Vermont Business Magazine Events

Kids VT announces camp & school fair

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:51:24 -0600

Start: 02/04/2012 - 10:00am

End: 02/14/2012 - 2:00pm

The 15th Annual Kids VT Camp & School Fair is happening on Saturday, February 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton in Burlington. Admission is free. This year’s fair is presented by Timberlane Dental Group and TD Bank.

Is your child ready for an adventure day camp? Are you thinking of switching to a private school? At the Kids VT Camp & School Fair, parents can communicate directly with representatives from more than 50 camps and schools from all over Vermont and beyond.

Another reason to visit downtown Burlington that day? Before or after the camp fair, there’s more family fun at the Burlington Winter Festival on the Waterfront and the Church Street Marketplace. The Winter Festival hosts the annual Penguin Plunge, and a snow carving competition in Waterfront Park. Free shuttle buses will run between the Hilton and all winter fest locations.

Kids VT, Vermont’s family resource, publishes a monthly magazine that reaches Vermont parents via doctor’s offices, schools and newsstands. It carries local, kid-friendly content — including news stories relating to education, childcare and other issues of interest to parents and caregivers. You’ll find it online at kidsvt.com.

Vermont Tech hosting Women in Engineering Technology Day

tim — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:49:41 -0600

Start: 02/08/2012 - 9:00am

End: 02/08/2012 - 2:00pm

Vermont Technical College is holding a Women in Engineering Technology Day one week from today on Wednesday, February 8th at the Vermont Tech Randolph Campus. The event is designed for young women interested in science and technology and will provide opportunities for attendees to meet current engineering technology students, working professionals, and engage in laboratory demonstrations.

Women in Engineering Technology Day begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 2:00 pm. The event is free and RSVPs should be made by calling 1-800-442-8821, emailing admissions@vtc.edu, or filling out the online form athttp://bit.ly/wdUL7H.

Program demonstrations will include civil, architectural, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering technologies. Lunch will be provided followed by a Q&A panel of current students and professionals. Panelists include Desiree Cerrentani(BS Electromechanical graduate and current Goodrich Designer) and Rachael Oldinski, Ph.D. (UVM Assistant Professor Engineering Program). Optional tours of the Vermont Tech Randolph Campus will follow.

About Vermont Technical College

Vermont Technical College is the only public institution of higher learning in Vermont whose mission is applied education. One of the five Vermont State Colleges, Vermont Tech serves students from throughout Vermont, New England, and beyond at its two primary campuses in Williston and Randolph Center, and at nine nursing campuses located throughout the state. Our academic programs encompass a wide range of engineering, agricultural, health, and business fields that are vital to producing the knowledge workers need most by employers in the state and in the region. www.vtc.edu

Better Buildings by Design (Feb 9)

tim — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:44:30 -0600

Start: 02/08/2012 - 12:00pm

End: 02/09/2012 - 12:59pm

BETTER BUILDINGS BY DESIGN:

REGION’S PREMIER DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE OPENS FEB. 8

KEYNOTE ADDRESSES HOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY DRIVES REAL ESTATE VALUE

Additional Hot Topics Include: State Energy Codes, Financing Energy Efficiency, Smart Grid, Measuring Light with Lumens, and the Annual “Best of the Best” Awards

What:
Realtor Laura Stukel, a national expert on energy efficiency for homeowners, will deliver the keynote address to open the 14th Better Buildings by Design conference, the region’s premier design and construction event, hosted by Efficiency Vermont. The two-day forum features interactive learning about building efficiency, durability and value for commercial and residential projects.

Stukel’s address, “Promoting for Efficiency: The Secrets of GreenMLS,” will highlight the critical role Realtors can play in transforming the market for residential and commercial design, construction, and sales. In addition to selling real estate in suburban Chicago, Stukel is project lead for the National Association of Realtors’ GreenMLS Toolkit and chair of Efficiency First’s Real Estate Working Group.

Better Buildings by Design will feature more than 35 presentations with solutions for new and existing buildings, more than 50 exhibits and demonstrations, and more than 1,000 design and construction professionals in attendance.

Additional hot topics at the conference include:

- Smart grid: Will the smart grid bring a new wave of energy efficiency, or is it just hype?

- Hard answers to easy questions: Building in the northern climate presents certain challenges

- Lighting: Solid-state lighting or LEDs; the “lightbulb ban;” and measuring light with lumens, not watts

- Selling it: Conveying the value of energy efficiency through financing options

- State energy codes: Vermont’s new residential and commercial energy codes

- Efficiency Vermont’s 2012 Best of the Best Awards: Winners in design and construction of energy-efficient buildings will be honored during the Opening Session

Who:
- Laura Stukel, Realtor, NAR Green, Ecobroker Certified

- Jim Merriam, Executive Director, Efficiency Vermont

Where:

Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center

870 Williston Road

Burlington, Vermont

When:

February 8-9, 2012

Keynote address to take place on Wednesday, February 8 at 8:30 a.m.

