Vermont Business Magazine A new annual summit designed to strengthen connections to support community and economic development in the Northeast Kingdom has gotten support from the Vermont Electric Co-op’s Community Fund. The NEK Annual Summit, organized by the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative, will be held for the first time in the fall of 2019 with a focus on leadership and a specific goal of encouraging individuals from underrepresented groups to step into leadership roles in their communities. Some 200 people are expected to attend.
“This support from VEC – along with that from other generous organizations as well - will help us get this project launched and, importantly, assure we develop relevant content and high quality speakers,” said Katherine Sims, executive director of the Collaborative.
The grant to the summit project was $750.
Every year, the summit will highlight a different interdisciplinary topic related to community and economic development. The one-day event will also serve as an annual networking and educational event for the Northeast Kingdom.
At the events, attendees will be presented with tools and innovative strategies to advance economic development and will have the opportunity to explore different leadership models and theories as well as participate in a diverse array of hands-on, project-based learning opportunities.
The event is designed to promote the professional development of individuals across the Northeast Kingdom region by offering networking opportunities, trainings and workshops and providing a space for cross-sector conversations and partnerships to grow.
“Nurturing future leadership through continued skill-building and support networks will help boost the region’s economic and civic vitality and strengthen the communities of the Northeast Kingdom,” said Sims.
The VEC Community Fund is a program voluntarily funded by VEC members through rounding up of their electric bills to the next highest dollar, making one-time donations, or donating patronage capital dollars. Focus areas of the fund include economic security, energy education, emergency and disaster relief, and community development. Applications for the fund are on a rolling basis, and grants are issued quarterly.
Source: VEC. 6.17.2019. Johnson. www.vermontelectric.coop/community-resources/community-fund.