VBSR Event

VBSR 2007 Spring Conference

If you attended the Conference, please take a few minutes to complete an online evaluation. Your feedback shapes VBSR's future events! Also check out the full wrap-up page, with stats, presenter bios, resources, and more.

Event Resources/Handouts

Download the list of Conference Attendees as an Excel file (PLEASE NOTE: this list includes name, business, city, and state; if you attended the conference and would like contact information for some attendees, please call VBSR at 802-862-8347):

• Conference Attendee List (45.5 KB)
  

Or download the (very large - downloading might take a few minutes) PowerPoint Presentations from Workshop #10, Planning the Future of Your Business, and #20, Greening the Firm:

• Planning the Future of Your Business (2.3 MB)
• Greening the Firm (26.8 MB)
  

VBSR Board member Sylvia Blanchet introduces Frances Moore Lappe	Keynote speaker Frances Moore Lappe	Conference attendees listen to Frances Moore Lappe in the gym at the IDX Student Center at Champlain College	From right: Arne Hammarlund, VBSR Board member Pat Heffernan, and Rick Hausman listen to Frances Moore Lappe’s presentation
85-90% locally sourced lunch served by Champlain College Executive Chef Pete Elder & staff	DREAM program’s Chris Howell and Daniel Shearer at their display table, donated by VBSR Sustaining Member Seventh Generation	Pies for dessert, donated by VBSR member Vermont Mystic Pie Company (100% of ingredients from local providers or producers)	VBSR Executive Director Will Patten
From left: Colleen Smith (Vermont Coffee Company) and Abbey Duke (Sugarsnap) at lunch	keynote speaker Sharon Earhart	Sharon Earhart speaks about the successful community-owned department store, “The Merc”, in Powell, WY	From left: Bruce Seifer, Henry Erickson, Bill Maclay, VBSR Board member Pat Heffernan, and Representative Michelle Kupersmith
Workshop # 10, Planning the Future of Your Business, with presenters (from left) Dann Van Der Vliet, Allison Hooper, and Rocki-Lee DeWitt	Attendees listen closely at workshop #10, Planning the Future of Your Business	Green-Up Guy makes a surprise appearance during afternoon workshops	Conference attendees check out VBSR member display tables

Event Information

Date: Thursday May 17th, 2007

Time: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Location: Champlain College, IDX Student Life Center

Address: 262 South Willard Street, Burlington, Vermont

Cost: $125 for members; $175 for non-members before May 8 earlybird deadline

To Register: Please register at the door; advance registration is no longer available.

For More Info: Call 802-862-8347, or email

Event Description

The full Conference Program is now available online!

VBSR's 17th Annual Spring Conference features two keynoters, 21 workshops, exhibits by your business peers, an extensive silent auction, local food, and a cocktail party to finish the day. This year's keynote speakers will each address democracy in action in local communities.

Frances Moore Lappé, author of Democracy's Edge, will speak about how our definition of democracy is shifting from simply a static structure of government--"thin democracy," which is narrowly defined by elections and a market economy. Instead we are seeing "living democracy" emerge--an enlivening everyday practice in which ordinary citizens are taking responsibility, solving problems, and making change happen in their own communities. Historian Howard Zinn praised Democracy's Edge as "poetic and passionate," adding: "A small number of people in every generation are forerunners, in thought, action, spirit, who swerve past the barriers of greed and power to hold a torch high for the rest of us. Lappé is one of those."

Our lunchtime keynote speaker has an inspiring story to tell about living democracy in her own community. Sharon Earhart, of the Powell, Wyoming Chamber of Commerce, will talk about how the town of Powell's citizens rallied to create their community-owned department store. When the need arose in 2000, residents were enthusiastic and tireless proponents of the idea. "The Merc," now a huge source of pride in Powell, has become a model for similar stores around the country.

Throughout the day there will be 21 workshops in three time slots. Please see the full Conference Program to make your choices during registration.

We're looking forward to another great conference in 2007. Join us for a day of inspiration, idea-sharing, and networking! 

Directions to Event

The conference will be held in the Student Life Center at 262 South Willard Street on the campus of Champlain College in Burlington. From I-89, take exit 14W and proceed on Route 2 west (becomes Main Street) over the hill toward downtown Burlington. Turn left onto South Willard St. (Route 7). The Student Life Center is located just south of Maple Street.

 

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