Web site:

www.efficiencyvermont.com/conference

Celebrate Vermont Entrepreneurship Week

john — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:15:45 -0600

Start: 02/09/2012 - 8:00am

End: 02/09/2012 - 1:00pm

Join Vermont entrepreneurs, students, business technical assistance providers and policymakers in celebrating Vermont’s entrepreneurial spirit on Thursday, February 9,2012 at the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier, VT.

The celebration features the Governor’s Proclamation for Entrepreneurship Week 2012, presentation of awards for the Vermont Entrepreneurship Poster Contest to Vermont high school and technical center students, a breakfast reception (8:00AM-9:45AM), workshops and luncheon at the Capitol Plaza (10:00AM-1:00PM), Montpelier.

Event sponsored by Johnson State College, VCET, CTSO, VtSBDC, VT State Auditor, Vermont REAL Enterprises, Lamoille Economic Development Corporation, Vermont Dept. of Economic Development, Champlain College BYO Biz, VT Commission on Women, and Merritt, Merritt & Moulton.

To register, click here ($20.00 registration fee).

Vermont Nonprofit Legislative Day 2012

intern — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:32:43 -0600

Start: 02/09/2012 - 8:00am

More than 100 nonprofit leaders from across the state will convene at the Vermont State House on Thursday, February 9th for the third annual Vermont Nonprofit Legislative Day.

Nonprofit leaders will be in Montpelier to testify at legislative committees on the work and positive impact of Vermont's nonprofits and to demonstrate their role as a positive economic force in the state of Vermont. There will also be a brief annual report on the work of Common Good Vermont and a 2:30 p.m. meeting with Governor Peter Shumlin on challenges facing Vermont's nonprofits sector.

Confirmed speakers for the day include Speaker Shap Smith (Vermont Legislature), Mark Larson (Department of Health Access), Jessica Oski (Sirotkin & Necrason), Floyd Nease (Vermont Association for Mental Health), Jacqueline Majoros, (Vermont Legal Aid), Sheila Reed ( Voices for Vermont's Children), Peter Gilbert (Vermont Humanities Council) and Liz Schlegel (Central Vermont Community Action Council).

The agenda for the day includes:

8 – 3 p.m. –- Registration Open/ Visit Partner Tables – Room 11, Vermont State House

9:00 a.m. –- Common Good Vermont Annual Meeting– Room 11, Vermont State House

9:15 a.m. –-Opening Remarks with Speaker of the House Shap Smith – Room 11, Vermont State House

9.25 a.m. –- Nonprofit Legislative Briefing with Jessica Oski (Sirotkin & Necrason) & Mark Larson (Commissioner of VT Department of Health Access) - Room 11, Vermont State House

10:00 a.m. –- Preview of the Days' Schedule. How to Fan out and be Effective in the Statehouse, Liz Schlegel (Central Vermont Community Action Council) – Room 11, Vermont State House

10:30 a.m. –- Legislative Committee Visits
-
1:00 p.m. –- Devotional Reading, Peter Gilbert (VT Humanities Council) - House Chamber, Vermont State House

1:20 p.m. – Secrets of Successful Advocacy with Floyd Nease (Vermont Association for Mental Health), Jacqueline Majoros, (Vermont Legal Aid), Sheila Reed ( Voices for Vermont's Children),

2:30 p.m. –- Meeting with Governor Peter Shumlin on Nonprofit Priorities, Room 11, Vermont State House

More information available at: http://bit.ly/VTNPODAY

Okemo Mountain Winter Carnival (February 9-12, Okemo)

intern — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:02:57 -0600

Start: 02/09/2012 - 11:02am

Love will be in the air, on the streets and all over Okemo Mountain when Winter Carnival comes to town next month. This year’s February 9-12 festival raises funds for the July 4 fireworks and builds upon last year’s “Lovin’ Ludlow” theme with several new attractions. Look for a Scavenger Hunt involving local merchants and a poetry walk of elementary school literature about “Why I love Ludlow.”

Baby boomers and their kids are sure to be excited by the showing of Warren Miller’s 62nd annual ski film, “Like There’s no Tomorrow,” twice during carnival week in the Town Hall Auditorium. Sponsored by Vermont Country Properties/Sotheby’s International Realty, admission has been set at a recession-busting $10.

Complete carnival details about the parties, parades, fireworks, bonfires, roasted marshmallow and ever-popular snow sculpture competition may be found on the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce website: www.yourplaceinvermont.com

Doctor Ovleto Ciccarelli colorectal health talk (February 9, Randolph)

intern — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:23:56 -0600

Start: 02/09/2012 - 5:30pm

Gifford Medical Center general surgeon Doctor Ovleto Ciccarelli is working to bring colon and rectal health issues to forefront in a February 9 talk titled “Everyone’s Got One: A Discussion on the Colon and How to Keep it Healthy.”

Ciccarelli will lead the 5:30-7:30 pm talk in the Randolph hospital’s Conference Center, sharing the important role of the colon and common colorectal health issues.

“Everyone has these organs. Yet people are reluctant to talk about problems with their colon or their rectum. Men especially find it difficult to discuss these matters,” Ciccarelli says. “But this is one area of medicine where we can actually prevent disease, extend lives and improve quality of life.”

