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NEK Business: Lyndon Furniture, grants, Working Bridges, Craftsbury Outdoor Center Act 250 permit, etc

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NEK Business Announcements

Lyndon Furniture is Finalist for National Design Award

The Contemporary Design Group, a retail furniture networking and performance group that recognizes manufacturers who produce outstanding and original furniture designs, announced that Lyndon Furniture is among the elite finalists for its 2017 Edward Haimsohn Design Award. Visit the company websitehttp://lyndon.comto view the "Unity Table" on the New Products page. National recognition for Lyndon Furniture of Vermont is well deserved!

NEK Businesses Receive Grants from Regional Economic Development Program

The RGS program is administered by the VT Department of Buildings & General Services for projects that have community support and demonstrate job creation or job retention. Congratulations Essex House & Tavern, Island Pond; Kingdom Brewing, Newport; and Barton Baking Company - all working to develop new capacity and growth!

Working Bridges, a Program of Green Mountain United Way

Working Bridges is a collaborative community initiative that brings together public and private sectors to focus on business solutions for job retention, productivity, and financial stability. NVDA will host two Working Bridges workshops with area employers:Dec. 12th, 12 noon-1:00 pm,36 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury; Dec. 14th, 12 noon-1:00 pm Gateway Center, Newport. The focus will be on developing innovative HR practices utilizing services designed to help low-to-moderate wage earners minimize workplace disruptions, reduce absenteeism, and have access to continuing education and community resources for job advancement. Working Bridges connects employees, employers and the community.Visitwww.gmunitedway.org/working-bridges. Contact David Snedeker for more information[email protected].

Craftsbury Outdoor Center Receives Act 250 Permit

A Land Use Permit has been issued to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center on Lost Nation Road to construct a new kitchen and expanded dining hall with ADA access paths and parking spaces. Visit www.craftsbury.comto learn more about the year round athletic facility in Craftsbury Common. Congratulations to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and their continued growth and success!

Energy & Natural Resources

Municipal Enhanced Energy Planning in Vermont - Best Practices & Resources

The guide is designed to outline best practices for municipal enhanced energy planning and it is intended to be used by municipalities and Regional Planning Commissions. The document is posted on NVDA's Act 174 Energy Planning webpage

Vermont Energy & Climate Action Network ConferenceSaturday Dec. 2nd, 9:00 am-4:30 pm,Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee. The theme of the conference, sponsored by Efficiency Vermont, isTransforming Vermont's Energy Future from the Ground Up.Registration $45. Contact Paul Markowitz [email protected] for additional information.

Webinar: Addressing Forest Integrity in Municipal Plans

Municipal and regional plans adopted after January 1, 2018 must map and address forest integrity. The webinar series will identify what statute requires, finding data and mapping resources and examine examples from town plans throughout the state. Information will include regulatory and non-regulatory activities that municipalities can (and cannot) use to maintain forest integrity and connectivity. Upcoming webinar dates are: Dec. 18th, 12:00-1:30 pm; Jan. 29th, 6:00-7:30 pm; Feb. 12th, 2:00-3:30 pm; and March 1st, 12:00-1:30 pm. To register, visit http://vcgi.vermont.gov/events/list Questions? Contact Clare Rock (802) or email [email protected]

Floodplain Management - 4-Day Training The VT ANR along with FEMA Region 1 and the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) are offering a training opportunity called Managing Floodplain Development Through the NFIP. The training will be held in Essex Junction January 8-11, 2018 from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Online registration is required and open until 12/15/17. There is no cost to attend. The class is limited to 35 participants and preference will be given to Vermont local floodplain managers. Register at

www.surveymonkey.com/r/VT_FPM2018training

Incentive Programs

  • New Incentive for Pellet/Chip-fired Evaporators The VT Clean Energy Development Fund is offering an incentive for the purchase and installation of wood pellet (or wood chip) maple sap evaporators. Cash grants will be available to all Vermont-based sugar makers andwill be based on the size of the evaporators installed -- up to a maximum of $20,000. Applications and details aboutincentives can be found on theRenewal Energy Resource Center (RERC) website: www.RERC-VT.org.

