Regional Planning & Economic Development in the Northeast Kingdom
David Snedeker, Executive Director
(email protected)
e-Newsletter – April 2025
Community Announcements
Webinar: Municipal Strategies for Managing Short-Term Rentals, April 2nd, 12-1:30 pm
Short-term rentals offer local lodging options in communities where there are limited traditional accommodations, but they have the potential to introduce challenges including strains on public resources, reduced housing stock for residents, and disruptions in residential neighborhoods. A panel of four town leaders from across the region will share diverse experiences in how their communities have regulated short term rentals. Zoom registration is required Register here
Regional Project Priority List Updates
NVDA is updating the Regional Project Prioritization (RPP) List. Visit NVDA’s website for more information on the RPP process Here. Please submit a completed Regional Priority Project Form to Annie McLean (email protected) by 5:00 pm on April 30th to be considered for the May RPP update.
Act 181 Resource Page
Passed in June 2024, Act 181 is a major overhaul of Act 250, and it has significant implications for state, regional, and municipal planning. At its core is a transition to “location-based” jurisdiction of Act 250, which is intended to streamline environmental review and promote housing in well-planned areas such as downtowns and village centers, and protect critical natural resources and working lands. NVDA offered a training session on Act 181 in February. (Find the recording, slide deck and Frequently Asked Questions on the NVDA website under “Land Use” Here) There will be additional trainings in the future and the web page will be updated when new information in available. Questions? Contact Alison Low (email protected)
Vt Climate Action Plan – Public Input Session in Hardwick, April 14th, 6-8 pm
Don’t miss your chance to weigh in on the update to Vermont’s Climate Action Plan! Voice your climate priorities through diverse engagement activities around the state. Choose from virtual or free in-person events with food! Climate Councilors will listen and consider public input when revising the Plan (due July 1st). Please Register for the Hardwick event so the correct amount of food is ordered! Visit the website climatechange.vermont.gov/cap2025 to find all the event dates and read the draft priority actions. Questions? (email protected) (802) 404-2729.
VT Capital Planning Forum, April 10th, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Alumni Hall, Barre
This is an in-person event for governmental units of all sizes, and associated professionals to explore best practices in capital planning. Register Here Registration closes April 3rd!
Kingdom Maple Festival, Saturday, April 19th
This family-friendly event in downtown St. Johnsbury celebrates the town’s sweet maple heritage. Don’t miss the street fair, food carts, live music, farmers market, maple-themed activities, crafts, and more! Vendor Registration form
Legislative Breakfast: Monday, April 28th @ 8:00 am
The 2025 Legislative Breakfasts, sponsored by NEK Chamber of Commerce, have been held at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum on Main Street. The region’s legislators have participated each month to interact with their constituents and answer questions. All are invited to attend.
VT Municipal Equipment Show & Field Day: May 7th, 8:30 am-2:00 pm
Barre Municipal Auditorium Presented by the New England American Public Works Association (APWA) chapter newengland.apwa.org. Registration information is available soon.
State Awards for municipal employees will be presented at the show: Public Works Leader of the Year; Outstanding Public Works Department; Public Official of the Year; Public Works Supervisor of the Year; First Responder Award. For detailed information about award nominations, contact Lisa Schaeffler (email protected) (802) 355-1142
Save the Date! RBES Training for Municipal Staff: May 15th, 11:00 am-12:00 noon
Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) a.k.a. the Building Energy Code, is a minimum standard for energy efficient construction that applies to all new residential construction, additions, most renovations, alterations, and repairs. This educational session will explain RBES in detail and provide municipal staff with information and tools to assist builders and ensure RBES certificates are recorded in the land records. Register
Firefighter Appreciation Day – A New Summer Event!
Firefighter Appreciate Day will take place at the Canaan Recreation Park, on July 19th, from 3:00-8:00 pm. Resource and food vendors will take part in the free event as a way for community organizations, clubs, and local board members to interact with the public. Registration and vendor information can be found Here.
Business Announcements
Wage & Hour Employer Seminar: April 2nd, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Lyndon Institute
The seminar, provided by the VT Dept of Tourism and U.S. Dept of Labor, provides an opportunity for NEK businesses of all sizes to gain insights into labor regulations. Register
VT Manufacturing Day at the State House, April 2nd
This free event offers manufacturing businesses and industry leaders the opportunity to connect with legislators and highlight the sector’s significant contributions to the Vermont economy. Register here The program begins at 9:00 am and will feature networking, joint hearing, listening session, and a press conference.
Vermont Tariff Resources & Task Force
The Agency of Commerce & Community Development has compiled key resources to help Vermont businesses understand and respond to evolving tariff-related challenges on the federal level, evaluate the potential impact on Vermonters, and focus on solutions. Vermont Tariff Resource Page.
TRACK Inc. Expands in Newport
The leading dealer of snow grooming and specialized off-road utility vehicles held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February at the former Bogner factory which had been vacant for over five years. The company’s transition from Newport Center into the 43,000 sq-ft building on 85 acres of land was done in stages. The celebrated expansion will add jobs for Track Inc. and quadruple floor space to increase production capacity. NVDA provided assistance for the expansion and Dave Snedeker joined company representatives and state officials for the grand opening.
