Photo credit Randolph Holhut: Robert Davis, Senior VP BS&L accepts Community Partner Award from Lynn Barrett, president of the Board, VIM/The Commons
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Independent Media/The Commons, the weekly newspaper based in Brattleboro, celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Sunday, October 6 at the Retreat Farm North Barn. Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of two community awards – The Community Partner Award which was presented to Brattleboro Savings & Loan to honor and recognize their commitment and vital role in successful collaboration that brings a community closer together.
"Brattleboro Savings & Loan has been supportive of VIM since the very beginning even opening up space in their headquarters for our initial meetings in forming a new newspaper in Brattleboro, said Lynn Barrett, president of the board of Vermont Independent Media. "They’ve consistently stood by our side throughout these 20 years. In particular at the onset of COVID, they supported a print run of 25,000 so that on April 9, 2020, every household in Windham County received vital information about COVID that they could use. Currently BS&L supports our Media Mentoring Program and Voices Live."
Robert Davis, Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Banking Officer accepted the award which was a copy of the front page of the April 9 issue.
Also honored was Diana Bingham, a community member whose generosity in supporting nonprofits and special projects has made a lasting difference in Windham County. Her commitment to Vermont Independent Media, frankly saved The Commons from having to “stop the presses,” says Barrett.
Bingham provided not only financial and moral support, but she was hands-on by participating in a 4-person downtown distribution team of volunteers who still deliver the paper hot-off-the presses. And while at it, she not only lugged bundles around, but talked up the paper to whoever she met, says Barrett.
In Diana’s honor, VIM/The Commons will award the Diana Bingham Award to a deserving community member each year going forward.
Party-goers enjoyed historical displays and copies of the earliest issues of the Commons, including historical images, articles, awards, original vision statement, past advertisers, writers, and contributors in the first edition, old and new logos, fun facts, etc.
Also featured were performances by local musicians Bard Owl and Peter Siegel, an anniversary cake, raffle prizes, light refreshments, and more.
VIM, was one of the first nonprofit newspapers in the country—incorporated in 2004 and recognized as a tax-exempt, tax-deductible charity (a.k.a. a 501[c](3) by the IRS the following year.
The founders of VIM envisioned an organization that would promote local, independent journalism, create a forum for participation and encourage civic engagement by building media skills. Today, VIM is going strong.
Widely known for its award-winning, independent newspaper, The Commons, and the public programming offered through the Media Mentoring Project and Voices Live, VIM has become a trusted resource for the residents of Windham County and beyond, says Barrett.
Randolph Holhut, News Editor, The Commons, Diana Bingham. Photo courtesy The Commons.
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