The human body contains about seven feet of colon, or large intestine, which plays a vital role in helping the body complete the digestion process, retain water and eliminate waste. Like any organ, it can be subject to disease.

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States and Vermont. One in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. And each year, about 140,000 people nationally are diagnosed with the disease and about 50,000 die from it.

Colorectal cancer develops from polyps that grow - silently, unseen and unfelt - on the inside wall of the colon. Many polyps will never become cancer, but some will over the years.

Yet, a colonoscopy can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. This is because during a colonoscopy, these polyps are removed in their precancerous state or before disease can be felt, preventing the onset or the spread of the disease. And when found early, colorectal cancer is highly curable.

Without colonoscopies, it is not until polyps become cancerous, grow large and block the colon or break through the colon wall that colon cancer symptoms are evident.

Cancer, however, is just one disease that can affect the large bowel. Ciccarelli will discuss diverticulosis and its complications along with routine anorectal topics, such as anal fissures and hemorrhoids.

“The colon and rectum can cause numerous problems that may drastically affect one’s quality of life. We want to eliminate the shame, fear, embarrassment and misunderstanding of talking to your health care provider about colorectal health concerns,” notes Ciccarelli.

“At some point in their lives, most people experience some sort of problem with their colon or rectum. It’s not something people freely speak about,” agrees Gifford Vice President of Surgery Rebecca O’Berry. “We’re hoping community members can put aside any reservations they may have and come out to learn how they can feel better and live longer.”

The talk aims to reduce embarrassment by sharing a real patient story. After years as a surgeon, Ciccarelli also ensures he’ll infuse plenty of humor into the discussion, which includes a question and answer period at the end.

The event is free and open to the public. Register by calling Amanda at (802) 728-2238.

Gifford is located at 44 S. Main Street (Route 12 south of the village) in Randolph. The Conference Center is on the first floor of the hospital and marked by a green awning. Learn more online at www.giffordmed.org.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) winter conference, February 10-12

tim — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:15:25 -0600

Start: 02/10/2012 - 12:00pm

End: 02/12/2012 - 12:59pm

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) Winter Conference has long been a key educational and inspirational gathering for Vermont’s farmers. The 30th annual conference, taking place February 10-12, 2012 at the University of Vermont in Burlington will be no exception – with extra emphasis on the inspiration.

After a particularly challenging year, Vermont’s growers are looking forward to the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn new techniques, and create connections. The NOFA-VT Winter Conference brings together farmers, educators, researchers, and more to build knowledge and tackle hard questions – like how to create a vibrant and resilient food system in the face of climate change and a struggling economy.

On Saturday, keynote speaker and local extension expert Vern Grubinger will share his vision of the future of Vermont’s food system. “The resilience of Vermont's food system is challenged by many factors, including climate change and weather extremes, reliance on fossil fuel, loss of good farmland, and consolidation of food processing, distribution and retailing,” says Grubinger. “Strategies for addressing these challenges are emerging as part of an ongoing transformation in how people think about food. This presentation will highlight some of these strategies and the farms involved with them, celebrating the progress being made and suggesting new actions for the future.”

Over 30 of the weekend’s workshops are intended for commercial farmers and will cover topics such as Produce Safety, Farm Finance, Flood Recovery, Alternative Energy, Pasture Management and much more. In addition, day-long seminars on Friday will address Advanced Orchard Health for Sustainable Fruit Production, Nose-to-Tail Butchery, Organic Beekeeping, Renewable Energy Options, and Weed Management in a Wetter, Warmer Climate.

About NOFA Vermont: NOFA Vermont is member-based organization working to grow local farms, healthy food, and strong communities in Vermont. Our members are farmers, gardeners, educators and food lovers of all sorts – anyone who wants to help us create a future full of local food and local farms. Our programs include farmer and gardener technical assistance, farm to school support, organic certification, advocacy, an online apprentice and farm worker directory, an annual Winter Conference, and programs that work to ensure access to fresh, local food to all Vermonters, regardless of income.

New Healthier Living Workshop series begins on Valentine’s Day

tim — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:20:02 -0600

Start: 02/14/2012 - 10:00am

New Healthier Living Workshop
series begins on Valentine’s Day

RANDOLPH - This Valentine’s Day give yourself the gift of good health by joining a free Healthier Living Workshop series.

Healthier Living Workshops are six-week classes for people with chronic conditions and their caregivers, and a new series begins this Valentine’s Day at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.

Offered for free as part of the Vermont Blueprint for Health, the workshops are led by trained facilitators and are designed to help improve strength, flexibility and endurance. They also provide tips for managing medications, eating healthier and improving communications with family and friends.

The goal is to help people better manage their health conditions and deal with the frustration, fatigue and pain that can accompany a chronic disease.

Participants also benefit from meeting other people with chronic conditions, learning how they cope and enjoying the camaraderie of knowing that they are not alone in how they’re feeling, notes Gifford workshop coordinator Susan Delattre.

According to the Vermont Department of Health, past participants report increased energy, reduced stress, more self-confidence and fewer doctors’ visits as a result.

The workshops are offered quarterly at Gifford and this latest class begins Feb. 14 and continues Tuesdays through March 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Randolph hospital’s Conference Center.

