Flip Brown speaks during the VBSR annnual meeting.
Vermont Business Magazine On Thursday, May 12th more than 325 business and nonprofit leaders, legislators, students, state employees, and activists came together for a day of education around socially responsible practices in the workplace. Gathering the LEED certified Davis Center at the University of Vermont in downtown Burlington, attendees of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility’s (VBSR) 26th Annual Spring Conference experienced a robust and varied agenda.
“We tried hard this year to make sure we had something for everyone,” noted Russ Elek, Communication and Membership Manager for Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. “Whether it’s a workshop on ‘How to Train Anyone to Do Anything,’ or ‘Creating Compelling Mission Statements,’ an exploration of a carbon pollution tax or the importance of local investing, we wanted to appeal to both small and large businesses, to HR managers and CEO’s, to nonprofit leaders and public officials. In order to move social responsibility forward, we have to have a seat for everyone at the table.”
“Overall it was an exhausting, informative, and incredibly valuable day. We will definitely be back next year - thank you all for all of your work to make this happen!!!!” noted one conference attendee.
Jane Campbell. VBSR photos
Throughout the day, attendees not only learned important tips and tools for integrating corporate social responsibility practices, but they were grateful for a chance to really connect with like-minded individuals. After the conference, one person noted “As a first time attendee, I was impressed with how all the attendees were open to conversation.” Conversations during and after the event, many seen here (https://tagboard.com/vbsrspring/search), focused on the importance of gathering together to discuss forward-thinking strategies to make our economy sustainable and supportive of people, our planet, and profit. “Thank you for offering this opportunity. It is uplifting to interact with people who are making the world a better place through potentially sustainable strategies,” said one attendee. In addition to networking and education, attendees had a chance to visit with more than 40 VBSR members showcasing their organizations and products in the exhibition hall.
Black River Produce helped ensure that all of the food at the event was as locally sourced as possible. Sonia Kowal, CEO of Boston-based Zevin Asset Management delivered a keynote address that encouraged people to challenge themselves while investing and to watch out for green-washing, and nearly 90 people attended the end-ofday plenary panel focused on innovative ways to invest locally. To close down the day, The Honorable Governor Peter Shumlin attended the conference and thanked VBSR members for using their businesses and organizations to grow the economy in a sustainable manner while leading the way on renewable energy and social justice reforms.
VBSR’s 26th Annual Spring Conference was made possible by support from their Champion Members, as well as conference underwriters Cabot Creamery Cooperative; City Market; Energy Independent Vermont; Gallagher, Flynn & Company; Interrobang Design Collaborative, Let’s Grow Kids!; Merritt & Merritt; National Life Group; Recycle Away; The University of Vermont Medical Center; Vermont Business Magazine; Vermont Creamery; Vermont Economic Development Authority; Vermont Public Radio; and Vermont Rural Ventures.
Founded in 1990, VBSR is a statewide, non-profit business association with a mission to advance business ethics that value multiple bottom lines: economic, social, and environmental. Through education, public influence, and workplace quality, VBSR strives to help 760 members set a high standard for protecting the natural, human, and economic environments of the state's residents, while remaining profitable. more photos of the event can be found at www.vbsr.org.