Editor’s note: This commentary is by Nate Freeman, who is director of ClimatePlanners ...
Founder of World’s Largest Solar Company to Keynote Vermont’s Climate Change Economy Summit

Founder of World’s Largest Solar Company to Keynote Vermont’s Climate Change Economy Summit

MONTPELIER, VT –Jigar Shah, one of the today’s leading cleantech champions, will keynote the Summit on Creating Prosperity and Opportunity ...
Summit on "Creating Prosperity & Opportunity Confronting Climate Change"

Summit on “Creating Prosperity & Opportunity Confronting Climate Change”

The Summit on Creating Prosperity & Opportunity Confronting Climate Change, held February 18, 2015 at the Vermont Technical College in ...
Ron Miller Commentary: Upcoming Conference Promotes “Climate Change Economy”

Ron Miller Commentary: Upcoming Conference Promotes “Climate Change Economy”

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is holding a major statewide conference, “Creating Prosperity & Opportunity Confronting Climate Change,” in ...
Vermont Climate Economy Initiative

Vermont Climate Economy Initiative

From Green Energy Times: http://www.greenenergytimes.net/2014/12/15/vermont-climate-economy-initiative/ The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is kicking off its new Climate Change Economy ...
February Summit to Kick Off New Focus on Vermont’s Climate Change Economy

February Summit to Kick Off New Focus on Vermont’s Climate Change Economy

MONTPELIER, VT –The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is kicking off its new Climate Change Economy Initiative with the ...
Vermont Council on Rural Development’s summit on ‘Creating Prosperity and Opportunity Confronting Climate Change’

Vermont Council on Rural Development’s summit on ‘Creating Prosperity and Opportunity Confronting Climate Change’

The Vermont Council on Rural Development’s Summit on “Creating Prosperity and Opportunity Confronting Climate Change” on February 18, 2015 will ...
February Summit to Kick Off New Focus on Vermont’s Climate Change Economy

February Summit to Kick Off New Focus on Vermont’s Climate Change Economy

MONTPELIER, VT –The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is kicking off its new Climate Change Economy Initiative with the ...
Internet Intern Program Highlights Growing Need for Digital Skills Education

Internet Intern Program Highlights Growing Need for Digital Skills Education

The following article was submitted by Martha Reid, Vermont State Librarian. Marty will be moderating the morning panel on “Digital ...
VCRD in the News

Diverse Groups Will Use #VTStrong In Social Media To Encourage Vermonters To Volunteer

On Thursday, August 14th, VCRD’s Vermont Digital Economy Project facilitated a discussion with an impressive group of representatives from several ...
100 on 100 check

Heart of Vermont Productions Helps Strengthen Flood-Damaged Communities

Last August, at the closing ceremony of the 100on100 Heart of Vermont Relay on Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Heart of ...
Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Julie Lenzer Kirk

Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Julie Lenzer Kirk

We are extremely pleased that our Keynote Speaker is Julie Lenzer Kirk. At our summit, she’ll speak to us about ...
VCRD in the News

Downtown Wi-Fi kickoff will be celebrated during Midnight Madness

The town's annual Midnight Madness event will coincide with a celebration of the recent Wi-Fi project completed in the downtown ...
VCRD in the News

Bennington gets new Wi-Fi service

A new Wi-Fi service is up and running downtown. The free access is part of an effort by Vermont's Council ...
Barre WiFi Zone

Barre To Launch New Wi-Fi Zone To Kick Off The “Barre Heritage Festival”

BARRE, VT - On July 23rd, from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm, Barre, Vermont, will celebrate its public downtown Wi-Fi ...
Bennington To Launch New Wi-Fi Zone at "Midnight Madness"

Bennington To Launch New Wi-Fi Zone at “Midnight Madness”

BENNINGTON, VT - On July 17th, from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm, Bennington, Vermont, will celebrate its public downtown Wi-Fi ...
Leahy and Welch Hear Testimony in Burlington

Vermonters Raise their Voices in Support of Net Neutrality at Senator Leahy’s Hearing

For the past few months, the media has been awash with stories about net neutrality. Recently, these stories became particularly ...
Cambridge WiFi Launch

Celebrating a Year of Wi-Fi Zone Launches

Almost exactly one year ago, in June 2013, the Vermont Digital Economy Project launched its first Wi-Fi zone in South ...
Waterbury VT WiFi Launch Event