To register or for more information, call Delattre at Gifford at (802) 728-2118.
Gifford Medical Center is at 44 S. Main St. (Route 12 south of the village) in Randolph. The Conference Center is on the first floor. Log onto www.giffordmed.org <http://www.giffordmed.org> to learn more.

CALENDAR:
Healthier Living Workshops

Chronic illness sufferers improve your quality of life through these workshops offered as part of the Vermont Blueprint for Health, Tuesdays, Feb. 14 through March 20, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Gifford Medical Center, Conference Center, 44 S. Main St., Randolph, free, call (802) 728-2118 to register.

Dean's Leadership Speaker Series Presents: Jeffrey Hollender

john — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:57:24 -0600

Start: 02/15/2012 - 11:45am

Jeffrey Hollender

The School of Business Administration Dean’s Leadership Speaker Series is proud to welcome Co-Founder and Former CEO of Seventh Generation Jeffrey Hollender on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 11:45 a.m. in the Livak Ballroom of the Davis Center.

Mr. Hollender is a leading authority on corporate responsibility, sustainability and social equity. He is the co-founder of Seventh Generation, a leading natural product brand known for authenticity, transparency and progressive practices. Seventh Generation was established in 1988 in Burlington, Vt. and remains an independent, privately held company distributing products to natural food stores, supermarkets, mass merchants and online retailers in both the U.S. and Canada.

Mr. Hollender is also the founder of Jeffrey Hollender Partners, a business strategy consulting firm. He considers himself a "born entrepreneur."

“I am delighted to welcome Jeffrey Hollender to speak at the Business School’s Dean’s Leadership Speaker Series,” said Dean Sanjay Sharma. “Jeffrey’s entrepreneurial background and focus on social entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility sets a great example for our students as we help them develop the knowledge required for success in today’s complex global economy.”

Mr. Hollender has published several books including 2010’s The Responsibility Revolution: How the Next Generation of Businesses Will Win. He is the board chair of the Greenpeace Fund US and co-founder and board chair of the American Sustainable Business Council. He also is a member of the Board of Health Care Without Harm and Verite, a leading workers’ rights organization.

The Dean’s Leadership Speaker Series provides our students with an unparalleled view of the current trends facing business leaders today. Our mission is to equip students with the knowledge and resources to become responsible managers who are engaged and passionate about building better organizations and a better society.

Risk Management Essentials Dinner Meeting (February 15, South Burlington)

intern — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:07:18 -0600

Start: 02/15/2012 - 5:30pm

What: Project Management Institute Champlain Valley (PMI-CV) host a dinner meeting with a topic of “Risk Management Essentials”. Speaker: Renee Robyor.

When: Wednesday, February 15 2012

Time: 5:30 pm - 8:15 pm

Where: Doubletree Hotel, 1117 Williston Rd., South Burlington, VT

Admission: Members: $ 25.00 Non-Members: $ 35.00

Registration deadline: Monday, February 13, 2012

Contact for info: 802-735-5359

http://www.pmicv.org

e-Vermont hosts "Vermont Communities in a Digital Age" workshop

tim — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:33:09 -0600

Start: 02/16/2012 - 8:00am

End: 02/16/2012 - 12:59pm

The e-Vermont Community Broadband Project is working across Vermont to help communities solve local issues with 21st century tools. On February 16 e-Vermont will host Vermont Communities in a Digital Age to highlight some of the projects taking place and bring leaders and learners together to share what they have discovered so far. Topics include mobilizing community resources during emergencies, a hands-on lab about digital tools for business, a showcase of how technology is expanding the classroom for 4-6th graders, and a preview of how town meetings can reach a wider audience. The all-day workshop takes place at Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center.

“High speed Internet is the critical resource of the 21st century for business, education, community building, good governance and communicating with friends and family. It touches on all parts of our lives,” says e-Vermont Project Director Helen Labun Jordan. “But making the best use of this resource takes the kind of creative thinking we’ll be sharing on February 16.” Labun Jordan notes that this workshop is for people who are comfortable with computers and focused on applying those skills to larger community goals, not on learning basic skills.

Anne Galloway is the keynote speaker. Anne is an award-winning journalist and founder/editor of VTDigger.org, a statewide news website dedicated to coverage of Vermont politics, consumer affairs, business and public policy.

Registration is only $20 and includes course offerings, refreshments and lunch. For a complete schedule and to pre-register online visit the e-Vermont website at www.e4vt.org, call 802-859-3090, or e-mail joanna@snellingcenter.org

e-Vermont partner The Snelling Center for Government is the lead organizer forVermont Communities in a Digital Age.
“The whole day will offer participants new ideas about how digital tools can be used to create jobs, reinvent schools, attract visitors, improve civic involvement, and enliven Vermont communities,” stated conference coordinator Joanna Cummings. “We hope that hearing directly from some of our communities about their projects will inspire other towns to adapt these tools for their unique needs.”