NEK Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, April 10th, 11:00 am-1:30 pm
Innovation: Tradition Meets Transformation, VT State University, Lyndon Campus
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the Northeast Kingdom Chamber and it’s vision for the future. Guest Speaker will be Kyle Clark, President and CEO of BETA Technologies and potential buyer of the Caledonia County Airport. www.nekchamber.com Meeting Registration
Job & Resource Fair: April 25th, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Community College of VT, Newport
NEK Workforce Partners’ will sponsor a FREE Job & Resource Fair for job seekers and local employers at Community College of VT, 100 Main Street, Newport. Employers can register Here Questions? (802) 334-6545
NEK Workforce Spring Job Fest: May 9th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Fenton Chester Ice Arena, Lyndon Center
VT Department of Labor, in partnership with Lyndon Institute and NEK Workforce Partners, will host this FREE event for local employers and area job seekers.
Employer Registration Questions? (802) 748-3177
Do North Pitch Competition Returns this Fall!
The NEK’s hottest pitch competition is back and pitchers will be pitted against one another as they compete for a cash prize. Save the date: Oct 23rd. Are you interested in helping participants develop their pitches? Do North is looking for advisors, industry experts, or volunteers to be sounding boards as the businesses prepare their presentations. Email (email protected) for more information.
Orleans County NRCD is Hiring
The Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District is seeking a Community Engagement Program Specialist to support internal and external communications and deliver outreach, engagement, and education opportunities. Job description Applications submitted before March 31st will be considered, later applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position will remain open until filled.
Flood Recovery Assistance & Resources
Career Training & Continuing Education
St. Johnsbury Academy Adult Education (email protected) or Sandra Mings Lamar (email protected)
Vermont State University Division of Workforce, Community & Economic Development – Five Center & Program areas: View all online career training courses Here.
https://vermontstate.edu/about-us/workforce-community-and-economic-development-at-vermont-state/
North Country Career Center, Newport https://nc3.ncsuvt.org/home
Contact Chris Damato (802) 334-5469 x3305 (email protected)
Lyndon Institute Career & Technical Education Center https://www.lyndoninstitute.org/academics/career-technical-education
Contact (email protected) or Michelle Parson, Work-based Learning Coordinator, (email protected).
Canaan School CTE Program
Chuck Patterson, Coordinator of Curriculum, (email protected) or call (802) 266-8910
Sterling College School of the New American Farmstead https://www.ce.sterlingcollege.edu Contact (email protected)
Funding Opportunities for Businesses & Communities
(*Note: Some federal funding opportunities may be temporarily paused.)
Manufactured Home Improvement & Repair (MHIR) Program The Department of Housing & Community Development is reopening the MHIR application portal to make funding available for park improvements, manufactured home repairs, and foundation installation in registered Vermont mobile home parks. To learn more about eligibility, deadlines and program details, visit the homepage Here Apply by May 15th.
Community Heart & Soul The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program is uniquely designed for small cities and towns (population 2,500-30,000). Successful applicants will receive $10,000 grants to match funding from a participating municipality or a partnering organization. Apply Here. Awards are made on a rolling basis.
Funding for VT Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors
Agriculture Grant Now Open: USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Apply by Apr 17th. The VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets maintains a website of grants, loans, and financial assistance that targets specific agricultural needs Here. View the VAAFM Grants Calendar Here.
Farm to Plate is Vermont’s food system plan. The plan is being implemented statewide to increase economic development and jobs in the farm and food sector; improve soils, water, and resiliency of the working landscape in the face of climate change; and improve access to healthy local food for all Vermonters. Sign up for their newsletter Here
Funding for the Arts
The Vermont Arts Council Creation Grants support artists or artist groups in creating new work. Grant funds may be used to compensate artists for time spent creating new work, to purchase materials, or rent equipment or space for the process. Deadline is April 8th. Cultural Facilities Grants award up to $30,000 to nonprofit organizations and municipalities to enhance, create, or expand the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural activities for the public. (This application requires two estimates.) Deadline: May 15th. For more information about the VT Arts Council, sign up for the ArtMail newsletter.
Vermont Creative Network is a broad collective of organizations, businesses, and individuals working to advance Vermont’s creative sector through research, advocacy, and networking. Each month the Network offers a monthly round-up of upcoming creative sector opportunities that highlight current funding, training, and professional development resources. Learn more at www.vermontcreativenetwork.org.
Loan Programs
Vermont State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) The SIB program, operated by the VT Economic Development Authority in conjunction with the VT Agency of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, is available to assist in the construction or reconstruction of highways, roads & Bridges, and certain facilities related to rail transit. Also, in certain cases, electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas refueling stations available for public use are eligible for SIB financing. Learn more
NEK Prosperity Fund The NEK Prosperity Fund is a project of NEK Prosper, NEK Community Action (NEKCA), and Community Capital of VT. Loan recipients will receive business support services from NEKCA’s financial and business counselors. NEK Prosper.
