Encore Renewable Energy, a leading full-service community scale renewable energy project development company, announced today that Kate Desrochers is joining their team as a Project Manager. Kate joins Encore from Packetized Energy, where she worked as a senior manager for projects and initiatives deploying grid-edge load management technologies. Kate is excited to join the Encore team to continue building on her eight years of consulting and project implementation focused on decarbonization. Kate grew up in St. Johnsbury, VT and currently resides in Burlington.

Barre Elks Lodge held their annual Member Appreciation/Awards night in July. Past Exalted Ruler, Barb Watters presented awards for the 2019-2020 fiscal year, which ended March 31. Elizabeth "Betsy" Stanford was named the 2019-2020 Elk of the Year. Betsy was honored for her commitment to the Lodge and Order, through volunteerism and support. Betsy is the Lodge Scholarship Chair, has been a proofreader for the Lodge Bulletin, volunteers countless hours in the kitchen/main hall and supports nearly all Lodge activities and functions.

The Lake Champlain Chamber has selected the Leadership Champlain Class of 2021 -- the 32nd class of the Chamber’s signature program for established community leaders. Since 1989, Leadership Champlain has ensured the community’s most influential and esteemed leaders are knowledgeable about issues, well-networked and passionate about our region’s success.

Corey Johnson has joined DuBois & King’s Building Services Division as a junior electrical engineer. Corey holds an associate’s degree in electrical engineering from Vermont Technical College, and he previously spent five years working for an electrical contractor in Barre. His professional skills include installation of commercial and residential electrical systems, fire alarms, and sub-panels; branch circuit and CATV/data wiring; and advanced software knowledge. Corey is based in the firm’s Waterbury office.

Front Porch Forum’s tech team is growing! Two more software engineers, Noah Harrison and Aaron Lipman, have joined FPF to continue upgrading and expanding our custom-built mobile, web and email platforms to better serve our social mission.