Waterbury To Launch New Wi-Fi Zone

WATERBURY, VT - On June 26th, at 7 pm, Waterbury, Vermont, will celebrate its new, free public downtown Wi-Fi zone, ...
Pat Corcoran with Vermont Food Shelves

IBM Disaster Prep Experts Assist Vermont Food Shelves

Last Thursday, IBM consultants delivered a disaster preparedness for nonprofits workshop to food shelf managers from across Vermont to ensure ...
Cambridge WiFi Zone

Cambridge To Launch New Wi-Fi Zone At “An Evening On Main Street”

CAMBRIDGE, VT - On June 19th, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm, Cambridge, Vermont, will celebrate the new, free public ...
CCV Offers Microsoft IT Academy Digital Training Statewide

CCV Offers Microsoft IT Academy Digital Training Statewide

Microsoft Corporation is one of VCRD's partners in the Vermont Digital Economy Project. Through a generous in-kind donation of three ...
Mary Geoffrion

Why It’s Important to Learn How to Teach Digital Skills

One of the most important services we are delivering is digital skills training. We’re doing that through both our Internet ...
Vergennes VCRD Community Visit

Vergennes Community Visit Ends on a High Note

On Wednesday May 21, VCRD and a Community Visit Resource Team went back to Vergennes for our last session as ...
brightontownhallafter

What Rural Vermont Downtowns Can Do With Super-Fast Internet Bandwidth

I recently attended the 20th Annual Historic Preservation & Downtown Conference deep in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. This year’s conference had ...
Windsor Site Survey

More Wi-Fi Projects Take Shape Thanks to Collaboration with the VTA

One of the most exciting services that we are delivering through the Vermont Digital Economy Project is the installation of ...
Wi-Fi in Downtown Windsor: Free Network Will Cover Center of Town

Wi-Fi in Downtown Windsor: Free Network Will Cover Center of Town

Windsor — A student sitting on a bench doing homework on a laptop. A businessman enjoying lunch outside a cafe ...
Richmond website with emergency banner

Richmond Vt’s New Town Website Warns Townspeople of Severe Flooding

This article was written by Tess Gauthier, Project Coordinator at the Snelling Center for Government In the last newsletter, I provided ...
vergennes-visit-april

More than 100 Vergennes Residents Set Priorities to Advance the Community

Over the past few months, we’ve been writing about our Community Visit process that is underway in Vergennes. Through this ...
Vergennes dedicates Task Forces to address priorities; Resource Meeting May 21 to build action steps

Vergennes dedicates Task Forces to address priorities; Resource Meeting May 21 to build action steps

On April 16, over 100 Vergennes community members gathered in a community meeting to consider the ideas that were discussed ...
Vermont's Smallest City Thinks Big

Vermont’s Smallest City Thinks Big

The citizens of Vergennes have set the top three priorities for their city, in an effort to take a big ...
VCRD 2013 Annual Report

VCRD 2013 Annual Report

Read the 2013 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2013, and what we’re looking forward to ...
UK Digital Skills

What Can We Learn from the UK’s Push for Digital Skill-Building?

The graphic above is used in the UK’s small business digital skills survey Vermont’s Digital Skills Roundtable was formed last ...
Johnson-website

New Websites for 15 Vermont Towns

[highlight_404_links]This article was written by Tess Gauthier, Project Coordinator at the Snelling Center for Government The Snelling Center for Government ...
presentation at ACORN

How Can Technology Affect Sustainability Practices?

This past Saturday at the ACORN Sustainable Living Expo, I presented with Michael Wood-Lewis, co-founder of Front Porch Forum, on ...
iConnect: Help Internet Beginners Get Connected!

iConnect Workshops: Helping Internet Beginners Get Connected

by Eric Sakai, Community College of Vermont A couple of years ago, my then-85-year-old mother called me from California in ...
Tess Gauthier and Christine Friese discuss digital literacy

Vermont Puts Spotlight on Need to Advance Digital Skills for Vermonters

Last December the Vermont Department of Libraries and the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) convened a roundtable discussion with a diverse ...
Irene Piano

Vermont’s Cultural Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning

This Piano came from the famed Weston Playhouse in Weston, Vermont. It is Vermont’s oldest professional theater (est. 1935) and ...
manchester-community-visit-education-full

Manchester’s Education Task Force Goes Digital

Last year, VCRD completed a 6-month Community Visit in the southern Vermont town of Manchester. This process helped Manchester residents ...
Social Media Surgery in Wilmington Vermont

The VCRD Website Got an Update!

