Working Lands Enterprise Initiative annual presentation to the Legislature on February 4th, 2016 in Room 11 at the Statehouse in Montpelier, VT. The presentation will highlight program outcomes to date including jobs, income, and production data. The presentation will also feature fiscal year 2015’s impressive work including Vermont’s Forest Economy Systems Analysis, conducted with Yellow Wood Associates, and the first-ever public release of an online directory of Vermont’s forestry and forest products professionals.
Four working lands grant recipients will be present to tell stories about their working lands businesses and upcoming projects, and to share testimonials regarding the positive impacts the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative has had on their business. Other Fiscal Year 2015 grantees will be present, many of whom will have products on display. The agenda will run from 10-12pm, with an opportunity for media to speak one-on-one with grantees, administration, and board members directly after the event. Agenda is as follows:
10:00 – 10:05am: Welcome and Introduction by Chuck Ross, Secretary of Agriculture
10:05 – 10:10am: Working Lands Video
10:10 - 10:30am: Annual Report by Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
10:30 – 10:35am: Lucy Leriche, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Community Development
10:35 – 11:00am: Working Lands Agricultural Grantee Testimonials
· Joe Buley: Screamin’ Ridge Farm, Montpelier
· Karen Guile: Peaslees Vermont Potatoes, Guildhall
11:00 – 11:15am: Welcome and Introduction by Michael Snyder, Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation
11:15 – 11:30am: Committee Efforts and Forestry Online Directory Unveiling by Joe Nelson, Board Member and Chair, Forestry Committee
11:30 -11:55am: Working Lands Forestry Grantee Testimonials
· Parker Nichols: Vermont Wildwoods, Marshfield
· Andy Harper: Winterwood Timber Frames, East Montpelier
11:55am – 12:00pm: Closing Remarks by Jolinda LaClair, Deputy Secretary, Vermont Agency of Agriculturt
12:00 – 12:05pm: Working Lands Video (reprise)
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