USDA RD Home Repair Loan Program Federal regulations have made it easier for low-income rural residents to rehab and modernize their homes through USDA 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants. The program provides funding for single family housing to remove health and safety hazards.
Vermont Community Loan Fund The VCLF is a community-focused alternative lender that provides loans and other resources to local businesses, organizations, early care & learning providers, and developers of affordable housing who don’t qualify for a loan from a traditional lender. For more information visit the website Here
Northeast Kingdom Special Loan Program The VT Economic Development Authority (VEDA) is offering low interest loans under its Small Business Program to growing qualified businesses in Essex, Caledonia and Orleans Counties. The NEK Program can make loans of up to $150,000 for fixed asset acquisition or for working capital purposes. Contact Sandy Croft at (802) 828-5472 (email protected).
NVDA Revolving Loan Program The Northeastern Vermont Development Association has a limited amount of loan funds available for businesses in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties. Funds may be used for the purchase of real property and equipment, working capital, and feasibility studies. For more information contact Tina Gonyaw (email protected) (802) 748-1220 www.nvda.net.
NVDA EPA Revolving Loan Fund is available to businesses and municipalities for brownfield cleanup projects. Contact (email protected).
Efficiency Vermont Energy Loan Two Efficiency VT loan programs offer affordable financing options to help residents and business customers move forward with energy efficiency projects designed to deliver savings and spur the economy. Residential Energy Loan and Business Energy Loan.
Incentive Programs for Vermont Businesses
VT Employment Growth Incentive Program (VEGI) Vermont offers an economic incentive for business recruitment, growth and expansion. The VEGI program provides financial incentives to qualified businesses that meet performance requirements. Authorization occurs through an application to the VT Economic Progress Council. For more information, visit http://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/funding-incentives/vegi or contact Jessica Hartleben (email protected)
VT Training Program (VTP) The Vermont Training Program can be used to train new employees or existing employees if the training is needed for new equipment or technology. VTP can pay up to 50% of an employee’s wages/salary during the training period – for pre-employment, new hire, and/or incumbent employee training. Are your employees eligible? VTP
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) The VT International Trade Division will manage STEP, a grant program for small businesses to compete globally by offsetting the cost of export-related activities like foreign trade missions, export trade shows, training workshops, or designing international marketing campaigns. 2024 STEP grants are awarded on a rolling basis. Visit www.accd.vermont.gov/STEP
Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program The tax credit program helps to stimulate private investment by supporting the creation and improvement of rental housing. Successful projects range from modest renovations in small village centers to multimillion-dollar redevelopments. The program creates jobs and supports general rehabilitation, code compliance work, facade improvements, and flood mitigation upgrades. State & Federal Tax Credits For NVDA assistance contact Annie McLean (email protected)
Business Resources
VT Manufacturing Extension Center Visit the VMEC website and check out current postings for learning opportunities involving professional development, coaching, and hands-on training for manufacturers and their employees at all levels. VMEC
Vermont APEX Accelerator (formerly VT PTAC) VT APEX Accelerator provides businesses with free one-on-one counseling services, technical assistance, and market research to understand the requirements of government contracting. Visit the website Here for a list of workshops with sign-up information. Questions? Contact Brenda Plastridge (email protected).
VHCB Farm & Forest Viability Program The program mission is to enhance the economic viability of Vermont farms and forestry enterprises. Business coaching services are offered to eligible farmers, agriculturally-related businesses, forest products enterprises, and forest landowners. VHCB
VT Department of Labor For Information about job openings and training opportunities by region and industry visit labor.vermont.gov/jobs. VDOL provides free services to employers to help recruit, train and retain a quality workforce. Labor.vermont.gov/jobs
VT Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) Experienced business advisors are available by email, phone or video conferencing. Do you need help constructing financial statements or application forms for recovery relief funding? For free customized service, contact: Heidi Krantz (email protected) , Heather Gonyaw (email protected), or Rick Daniell (email protected)
Micro Business Development (MBDP) An experienced business coach can help with business financials, marketing plans, and access to financing for low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs form Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties. Contact Dustin Smith, (email protected) (802) 323-9010 for free coaching. www.nekcavt.org
NEK Collaborative (NEKC) The Collaborative’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents in the NEK through coordinated economic and community-supported development. www.nekcollaborative.org.
Looking for Commercial Space?
(email protected) (802) 748-8303 (email protected) (802) 748-1220
Commercial Building Lots for Sale: St. Johnsbury-Lyndon Industrial Park & Orleans Industrial Park (water & sewer available)
Northeastern Vermont Development Association www.nvda.net
St. Johnsbury Office: 802.748-5181 Fax: 802.748-1223
NVDA is the regional planning and development organization serving
Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties. An equal opportunity lender, provider and employer.
This monthly newsletter is made possible in part by a grant
from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce & Community Development
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