The e-Vermont Community Broadband Project is led by the Vermont Council on Rural Development, and is made up of the Vermont State Colleges, the Vermont Department of Libraries, the Vermont Department of Public Service, Vermont Small Business Development Center, the Snelling Center for Government, Front Porch Forum, Digital Wish, Evslin Family Foundation and Vermont Community Foundation.

e-Vermont is supported by a $2.5 million stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Additional support comes from the Evslin Family Foundation, Vermont Community Foundation, the Jan and David Blittersdorf Foundation, UVM’s Center for Rural Studies, the Vermont Rural Partnership and by donated services and equipment from Dell, Microsoft, and Comcast.

Montpelier, VT

Young global leaders will visit St. Johnsbury Academy through Colwell Speaker Series

tim — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:48:35 -0600

Start: 02/16/2012 - 7:00pm

Six young adults recognized as emerging global leaders in their areas of expertise will visit St. Johnsbury Academy Thursday and Friday, February 16-17.

Participants in the Sauvé Scholars Program, created in 1931 at McGill University in Montreal to recognize “young leaders from across the globe who want to change the world, and have demonstrated skills as agents of change,” the group is visiting the Academy as part of SJA’s ongoing Colwell Speaker Series, offered through the school’s Colwell Center for Global Understanding.
The Sauvé Scholars visit includes a February 16 “Forum on Leadership and Sustainability,” free and open to the public, at 7 p.m. in the Academy’s Grace Stuart Orcutt Library, located in the Mayo Center, and February 17 visits to classes.
Visiting Scholars include Paul Omonge from Kenya, national coordinator for the Change Africa Youth Initiative, which educates young people about climate change and ways to mitigate it; Esmael Njuguna, also from Kenya, founder of community-based youth organization which received the MTV cable channel’s “Staying Alive” awards in 2009 and 2010 for its role in fighting HIV and AIDS in Kenya; Yimin Jiang from the Peoples Republic of China, whose diversified experience in the business and banking world led to his selection as a member the 2008 Beijing Olympiad Organizational Committee; Simangele Mabena from South Africa, a 2008 Mandela Rhodes Scholarship recipient active in efforts to battle illiteracy among her home country’s deaf community; Stephanie Jensen-Cormier, from France and Canada, an expert on China’s role in developing international environmental policy; and Dechen Wangmo, a journalist from Bhutan and expert on the importance of free and independent media in new and emerging democracies.
“They are a spirited group, very excited to come, and I hope that we take advantage not only of their field expertise but also their commitment to being future leaders in their respective countries,” Melissa Burroughs, the Colwell Center’s interim director, said.
The Academy also partners with the Fellows Program at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs to provide guests for the Colwell Speaker Series.
Upcoming presenters include a Venezuelan media analyst who also works with an organization promoting total disarmament in that country (March 14); a Sri Lankan journalist, publisher, and peace activist who was named a “prisoner of conscience” by the Amnesty International organization in 2008 (April 11); and a Guatemalan career diplomat who has served in Paris, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and South Korea (May 1).
Speakers are hosted by members of the Academy’s Colwell Scholars program, designed to encourage students’ interest in international issues and cultures, and “provide them the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the world,” Burroughs said.
The Colwell Center was launched at the start of the 2003-04 school year through a gift from the Steven B. Colwell family of Carlsbad, California, with the goal of creating a forum where the sharing of ideas and cultural differences as well as similarities could be explored, leading to better global understanding. Members of the donor family include Steven Colwell II, who graduated from the Academy in 1987; Tyler Colwell of the Class of 1991; and Christopher Colwell, a 2003 graduate.
Additional information about Colwell Center programs is available through the Academy’s Website, www.stjohnsburyacademy.org, or by contacting Burroughs by email at mburroughs@stjacademy.org.

Management Development Seminar (February 17, Burlington)

intern — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:31:49 -0600

Start: 02/17/2012 - 10:31am

The Center for Leadership & Innovation is pleased to announce the Spring 2012 Professional Business Certificate in Leadership and Management. This professional certificate from The University of Vermont is designed to develop strategic leadership and management skills and is ideal if you are a mid-level supervisor, manager, executive, human resource professional, or leader in a small to medium company. This is also a very beneficial certification if you are a career-track individual who desires a supervisory, management, or leadership position. The curriculum is also ideal for companies interested in training delivered at your business location.

Become a more effective leader, manager, or supervisor through practical, skill-based learning in the Certificate Program in Leadership and Management. Grounded in the practical aspects of day-to-day management, the curriculum develops knowledge and skills useful to a position of influence, even if you are not in a formal management role. Courses in how to build managerial excellence equip you to better understand the latest principles, strategic concepts, philosophies, and advanced applications in management and leadership. The certificate also prepares you to take on higher-level job responsibilities, improves your current managerial performance, helps you develop a big-picture view of management, and enables you to communicate more effectively.

Classes meet conveniently over the course of 4 months beginning on February 17, 2012 through May 24, 2012.

UVM employees, their families, and affiliates are eligible for 20% discount on The Professional Certificate and all individual Professional Development Seminars.

Grant Funding Available at 40%

Employees working in the industries of: manufacturing, healthcare, informational technology, telecommunications, and environmental engineering are eligible for up to a 40% discount on seminars. This grant is offered through a partnership with the Vermont Training Program and the Department of Economic Development. For more details call The UVM Center for Leadership and Innovation: 888-222-3413 or 802-656-4033.

