VCRD chose the subject of the 2007 Conference based on the growing momentum in Vermont (and globally) to identify our unique local assets and use them as essential building blocks to strengthen our rural economies. VCRD’s 2004 report Advancing the Creative Economy, and the “Creative Communities Program” (CCP) VCRD led over the past two years, laid the groundwork for this high-energy State House event. This day-long event succeeded in identifying the next essential steps in keeping Vermont communities vital and competitive. Vermont is well situated, through its brand identification, cultural heritage, and artistic depth, as well as its human and intellectual capital, to be a leader in innovation and creativity. The Conference discussions reflect and celebrate the progress we are making today and the dedication Vermonters share in realizing the opportunities ahead. Read the Report (pdf).
Vermont Council on Rural Development
Helping Vermonters and Vermont communities develop.
- HOME
- ABOUT US
- About VCRDLearn more about VCRD, a nonprofit dedicated to the support of the locally-defined progress of Vermont’s rural communities.
- Meet Our TeamLearn more about the team and how to connect.
- Reports & ResourcesReports and resources from current and past programs and events.
- Video LibraryFrom VCRD’s YouTube feed.
- AwardsCelebrating Vermonters who exemplify dedication, integrity and honorable service to community and to rural Vermont, and who have had a transformational effect on their communities.
- Past InitiativesAn archive of some past VCRD projects and initiatives including the Vermont Digital Economy Project, e-Vermont, and more. Resources remain available for communities throughout Vermont.
- OUR WORK
- Community VisitsA way for towns to engage community members in common goal-setting and access resources to help them take action on those goals.
- Climate Economy InitativeDesigned to help communities and leaders build and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in a time of climate change.
- PolicyWe convene Policy Councils around issues important to rural Vermont to identify concrete statewide recommendations for action.
- Vermont PropositionA set of transformational goals designed to optimize the best of Vermont at mid-century — for our economy, environment, communities, and people.
- Vermont Community Leadership NetworkConnecting and supporting local leaders – with or without an official position – as they build local projects, organizations, and systems that serve their communities and Vermont’s urgent and long-term needs.
- Village Trust InitiativeExpertise and funding to help 20 small towns create or bolster a local community trust organization and take on a transformational revitalization project in the village.
- MTAP ServicesFree facilitation and technical support services to help towns prioritize projects and connect to support for grant-writing, permit applications, regulatory compliance, and more.
- Working Communities ChallengeAdvancing local collaborative efforts that build strong, healthy economies and communities in Vermont’s rural towns and regions, by supporting teams of leaders as they tackle complex challenges.
- Vermont Working Lands InitiativeSupporting the farm, forest, and value-adding businesses that are at the foundation of the working landscape that benefits all Vermonters.
- SummitsAnnual summits convene Vermonters for cooperative goal-setting around key rural priorities and help leaders build skills, share opportunities, network, and learn.
- SUPPORT US
- CONTACT
- HOME
- ABOUT US
- About VCRDLearn more about VCRD, a nonprofit dedicated to the support of the locally-defined progress of Vermont’s rural communities.
- Meet Our TeamLearn more about the team and how to connect.
- Reports & ResourcesReports and resources from current and past programs and events.
- Video LibraryFrom VCRD’s YouTube feed.
- AwardsCelebrating Vermonters who exemplify dedication, integrity and honorable service to community and to rural Vermont, and who have had a transformational effect on their communities.
- Past InitiativesAn archive of some past VCRD projects and initiatives including the Vermont Digital Economy Project, e-Vermont, and more. Resources remain available for communities throughout Vermont.
- OUR WORK
- Community VisitsA way for towns to engage community members in common goal-setting and access resources to help them take action on those goals.
- Climate Economy InitativeDesigned to help communities and leaders build and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in a time of climate change.
- PolicyWe convene Policy Councils around issues important to rural Vermont to identify concrete statewide recommendations for action.
- Vermont PropositionA set of transformational goals designed to optimize the best of Vermont at mid-century — for our economy, environment, communities, and people.
- Vermont Community Leadership NetworkConnecting and supporting local leaders – with or without an official position – as they build local projects, organizations, and systems that serve their communities and Vermont’s urgent and long-term needs.
- Village Trust InitiativeExpertise and funding to help 20 small towns create or bolster a local community trust organization and take on a transformational revitalization project in the village.
- MTAP ServicesFree facilitation and technical support services to help towns prioritize projects and connect to support for grant-writing, permit applications, regulatory compliance, and more.
- Working Communities ChallengeAdvancing local collaborative efforts that build strong, healthy economies and communities in Vermont’s rural towns and regions, by supporting teams of leaders as they tackle complex challenges.
- Vermont Working Lands InitiativeSupporting the farm, forest, and value-adding businesses that are at the foundation of the working landscape that benefits all Vermonters.
- SummitsAnnual summits convene Vermonters for cooperative goal-setting around key rural priorities and help leaders build skills, share opportunities, network, and learn.
- SUPPORT US
- CONTACT