Maybe you’ve noticed, but our website just got an overhaul. The old VCRD home page vs the new VCRD home ...
NEK Today and Tomorrow: Development drives discussion

NEK Today and Tomorrow: Development drives discussion

By Hilary Niles, vtdigger.org: http://vtdigger.org/2013/06/17/nek-today-and-tomorrow-development-drives-discussion/ Bill Stenger found more money than he knew what to do with when he started ...
Broadband Efforts in Vermont Communities

Broadband Efforts in Vermont Communities

Here are some of the broadband efforts in Vermont communities that have happened or are still in progress. Ascutney Area ...
killington-wifi-newsletter

More Internet Access For Vermonters Across the State

Call it the polar vortex, an arctic blast, or just call it winter. Whatever its name, the recent spate of ...
ITA-video-newsletter

Why Everyone Should Take Advantage of Free Online Digital Training

Free digital skills training has been available in the Rutland area for the past several months, made possible by a ...
Video ~ Summit on the Future of Vermont's Working Landscape

Video ~ Summit on the Future of Vermont’s Working Landscape

Thanks to Orca Media for filming the Summit sessions that took place in Judd Hall and making the video available ...
Celebrating working lands

Celebrating working lands

On Dec. 17, hundreds of Vermonters will come together at Vermont Technical Center to celebrate the success of the Working ...
Gathering to celebrate, foster Vermont's rural renaissance

Gathering to celebrate, foster Vermont’s rural renaissance

Randolph — On Dec. 17, hundreds of Vermonters will come together at Vermont Technical Center to celebrate the success of ...
VCRD honors Orly Munzing with Community Leadership Award

VCRD honors Orly Munzing with Community Leadership Award

The Vermont Council on Rural Development has presented its 2013 Vermont Community Leadership Award to Orly Munzing, founder and executive ...
Stroll's Munzing gets community leadership award

Stroll’s Munzing gets community leadership award

BRATTLEBORO -- Strolling of the Heifers founder Orly Munzing this week received the 2013 Vermont Community Leadership Award from the ...
Working Lands in Governor's Budget

Working Lands in Governor’s Budget

Last week, Governor Shumlin delivered his budget address to the Vermont legislature, and in that address, he showed a renewed ...
Christmas-Photo

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous 2014 from the Vermont Digital Economy Project!

I can’t believe that my first blog article as director of the Vermont Digital Economy Project was nine months ago, and ...
PEGTV-IBM-newsletter

IBM Donates Expert Disaster Preparedness Consulting to Vermont Nonprofits

Earlier this month, two IBM specialists in business continuity and resiliency services conducted two Disaster Preparedness for Nonprofit Workshops in ...
Conference Focuses on Financing Working Lands

Conference Focuses on Financing Working Lands

Vermont Public Radio: http://digital.vpr.net/post/conference-focuses-financing-working-lands According to those working to improve farming and forestry opportunities in Vermont, the state is experiencing ...
guilford-visit-circle

Guilford Community Visit Creates Discussion Among Residents

It was humbling to be part of the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s visiting team for the Guilford Community Visit ...
internet-intern-computer

Internet Interns Fulfill A Need

This article was written by Donald de Voil, Internet Interns Coordinator at CCV In today's world, it can be impossible ...
VCRD in the News

Vermont Libraries Learn Social Media Strategies

This article was written by Christine Friese, Assistant State Librarian, Vermont Department of Libraries Recently, Library directors, trustees and staff ...
logging-in-vermont-newsletter

Costello Commentary: Advancing the Vermont Forest Economy

In August, VCRD was honored to serve as a partner with the Windham Foundation to facilitate their thirty-fifth Grafton Conference ...
News from VCRD

Cities & Towns Learn How Digital Tools Create Community Resilience, In Good Times and Bad

On October 3rd, I had the great pleasure of moderating an educational panel at the Vermont League of Cities & ...
ibm-people-working-newsletter

#VTStrong: Vermont Developing Detailed Plan to Use Social Media to Leverage Volunteers

On September 23rd, the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) in Waterbury hosted an IBM “Strategies for ...
Community News VCRD

Bethel Emergency Management Volunteers Leverage Neighbors and Technology

A goal of our grant is to assist towns, business and nonprofits in using technology to be more prepared in ...
State Rural Policy Roundtable

