Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce Newsletter | September 2025
Building community. Supporting business. Leading forward.
Coffee Hour Has Outgrown Its Space!
Our monthly Coffee Hour has been growing in the most wonderful way, and we’ve officially outgrown our space! Thanks to the generosity of Chamber member Lyndon Institute, Coffee Hour will now be hosted in the E. Harris Brown Building, located between the Sanborn Gym and the church, visible from the Chamber office, on the same side of the street.
New Location: E. Harris Brown Building (Lyndon Institute)
Time: 7:30 a.m.
First Wednesday of the Month — October 1st
Topic: Entrepreneurship as a Driving Force in Economic Development
Come join us for conversation, connection, and community.
Rumble in the Kingdom: Pitch Competition
Entrepreneurship is alive and well in the NEK! NVDA and Do North Coworking will be hosting Rumble in the Kingdom, a dynamic pitch competition where entrepreneurs share their best ideas.
Held at Chamber member organization Catamount Arts
Register to pitch your idea by September 30
Regional Connections & National Exposure
In September, the NEK Chamber:
- Attended an entrepreneurship convening with support from NVDA, meeting outstanding partners from a variety of regions, including Burlington, Maine, and West Virginia.
- Joined Vermont’s Department of Tourism at the Big E to showcase the Northeast Kingdom’s businesses, communities, and attractions.
- Officially began overseeing NortheastKingdom.com, ensuring our region is front-and-center in statewide and national marketing efforts.
Keep an eye on the NEK Event Calendar
Membership Benefits: Growing Every Month
Your Chamber membership connects you to a powerful network and tangible perks:
- Fuel Discounts with Fred’s, AmeriGas, Bourne’s, Dead River, and Irving.
- Group Insurance Rates for dental, health, and even pet insurance.
- Marketing & Visibility through our website, social media, and NortheastKingdom.com.
- Unique Perks: website design with Northeast Kingdom Online, free popcorn at Catamount Arts, and more to come!
If you’d like your business included in our new member perks, reach out now—we’re finalizing the 2026 renewal package!
Vermont Saves: A Win for Small Businesses
In September, the NEK Chamber hosted Treasurer Mike Pieciak at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum to discuss Vermont Saves, a retirement program designed for small businesses that don’t currently offer a plan for employees.
Read the Caledonian Record story
Leadership NEK Kicks Off
Yesterday, Leadership NEK launched its first 10-month session with 10 participants gathering at the CCV offices at the Fairbanks Museum.
Speakers included:
- Adam Kane, Fairbanks Museum Director
- Gretchen DeHart, CCV Director of Engagement & NEK Chamber Board Member
- Ashley Van Zandt, Director of Development & Communications at Catamount Arts
Huge thanks to Chamber member Cynthia Stuart for helping design this transformative program that will shape the next generation of NEK leaders.
So grateful to NVDA, Vermont Community Foundation, and Grassroots Fund and all the participating businesses who have helped to make this possible.
Welcome New Members
We’re thrilled to welcome several new and returning members to the Chamber this month!
- Social by Jodi – bringing fresh energy and entrepreneurship networking to the region. Jodi has also launched a new entrepreneurship networking group—check it out here
- Zoe Allerding Consulting
- Harvey’s Lake Cabins
- Northland Journal
- North Star Monthly
- Aubuchon Hardware – Hardwick
- OneWorldU
It’s exciting to see such a diverse group of organizations join our community!
Fall in the NEK: Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss
- Burke Fall Festival — Saturday, September 27
- Event details here
NEK Civics Bee Returns
As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, the NEK Chamber is once again hosting the Civics Bee, a dynamic competition designed to engage middle school students (grades 6–8) in civic learning.
Essay submissions open September 8th
The Bee celebrates civic knowledge and engagement, building pride in our democracy and community.
Sponsorship opportunities are available—help us inspire the next generation of civic leaders!
Last year’s Bee was a transformative experience for many Kingdom East students, and we can’t wait to see even more young people step up this year.
Do you know a 6th–8th grader who wants to get involved? Encourage them to participate!
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Futures Project are partnering to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Vermont employers. Your input is critical. This five-minute survey will help shape statewide policy and advocacy informed by research and data on current business conditions. Whether you’re optimistic, concerned, or somewhere in between, we want to hear from you. Take the survey and help us elevate your voice in Montpelier.
Reach out to us for more information about upcoming events and how to get involved.
Thank you for helping us build a more connected, resilient, and vibrant Northeast Kingdom.
Warmly,
Loralee Tester
Executive Director
Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce | 91 College Road | Lyndon Center, VT 05850 US
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