VT.cleanenergyeducation.org is a new online directory for all clean energy education and training programs in Vermont. The site aims to provide a directory that is comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy to use. The Vermont Clean Energy Careers Training & Education Directory aims to connect energy efficiency and renewable energy industry professionals, job seekers, and students with education and training opportunities throughout the state. This site was created for people seeking information about training and education programs in Vermont related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other “clean energy” fields. It provides information about such programs at universities, community colleges, vocational/technical schools, labor unions, not-for-profit groups, professional associations, and for-profit institutions.  It's a searchable directory for those pursuing a career in the clean energy industry, advancing present careers by acquiring new skills and knowledge, or simply satisfying a desire to learn more about this exciting and important area. VT.cleanenergyeducation.org is a collaborative effort between the Vermont Department of Labor, the Workforce Development Council and Central Vermont Community Action Council's Vermont Green initiative, and is developed and maintained by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships and the New England Clean Energy Council.  

On Saturday, May 12th, several area U.S. Postal Services are participating in the National Letter Carriers Food Drive. Most local post offices will be accepting non-perishable food items that morning. Please participate by placing your items in a sturdy bag near your mailbox and your letter carrier will pick them up. Or, you can deliver them yourself to your post office. All food will be distributed locally.

This 20th annual event is the largest one-day food drive in the nation. Help Stamp Out Hunger - Please join this community-wide effort to restock food shelves. For more information, contact the United Way of Lamoille County at 888-3252 or the Green Mountain United Way at 229-9532.

We are pleased to announce Laura Lind-Blum as the new Director of the Vermont Women’s Business Center. Lind-Blum, known in the women’s business community as “the Idea Midwife,” brings many years of experience helping women entrepreneurs find innovative strategies for nurturing their businesses. “We are delighted to welcome Laura to this leadership post in the women’s business community,” states Mary Niebling, Director of Community Action’s Community Economic Development programs. “Her experience in helping business owners bring new ideas to life will help bring the work of the Vermont Women’s Business Center to a new level.”  In addition to having operated her own coaching business, Lind-Blum has served as a management and leadership trainer for Vermont businesses, has been an instructor for Vermont educational institutions and programs, and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to women in business as an active member and former board member of WBON, the Women Business Owners Network. Since opening in 2002, Vermont Women’s Business Center has assisted with the creation of 253 new jobs, helped launch 98 new businesses, and since 2005, has helped women business owners access more than $3.6 million in financing for their businesses. Each year, the Center assists more than 1,500 Vermonters with one-to-one business counseling, inquiries, referrals, lending library resources, and group trainings.  The Vermont Women’s Business Center is a project of Central Vermont Community Action Council and funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  The Center operates statewide through the five Community Action Agencies, with a home office located at 327 US Route 302 in Berlin. For more information call 802-479-9813 or toll-free at 877-524-1998.  

Let's Not Forget Irene: A benefit concert for central Vermont families hit by the flood.  An evening of soulful acoustic solo music by Dave Keller, Sara Grace and Paul Asbell at U-32 High School in East Montpelier.  Doors open and dessert served at 6:30pm.  $30/adult and $20/student.  Tickets available at U-32 Office, Community connections and Buch Spieler in Montpelier.  For more information call 229-0321 ext. 2242.  All proceeds benefit the Central Vermont Family Flood Relief Fund at Community Action.