VCRD Hosts State Rural Policy Roundtable

Last week, VCRD hosted a “State Rural Policy Innovation Roundtable” reviewing key rural development action led by states and how ...
Linda-Rossi-Disaster-Guide

Vermont Small Business Development Center Has Published the Disaster Recovery Guide for Business

The Vermont Small Business Development Center is a key partner in the Vermont Digital Economy Project. We are happy to ...
FrontPorchForumLogo-newsletter

VCRD Brings Front Porch Forum to Every Vermont Town

Lost dog found in Waitsfield, plow service recommended in Pownal, school board minutes shared in Newport, car break-in reported in ...
Tess Gauthier in Wilmington Vermont

Engaging Citizens To Help Build Municipal Websites

This article was written by Tess Gauthier, Project Coordinator at the Snelling Center The Snelling Center for Government is happy ...
Woodstock-Social-Media-Surgery-Alison-Emerson-newsletter

“Social Media Surgeons” Work in Woodstock

 On a Tuesday night, in the upstairs rooms of the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, Vermont, 17 members of ...
Mike-at-CCV-newsletter

Free Digital Workforce Training Now Available at CCV Rutland!

Two months ago, we announced the Community College of Vermont (CCV) Rutland facility was going to be the first location ...
Working Lands “Service Provider” and “Capital and Infrastructure” grants will be announced at June 18 Press Conference

Working Lands “Service Provider” and “Capital and Infrastructure” grants will be announced at June 18 Press Conference

16 Grantees will Receive Over $750,000 in Total Funding Governor Peter Shumlin, Agency of Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross, Agency of ...
Wi-Fi-Launch-Sign-newsletter

More chances for creating downtown Wi-Fi zones, through the VTA’s Business Broadband Improvement District Designation

Our goal, through the Vermont Digital Economy Project, is to help Vermonters use and understand digital tools better. We know ...
telemedicine-Fletcher-Allen-newsletter

Digital Tools Bring Increased Access to Quality Healthcare for Rural Vermonters

Last week, I participated in a Broadband Access Roundtable Discussion for Vermont’s healthcare providers co-hosted by the USDA - Rural Development ...
Local Nonprofits Encouraged to Use More Online Tools to Build Stronger Organization

Local Nonprofits Encouraged to Use More Online Tools to Build Stronger Organization

For Immediate Release Press Contact: Rob Fish, Nonprofit Adviser, Vermont Digital Economy Project (802) 488-5143 LOCAL NONPROFITS ENCOURAGED TO USE ...
Microsoft-IT-academy

Free Certificate Programs for Digital Skills Coming to CCV Rutland, Thanks to Microsoft

Offering highly accessible digital workforce education is a key part of the Vermont Digital Economy Project.  Project partner Microsoft is ...
road-newsletter

Front Porch Forum Will Be Expanded to Every Vermont Town that Wants It

All of this rain has reminded me how important it is that our Vermont Digital Economy Project will bring Front Porch Forum to ...
lady-on-computer

Flood-Impacted Community Libraries Should Apply for Their Very Own Internet Intern!

This article was written by Christine Friese, Assistant State Librarian. To apply for an Internet Intern for your Library, fill ...
News from VCRD

Free Individual Digital Advising to Help Farm & Forest Ventures Improve Operations

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) has its roots in the 1992 Farm Bill.  The organization has also taken ...
VCRD Logo

Vermont Digital Economy Project Brings Free Wi-Fi to Downtown Bethel

BETHEL, VT - The town of Bethel, Vermont, will be celebrating the arrival of a free and public downtown Wi-Fi ...
Community News VCRD

Vermont Digital Economy Project Delivers Free Downtown Wi-Fi and Much More to Flood-Impacted Communities

June 14, 2013 (Montpelier, Vermont.) -- On a rainy Thursday afternoon, vendors gathered on the South Royalton green for the ...
VCRD Logo

Royalton To Launch Free Wi-Fi Funded by the Vermont Digital Economy Project

SOUTH ROYALTON, VT - After weeks of preparation, decision-making and community involvement, the town of Royalton will kick off its ...
shumlin-working-lands

Two Important Developments: Working Lands and Farm Bill

As a neutral policy and community development convener, VCRD is rarely directly connected to legislative matters but we are excited ...
boston-montage-newsletter

