VCRD Inaugural Community Social - Vermont Council on Rural Development

Join the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) for our inaugural “Community Social!”

Tuesday, June 13 | 5-7 PM | Lake Bomoseen Lodge & Taproom | Bomoseen, Vermont

This event, at the Lake Bomoseen Lodge & Taproom, is for community members and leaders, volunteers, and partners committed to Vermont. The short program will feature speakers from across the state as well as updates on VCRD initiatives and programs that connect with rural communities around Vermont. There will also be time for networking and connecting with friends old and new on the shores of beautiful Lake Bomoseen.

VCRD is a dynamic partnership of national, state, local, non-profit, and private leaders – who listen to the opportunities and challenges in Vermont’s communities and support those who dedicate themselves to the progress of their communities and Vermont. This is a critical time to be focused on our small cities and towns.

We hope you will join the VCRD Inaugural Community Social on Lake Bomoseen! Engage with other leaders, learn more about VCRD, get involved, and celebrate the important community work happening across Vermont.

Meet Our Keynote!

Melinda Humphrey moved to central Vermont from western Massachusetts in 2007 with the intent to kickstart a career in the utility industry, thinking she’d eventually move to a more populous area with greater opportunities. She took a job in customer care at Central Vermont Public Service, settled into Rutland County and hasn’t looked back. Lasting friendships were quickly made through abundant recreation and service opportunities, creating a sense of belonging. With support and encouragement from her mentors, Vermont was not just a starting off point, it was home- and ripe with opportunity. 16 years later, Melinda is a Rutland City homeowner of 10+ years and the Manager of Tariffs and Rates at Green Mountain Power. A cofounder of Rutland Young Professionals in 2013, “retired” youth hockey coach 2010-2020 and Rutland City Alderman 2013-2021, Melinda is also a licensed Vermont foster parent and respite provider since 2017 and enjoys sharing her life and home while making lasting connections with Rutland families. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, is an Election Clerk for Rutland City, and serves as the Assistant Treasurer for the Rutland Area Branch of the NAACP.

Additional Speakers

Additional Speakers:

Welcome & Greetings from Rutland County
Lyle Jepson, Executive Director, Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region

Keynote Introduction
Lisa Ryan, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vermont Law and Graduate School
VCRD Board Member

Keynote
Melinda Humphrey, Manger of Tariffs & Rates, Green Mountain Power

VCRD: Who We Are & What We’re Seeing
Brian Lowe, Executive Director, Vermont Council on Rural Development

Closing Remarks
Julie Moore, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
VCRD Board Chair

Thank You, Sponsors!

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact VCRD Development & Communications Manager, Kim Rupe, at [email protected]