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Other Initiatives

In addition to our work with communities, other VCRD initiatives include:

Broadband in Vermont

VCRD has been working toward the goal of universal and affordable high speed internet access for Vermont for over a decade. Our work has included aggregating demand, creating Wi-Fi hotspots, and hosting a contest with cash and service prizes to business in the Northeast Kingdom. Currently we are bringing services and equipment through the e-Vermont Community Broadband program to 24 rural communities across the state.

Forest Products Marketing Initiative

The marketing initiative, evolving from the Forest Products Council, developed programs to help market Vermont wood products.

Agriculture in Vermont

Community and Organization Facilitation

VCRD is often called on to provide organizational consultation and resource referral both at the community and agency level. Listed below are a sample of the organizational supports VCRD has provided to Vermont communities, agencies and organizations in the last few years.

  • Consultation on policy development toward the Transformation of K-12 Education, 2008
  • Facilitation of working team for Home Weatherization Education Program, 2008
  • Mediation between Compost businesses and regulators for Vermont Composters Assn., 2008
  • Vermont Compost Association Facilitation toward new goals-based regulation, 2008
  • Moderation of the Vermont Environmental Consortium Conference on Environmental Education, 2007
  • Organizational facilitation for the Commission on the Future of Economic Development, 2007
  • SWOT Analysis for Vermont Dairy Task Force, 2007
  • Funding, 2000–2001
  • Waterbury Town/Village Merger Discussions, 2006
  • Facilitation of the House Rural Summit for the Legislature in 2006
  • Champlain Valley Exposition Strategic Planning, 2005, 2007
  • Community Planning Facilitation with the town of Burke in advance of Ginn development on Burke Mountain, 2006
  • Farm Service Agency Staff Planning Facilitation, 2005
  • Home Heating Partnership Facilitation and production of the Vermont Home Heating Guide, 2001
  • Mediating facilitation between USDA RD, the Agency of Natural Resources, and Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs on Water and Waste-Water.

VCRD staff also serve on or moderate innumerable panel discussions and conference workshops on issues of vital rural concern.