Harris Hill Ski Jumping competition

tim — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:39:02 -0600

Start: 02/18/2012 - 12:00pm

End: 02/19/2012 - 12:59pm

This year’s Harris Hill Ski Jumping competition gets under way at 11 a.m. both days, Saturday, February 18 and Sunday February 19. This event is sure to please individuals and families alike as they witness the breathtaking sport of ski jumping also known as the Original Extreme Sport. In addition to jumping, the weekend includes opening ceremonies, food vendors, music, a bonfire, beer tent and appearances by Jumper the Cow, the official mascot of Harris Hill Ski Jump.

The ski jump itself has been owned by the Brattleboro Outing Club (BOC). Yesterday, the BOC generously deeded to Harris Hill the land that the structures sit on. This was a nice gesture from the BOC to help Harris Hill more easily perpetuate what is a Brattleboro tradition since 1922. The BOC has owned the land since 1925. As a sidebar, the rest of the land in that area, including the landing and "base area" is owned by the Windham Foundation of Grafton, Vt.

New this year is a brand new coaches tower located on the skiers left of the jump, just built by J Evans Construction of E. Dummerston, the same company who rebuilt the ski jump in 2009
The annual Harris Hill Pepsi Challenge will be held on Saturday and the Fred Harris Memorial Tournament will be held on Sunday, as it has been in past years.

In addition, this year's event has been selected by the International Ski Federation to host the first FIS Cup tournament ever held in the U.S. The FIS tournament will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday will also hold the U.S. collegiate ski jumping finals and the United States American Ski Jumping finals.

“This year’s event will draw over 60 jumpers from around the world to Brattleboro in February, including jumpers who are seeking a spot on their 2014 Winter Olympic team,” said Rex Bell, Chief of Competition.

Tickets are now on sale online at BrattleboroTix.com, and at area retailers. The list can be found here: http://bit.ly/wFOXbK.

The Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition is a celebrated Brattleboro, Vermont tradition that dates back to 1922. Harris Hill was the vision of Fred Harris of Brattleboro who founded the Brattleboro Outing Club and the Dartmouth Outing club. Only an occasional snow drought, World War II and a three-year hiatus to re-build the jump (2006 – 2008) have interrupted the annual tradition. Harris Hill’s reputation for organizing first-class tournaments dates back to 1923 when the hill was the site of the National Ski Jumping Championships. It has been the site of 18 national and regional championships. The most recent was in 1992 when Brattleboro hosted the National Championships.

In 2009, ski jumpers from the US and Europe competed at the grand re-opening of the hill to the cheers of a record-setting crowd of approximately 8,500 spectators.

Harris Hill Ski Jump is the only 90-m ski jump in New England and the newest Olympic size 90 meter jump in the country. It has been designed to International Ski Federation (FIS) specifications, which will allow the hill to host Continental Cup events in the future. The event is run entirely by a volunteer Organizing Committee and supported by hundreds of community volunteers on the two days of the event. Sponsorship and donations make this event possible. Harris Hill Ski Jump is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization.

LEDC workshop on employee performance reviews (February 23, Hyde Park)

intern — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:12:00 -0600

Start: 02/23/2012 - 9:00am

The Lamoille Economic Development Corporation is sponsoring an informational workshop called how to do easy and effective performance reviews. Surveys of managers show that 78 percent report that they don’t like and even hate conducting employee performance reviews. Yet employee surveys indicate one of the top reasons employees leave their jobs is because they do not get adequate feedback and coaching. In this workshop the crucial performance appraisal process is broken into components, demystified and then reconstructed in order to be functional, motivating and an enjoyable dialogue – thereby taking away the fear usually associated with the performance review process and allowing it to deliver positive results. You will learn how to develop productive partnerships with your employees by building a meaningful performance appraisal that can be implemented within any organization. You are invited to bring one of your organization’s own job descriptions to the workshop so you can work on developing your process using your own materials. The workshop is being presented by Deborah Eibner, MA, an Area Business Advisor for the VtSBDC. Deborah is also a Certified Business Coach and Certified Job and Career Development Coach. She has Twenty years of real world business and human resources experience.

The workshop will take place on February 23rd from 9 am until noon in the Community Room at Green Mountain Technology and Career Center in Hyde Park. The cost of the workshop is $25 and preregistration is required. Please visit www.vtsbdc.org and click on training to register and pre-pay on line or email or call Heather Gonyaw at hgonyaw@vtsbdc.org , 802-728-9101. For more information call John Mandeville at 888-5640.

VAAA Event: Protective Gear, Equipment and Systems

john — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:07:13 -0600

Start: 02/23/2012 - 2:00pm

End: 02/23/2012 - 6:00pm

Register and Attend VAAA Event: Protective Gear, Equipment and Systems: Procurement and Supply Chain Opportunities in Aerospace, Defense and Medical. Network with NU Career Services, Hire Engineers & Get the Norwich Advantage! Norwich University, Northfield, VT, 2/23

Date: Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Time: 2pm – 6:00 pm

Location: Plumley Armory, Norwich University, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663

To Register: Click Here

The Vermont Chamber's Aerospace and Aviation Association (VAAA) will hold its first VAAA Event of 2012 on Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at Plumley Armory, Norwich University. Premier sponsorship by Norwich University and underwritten by Revision Military, The Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center, The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), and Always on Time Signs & Design, this high-profile event will feature procurement and supply chain opportunities for Vermont Chamber members with high-level procurement specialists from leading government contractors, primes and sub primes.