  • VT Employment Growth Incentive Program (VEGI)Vermont offers an economic incentive for business recruitment, growth and expansion. The VEGI program is designed to encourage prospective economic activity by providing financial incentives to qualified businesses that meet performance requirements. Authorization occurs through an application to the Vermont Economic Progress Council. For applicant information, visit http://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/funding-incentives/vegi.

  • VT Training Program (VTP)The Vermont Training Program is the primary training resource out of the Department of Economic Development. The program can be used to train new employees or it can be used for 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. Contact John Young, Director of Workforce Development Programs (802) 355-2725 or [email protected] and find out what your employees are eligible for. Find out more VTP.

Webinar Training

  • Decennial Census: Address list preparations-LUCA Program The US Census Bureau is offering LUCA 2020 (Local Update of Census Addresses) - a program for Vermont cities and towns. A webinar is being offered December 6th, 10:00 am- Noon. The information will provide concrete resources to help communities prepare, register data, and participate in the LUCA program. Register for the webinar at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2319735725341618947 Questions? Contact Leslie Pelch [email protected].

Funding Opportunities

  • Community Capital of VT Receives $1 Million for Microloans The SBA provides intermediary funds throughout New England for flexible loan financing up to $50,000 to small businesses and start-ups. Loan support can be used for working capital, inventory, furnishings, and equipment. The SBA started the Microloan Program in 1992. For more information about Community Capital of VT and this lending program for Vermonters, call (802) 479-0167 or visitwww.communitycapitalvt.org.

  • Value-Added Producer Grants USDA Rural Development's Value Added Producer Grant program helps farmers and foresters develop new products and add value to existing commodities. The grant requires a 50 percent match. Farm, forestry and fishery producers who have innovative ideas for enhancing the value of their agricultural products, and who are discovering new ways to diversify the agricultural economy, should visit USDA website http://www.rd.usda.gov/vtor contact Susan Poland at (802) 828-6002 [email protected]. The 2017 application deadline is January 31, 2018.

  • USDA Rural Business Development Grants The Rural Business Development Grant program (RBDG) has 2 components: Rural Business Enterprise Activities and Rural Business Opportunity Activities. Read more at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants/vt (Application materials are located under the Forms and Resources tab.) A Letter of Intent, by mail or email, is due December 15th. Complete applications are due February 15, 2018. Attend an applicant workshop (optional) Wednesday, January 17th, 2:00-5:00 pm at the Barton Memorial Building. For more information please contact Program Specialist Susan Poland (802) 828-6002 [email protected].

  • USDA Rural Development Community Facility GrantsApplications are being accepted for funding through USDA-RD Community Facility & Water and Environmental Programs. Funds may be used by municipalities and nonprofits to finance improvements to essential community facilities and to invest in water, wastewater & stormwater systems. For more information visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/vtor contact Misty Sinsigalli (802) 424-3156.

  • VT Farm & Forest Viability Program is a program of the VT Housing & Conservation Board. Two types of grant funding are available for on-farm capital improvement projects. Dairy Improvement Grants and Water Quality Grants allow Vermont farmers to apply for $5,000 to $40,000 and require 1:1 match. Applications and eligibility requirements can be found online atwww.vhcb.org/Farm-Forest-Viability/. Questions? Katie Michels (802) 828-5587[email protected]

  • VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets: Four FY18 Grant Programs (Applications are tendered through the Grants Management System (GMS)at http://agriculture.vermont.gov. Each program will be listed as a "Funding Opportunity". Applicants must first register in the GMS prior to submitting an application.)

    • 1)Working Lands Enterprise Initiative $750,000 for agriculture and forest sector businesses. Applications open in October for Business Investments and Service Provider Investments.

    • 2)Trade Show Assistance Grants are for Vermont producers to connect with new markets and buyers. Applications open Nov 1st.

    • 3)Farm-to-School Grantsare available for schools to invest in a program to improve nutrition and connect food producers to local schools.