The Effective Use of Internet Tools During Disasters

Our hearts go out to everyone who was injured or affected in the unthinkable attack on the Boston Marathon last ...
Bethel-business-newsletter

Digital Economy Services Come to Life

As we discussed in an earlier post, the Vermont Digital Economy Project has been getting its feet wet and meeting ...
Microsoft Digital Literacy

Microsoft Digital Literacy

Our partners at Microsoft have developed a Digital Literacy program that helps to bridge the digital divide. We’re working with ...
Manchester-community-visit-dots

Keeping The Youth in Vermont

I’ve been struck by census data on rural communities that shows that some rural towns across the country are rapidly ...
Sharon-and-Rose-in-Royalton

Vermont Digital Economy Project Begins Assisting Flood-Impacted Communities

April 8, 2013 (MONTPELIER, VT) – The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announced today the first round of communities ...
Lost-with-no-wireless

Reflections on Our First Team Visits to Flood-Impacted Towns

Every time I commute to the Vermont Council of Rural Development office in Montpelier, I head north out of my ...
Old-Lady-On-Computer

Internet Interns: How to Help Bridge the Digital Divide

Guest post by Christine Friese, Assistant State Librarian Vermont Department of Libraries is pleased to be partnering again with VCRD ...
Manchester-Visit

What’s New at VCRD: Community Visits

Vermonters across the state know that local action makes our communities vibrant. But local action often needs support from regional, ...
citizenville book cover

Citizenville: how new technologies can empower local governments

Over the next 18 months, VCRD’s Digital Economy Project will be working to help Vermont communities, businesses and nonprofits become ...
Digital Economy Applications Are In!

Digital Economy Applications Are In!

We’ve had a busy few weeks at the Vermont Digital Economy Project! Not only were Sharon, Rob and I getting ...
team-project

Welcome to the Vermont Digital Economy Project!

I am excited to join the Vermont Council on Rural Development as the Director of the Vermont Digital Economy Project ...
WLEB-application-distribution_Page_2

Working Lands Enterprises are Growing Throughout the State

The Working Lands Enterprise Board received a total of 387 applications for the three investment areas, for a total requested ...
Working Lands supporters

Working Lands Coalition Calls for “5-by-3” Investment: Five million per year for three years will build a strong working lands economy

Members of the Working Lands Coalition launched their “5-by-3” campaign on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at the Vermont State House ...
2012 Beginner Friendly Website Contest - Winning Entry

2012 Beginner Friendly Website Contest – Winning Entry

Congratulations to Lars Hasselblad Torres, the winner of the 2012 Beginner Friendly Website Design contest. Our panel of judges selected ...
Research data shows improvements in student engagement through 1:1 computing initiative

Research data shows improvements in student engagement through 1:1 computing initiative

Digital Wish's School Modernization Initiative (through VCRD's e-Vermont Community Broadband Program) put one-computer-per-child programs into 24 e-Vermont schools. Through the ...
VCRD 2011 Annual Report

VCRD 2011 Annual Report

Read the 2011 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2011, and what we’re looking forward to ...
Legislative Panel Hears Strong Support for Working Lands Bill

Legislative Panel Hears Strong Support for Working Lands Bill

MONTPELIER, VT – Vermont Rural Jobs Bill Draws a Crowd: A legislative panel holding a public hearing on the Vermont ...
Community News VCRD

West Rutland Celebrates Year of Digital Achievements

(9/21/11) - The e-Vermont Community Broadband Project congratulates the West Rutland team for its completion of a successful year. Since ...
How to view the web image

How Do You Read the Web?

(5/4/11) - The Vermont State Colleges (VSC) are offering a variety of tools to help residents of e-Vermont communities learn ...
Vermontiana story

Gallery of Vermontiana Goes Online

(5/4/11) - We talk about the Internet as the communications tool of the future, but it is also a new ...
VCRD 2010 Annual Report

VCRD 2010 Annual Report

VCRD 2010 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2010, and what we’re looking forward to in ...
VCRD 2008 Annual Report

VCRD 2008 Annual Report

Read the 2008 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2008, and what we’re looking forward to ...
VCRD 2007 Annual Report

VCRD 2007 Annual Report

Read the 2007 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2007, and what we’re looking forward to ...
VCRD 2006 Annual Report

VCRD 2006 Annual Report

Read the 2006 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2006, and what we’re looking forward to ...