2:00 - 6:00 pm Agenda

Chris Carrigan, V.P., Business Development, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Brian Dubie, VAAA Chair, ASA, Col. US Air Force Reserve, 78th VT Lt. Gov
Dr. Richard W. Schneider, President, Norwich University
Ted Brady, Office of Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, Honorary VAAA Chair

Commercial Time (Vermont Chamber manufacturing members only. Registration required).

Procurement Speaker Presentations

Featured Member: Richard Coomber, V.P., Soldier Systems, Revision Military
Scott Johansen, Director, Ground & Combat Programs, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Inc.
Jeff Conner, Purchasing Manager, Goodrich Aerospace, Sensors and Integrated Systems
Presentation

Broadway artists host benefit for Weston Playhouse (February 28, Manhattan)

intern — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:30:55 -0600

Start: 02/28/2012 - 7:30pm

Broadway headliners Alexander Gemignani (Les Miz, Sweeney Todd) and Sherie Rene Scott (Aida, The Little Mermaid) and award-winning composers Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Seussical) and Polly Pen (Bed and Sofa, Goblin Market) are among the artists to appear in “Celebrating the American Musical,” a 90-minute concert benefitting Vermont’s esteemed Weston Playhouse Theatre Company at New World Stages on Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30pm.

Impressively rebounding from $500,000 in losses and damages sustained when its lower floor was flooded by Tropical Storm Irene last August, the Weston company comes to New York to celebrate its love of and contribution to the American musical. Broadway hits like The Light in the Piazza, The Full Monty and Avenue Q have received their world, regional or Vermont premiere at its home in Southern Vermont, and works from the Broadway incarnation of (title of show) to Suzanne Vega’s Carson McCullers Talks About Love have been developed through its retreats, concerts, recordings, workshops and original productions.

The evening, held at New World Stages/Stage 2, 340 West 50th in Manhattan, will be co-hosted by Weston company members Randy Blair (Perez Hilton Saves the Universe!, Fat Camp) and Marissa McGowan (Les Miz, A Little Night Music). The one-night-only event will also feature Farah Alvin, Ally Bonino, Jenny Giering, Joe Iconis, Marcus Neville, Michael Winther and Lauren Worsham, among others, performing music from The Full Monty, Les Misérables, The Light in the Piazza, Rent, Spelling Bee and recent winners of Weston’s New Musical Award: Loving Leo, Pregnancy Pact and Saint-Ex.

Tickets for “Celebrating the American Musical” are $151.50 per person ($100 tax-deductible) and can be reserved at telecharge.com (search New World Stages/Stage 2/“Celebrating the American Musical”) or by calling 212/239-6200. $51.50 tickets for union members (union card or p/r required) and Weston alumni, and $26.50 student tickets (with valid ID) are available at the New World Stages box office in advance or the day of the performance. The ticket price includes a $1.50 facilities fee. Proceeds support the non-profit Weston Playhouse Theatre Company and its New Works Programs.

For updates on “Celebrating the American Musical” and information about the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company’s 2012 season (including the world premiere of Gordon Leary and Julia Meinwald’s Pregnancy Pact, directed by Mark Brokaw) and its New Works Programs, visit westonplayhouse.org.

ABOUT: “Celebrating the American Musical”
A concert by top Broadway and Off Broadway artists to benefit Vermont’s Weston Playhouse Theatre Company and its New Works Programs.

WHERE: New World Stages/ Stage 2, 340 West 50th between 8th & 9th.

WHEN: Tues., February 28, 7:30 PM. Cash bar from 6:30pm. One night only!

TICKETS: $151.50/person ($100 tax deductible) thru telecharge.com or 212-239-6200. $51.50 tickets for union members/Weston alumni and $26.50 student tickets available at New World Stages box office with valid ID. Price includes $1.50 facilities fee.

DONATE: Those who can’t attend can donate online: https://www.westonplayhouse.org/donate.php

Statewide conference on personal finance instruction

tim — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:09:37 -0600

Start: 03/15/2012 - 8:15am

End: 03/15/2012 - 3:15pm

BURLINGTON—Educators and parents are invited to participate in the 7th annual Vermont Jump$tart Coalition personal finance conference on March 15 at the Sheraton Hotel in South Burlington. Participants will have the chance to improve their own knowledge of money management, while at the same time learning more about teaching these concepts to kids.

The keynote address will be delivered by Murray Banks, a former Vermont Teacher of the Year, athlete, trainer and motivational speaker. Nine breakout sessions are offered and include sessions on discovering your financial narrative, credit reports 101, and the mathematics of financial literacy. The day will conclude with a conference-wide session on money in the movies and how to use popular culture to teach personal finance to kids.