    • 4)Vermont Produce Safety Improvement Grant (first round) This funding is for Vermont farms with average annual produce sales of greater than $25,000 to make safety improvements for growing "covered produce." The application period will open in November.

  • EPA Reimbursement for Hazmat IncidentsThe Environmental Protection Agency has a reimbursement program that may be available to municipalities to help recover costs, up to $25,000, associated with responding to a hazmat or meth lab incident. Certain criteria must be satisfied. For more information about the EPA Local Government Reimbursement program call the LGR Helpline (800)431-9202 or email [email protected].

  • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for HMGP grants is administered through the state. Community hazard mitigation projects may include: mitigation of local roads and bridges, home acquisition (buyout), structural elevations or relocations, culvert replacement, outreach and education. Project proposals do not need to be directly connected to damages incurred from the most recent declared disaster. The application period is now open and approved projects will require a 25% local match. Visit the Vermont Emergency Management website for information. vem.vermont.gov/fundingn/mitigation. For questions about potential HMGP projects and application requirements, email Lauren Oates [email protected] or call 802 241-5363. Applications for this round of HMGP funding will end in March, 2018.

  • NCIC Offering Funding Opportunities for Small Businessesto provide cost-sharing awards - up to 65% for eligible projects! Marketing Assistance for website, logo development, branding, graphic design, marketing plans, packaging design, and PR consulting. Technical Assistancefor new product development, feasibility studies, legal services, training, engineering, architectural services (preliminary or concept), and business coaching.Existing small businesses and new start-ups are eligible. (Business start-ups are required to have a completed Business Plan with income/expense projections.) Contact Mike Welch for an application and additional information: (802) 748-5101 ext. 2025 [email protected].

  • SFY 2018 Transportation Alternatives GrantVTrans is offering this funding opportunity as part of its commitment to improve the quality of state waters and provide funding to municipalities to assist in their efforts. For more information visit the website athttp://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/local-projects/transport-alt Scott Robinson (802) 828-5799 [email protected]

  • VTrans and ACCD Partner to offer Better Connections Grant Program The Better Connections(BC) Grant Program will award planning funds to help cities and towns build strong livable and walkable communities. The collaboration is helping communities to plan and grow in a way that integrates transportation and land use planning with economic development. For more information, contact Richard Amore (802) 828-5229 and visit the grant website. Applications are due January 31, 2018.

    vtrans.vermont.gov/planning/projects-programs/better-connections.

  • Revolving Loan Fund The Town of Jay has assigned revolving loan funds to Community Capital of Vermont and NVDA. Both NVDA and CC of VT are interested in making small business loans in Jay and Orleans County. For more information about available loan funds, contact Dave Snedeker (802) 748-8303 [email protected] or call Maggie Fox (802) 479-0167 ext 2[email protected]

December / Meetings & Events Calendar (read details above)

  • Dec 2 VT Energy & Climate Action Conference / Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee

  • Dec 6 Webinar: LUCA 2020, US Census/ 10:00 am-noon

  • Dec 12 Working Bridges: HR practices,12:00-1:00 pm / NVDA, St. Johnsbury

  • Dec 14 Working Bridges: HR practices, 12:00-1:00 pm / Gateway Ctr., Newport

  • Dec 18 Webinar: Forest Integrity in Municipal Plans, 12:00-1:30 pm

Looking for Commercial Space?Contact NVDA (802) 748-5181, 748-8303 / Dave Snedeker [email protected]

Offices for Rent (electricity & heat included) Gallery Building, St. Johnsbury; Charles Carter Business Resource Center, St. Johnsbury-Lyndon Industrial Park.

Commercial Warehouse Space (flexible short/long-term leasing) St. Johnsbury-Lyndon Industrial Park; Orleans Industrial Park.

Commercial Building Lots for Sale (water & sewer available) St. Johnsbury-Lyndon Industrial Park; Orleans Industrial Park.

Source: Northeastern Vermont Development Association www.nvda.net 11.30.2017