RANDOLPH – The Randolph Region Re-Energized (R3) initiative will convene on June 11 as four task forces focused on community priorities meet to develop action plans. Joining these conversations will be a resource team of issue-area experts from around Vermont who will provide technical advice and help to identify resources important for success. The task force meetings are happening on June 11 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Chandler Center for the Arts. All in the Randolph region are invited to attend.

This meeting builds upon two previous gatherings in April and May as over 275 community members came together to brainstorm action ideas and prioritize four that are now the focus of the R3 initiative. The R3 initiative will now work to:

  • Reduce Municipal and School Costs through Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects
  • Attract and Support Climate Economy Businesses and Entrepreneurs and Strengthen Downtown Randolph
  • Attract More Visitors to the Randolph Region
  • Create Savings Opportunities for Homes and Businesses Through Energy Efficiency, Transformation, and Generation

The group that gathered May 7 for the Community Meeting also decided that engaging younger community members is critical to the success of this effort and will be a focus of each task force. Younger members of the community are strongly encouraged to attend and participate on June 11.

Vermont Council on Rural Development is pleased to announce that Patricia Moulton, the President of Vermont Technical College, will serve as the local Chair of the initiative. As Chair, Pat will work with the chairs of each task force, with partner organizations and VCRD staff to provide guidance, coordination, and support.

“The Randolph Region Re-Energized process holds tremendous promise for Randolph and surrounding towns. I am excited to work with all those involved with the initiative to drive positive change for the region,” noted Pat. “Now that we have decided on the four key priorities for R3, our work really gets started. Our success depends on local leadership and support, so I’m hopeful many citizens will join in the conversation on June 11. “

Click here to read the full descriptions of the four priorities and to sign-up for a task force: https://goo.gl/forms/CHGMwLLcDSVFWwft2. Or call or e-mail Jon Copans at [email protected] or (802) 225-6393. Signing up is not necessary to attend the June 11 meeting. All are invited.

R3 – RANDOLPH REGION RE-ENERGIZED is a community-driven process with local leaders, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), Green Mountain Power and Efficiency Vermont working together to cultivate economic development, innovation and affordability in the face of climate change. The Climate Economy Model Communities Program is made possible thanks to financial support from Northfield Savings Bank, VLITE, Jane’s Trust Foundation and VCRD’s members.

VCRD is a non-profit organization supporting the locally-defined progress of Vermont’s rural communities. To learn more, visit us at http://vtrural.org.