The Vermont Jump$tart Coalition is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization of individuals, organizations, and businesses who work to improve the personal financial literacy of Vermont’s youth. The conference runs from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The cost is $35 for the full conference or $25 for lunch and the keynote address. Registration information is available atwww.VtJumpStart.org or by calling toll-free in Vermont (877) 242-8550. The deadline for registration is March 8.

The conference is financially supported by People’s United Bank, VSAC, Community National Bank and Northfield Savings Bank. Teachers participating in the conference will receive five hours of continuing education credit.

VMEC Announces 4th Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute (March 19-21, Woodstock)

intern — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:46:31 -0600

Start: 03/19/2012 - 12:00am

The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) has announced that it will be hosting its fourth Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute on March 19 - 21, 2012 at The Woodstock Inn and Resort, Woodstock, Vermont.

The first Vermont Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute (IELI) training event was held in Burlington in May 2010, followed by two additional sold out events - one in February 2011 in Woodstock and the other in August of this year in Essex. Innovation Engineering is about applying the discipline of engineering to innovation. It teaches business leaders a proven, systematic approach for Increasing the Speed of Innovation (up to 6 times) and Reducing Risk (30 - 80 percent) leading to more profitable growth. This unique training event is an intensive 3-day graduate level program designed for senior managers in business, government, non-profit organizations, academia and entrepreneurs. It is equally vital to inventors, researchers and economic development professionals.

The goal of the IELI is for attendees to learn a proven 'System' and gain the confidence to lead Innovation within their organization. The IELI is the primary education component for the Innovation Engineering Management System (IEMS), a disciplined process that can be used to accelerate both existing and new projects and profitable solutions for Very Important Problems and Very Important Opportunities. Innovations might be in new Customers, Markets, Products & Services, Processes and Systems (production, sales, operations, sustainability, etc.). Valuable connections with other company thought leaders are made at IELI. During the evening sessions, participants practice applying what they have learned to their enterprise and leave IELI with an action plan to accelerate existing and new ideas.

Two separate Georgia Tech studies (2008 & 2010) found that innovation is the most profitable primary business strategy compared to low cost, fast delivery, voice of the customer or quality strategies. In fact, the 3-year average profit margin of companies with a primary strategy of innovation is over 50% higher than for companies competing with a primary strategy of low price.

Patricia Giavara, VMEC Assistant Director and Innovation Engineering Black Belt, explains what leaders get from participating in IELI:

“Most innovation training events and experts tell you what others have done to be successful with innovation and provide general advice on the topic. The Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute is different because it teaches you HOW to do innovation, gets you started by applying it to your company, and provides on-line access to innovation tools after the training. At IELI you learn a process for innovation grounded in the scientific method and based on research and analysis of thousands of ideas and process data from hundreds of project teams. Every validated tool for creating ideas is taught, along with a proven system for communicating ideas, and the fastest known method for determining whether your idea has the potential to be successful or if it should be killed. IELI and the Innovation Engineering Management System will help your organization to increase speed and decrease risk of innovation whether you haven’t implemented a new idea since the start of the company or your business is already successful with innovation. If you are willing to lead a strategy of innovation, willing to say “I don’t know” and gather stimulus, “I need help” and ask for advice, and “I’m willing to fail” and learn from quick tests, then Innovation Engineering can make you able to lead innovation by providing a reliable system with proven tools and methods to Create, Communicate, and Commercialize ideas.”

International innovation expert and entrepreneur Doug Hall will be leading and teaching this event. Founder and CEO of Eureka! Ranch and Eureka! Ranch International, Doug is a highly respected leader who is deeply committed to helping American businesses and organizations succeed in today's global economy. For more than 25 years, the Eureka! companies have served Fortune 500 clients like Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Ford, HP, and American Express, directly through its corporate consulting group. Doug is a best-selling author of five books on courage, creativity, and innovation, including Jump Start Your Business Brain named "One of the 100 best business books of all time" by business book expert Jack Covert.

Partners actively supporting and promoting the 4th Vermont Innovation Engineering Leadership Institute in Vermont, alongside VMEC, Eureka! Ranch International and NIST MEP include The Vermont Business Roundtable, Norwich University, the Vermont Small Business Development Center, the Vermont Training Program of the Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development, the Vermont Technology Council, Vermont Technical College, the 12 Regional Development Corporations of Vermont, and the New Hampshire MEP Center.

The registration fee for the 3-day event is $1995. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (VMEC’s national affiliate) has negotiated a $1,000 discount for VMEC, NH MEP and other MEP Center clients and partners. In addition, employees of Vermont companies in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Telecom, Information Technology and Environmental industries may be eligible for a $495 rebate through a working partnership with the Vermont Training Program (VTP) within the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. Eligible attendees must comply with required criteria in order to receive this rebate. To take advantage of discounts that may apply to you and inquire about additional training funds, please contact VMEC Marketing and Training Manager Robynn Albert at ralbert@vmec.org or (802) 793-2078.

The registration price includes all course materials and breakfast and lunch for each day of the conference. Participants will receive 3.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Maine for their participation in the program if they choose to apply.

To register for the March 19 - 21, 2012 conference or for further information, visit http://www.ieli-vermont.mepevents.com or contact VMEC at (802) 728-1432.