VCRD Summit Highlights

Talented students from the Emergent Media Center at Champlain College interviewed Summit speakers and participants to capture the spirit of the Summit in video. Their showing of a first draft at the close of the Summit was a huge hit and a great way to end a great day. Here’s their final cut with clips from Senator Leahy, Congressman Welch, Speaker Shap Smith, plenary speaker Danny Kennedy, and more. Check it out! (4:34 minutes)

VCRD Summit Part 1 Vermont Climate Economy IDEAS TO ACTION

The Vermont Council on Rural Development presents “Vermont Climate Economy Summit IDEAS TO ACTION.” Held at the Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, VT on Monday, February 22, 2016.

Part 1 includes opening remarks by Greg Brown, Board Chair of VCRD; Dan Smith, President of Vermont Technical College; Judge William Sessions, Chair of the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council; U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy; VT Speaker of the House Shap Smith; and Paul Costello, Executive Director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development.

VCRD Summit Part 2 Vermont Climate Economy IDEAS TO ACTION

Part 2 has Breakout Session 1: Arenas for Action “How do we advance elements of the climate change economy in our areas of work?” Session with City and Town Leaders was facilitated by Mark Johnson of VTDigger.org. Panelists included John Hollar, Mayor of Montpelier, VT; Chris Louras, Mayor of Rutland, VT; Thom Lauzon, Mayor of Barre, VT; and Peter Elwell, Town Manager of Brattleboro, VT.

VCRD Summit Part 3 Vermont Climate Economy IDEAS TO ACTION

Part 3 includes introduction by Paul Costello, Executive Director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development of U.S. Congressman Peter Welch. Presentation of the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award to Rick Davis of the Permanent Fund for Vermont’s Children. Presented by Hal Cohen, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services and by Buzz Schmidt, Vermont Council on Rural Development Board Member. Keynote Address Speaker introduced by Mary Powell, President of Green Mountain Power. Keynote Address given by Danny Kennedy of the California Clean Energy Fund.

VCRD Summit Part 4 Vermont Climate Economy IDEAS TO ACTION

Part 4 has Breakout Session 2: Action – “How do we build action to advance the climate economy?” Session focused on “Growing Climate Economy Entrepreneurs: Climate Economy Network initiative” Discussion facilitated by Ellen Kahler of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund.

VCRD Summit Part 5 Vermont Climate Economy IDEAS TO ACTION

Part 5 includes the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council Members Perspectives. Each participant on the VCCEC shared one element that most excites them about the work ahead. Panel moderated by Chuck Ross, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. VCCEC members presenting included: Andi Colnes; Mike Donahue; Joe Fusco; Karen Glitman; David Martin; Brian Shupe; Nathaniel Vandal; Ellen Kahler; Lucy Leriche; Jon Erickson; and Scott Johnstone. Concluding thoughts – “Next Action: VCRD and Partnership” presented by Paul Costello, Executive Director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Champlain College Emergent Media Program presented a student video of Summit highlights.

 

Find links to audio from some of the other sessions at www.bobthegreenguy.com/vces16.