NEWPORT — Artists and educators, organizers and entrepreneurs from the Northeast Kingdom will be hitting the hallways and committee rooms of the Vermont Statehouse on Tuesday, January 28, for the second annual NEK Day.
The goal is to celebrate recent successes in the three-county region, share the innovative rural community development models that are forming in the NEK and work with legislators on solutions for current and prospective residents and businesses.
“Like many rural communities across the country, the Northeast Kingdom faces significant challenges, but we are coming together as a region and developing innovative solutions to build vibrant rural communities,” said Katherine Sims, Director of the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative. “Our future is bright and we’re excited to share our best practices and to work with legislators to support rural communities across the state.”
Advocacy Training with Amy Shollenberger from Action Circles at 9:00 a.m. in the Snelling Room at the Vermont Historical Society Museum.
This training will introduce participants to the legislative process, how to talk to legislators and tips for testifying in front of committees.
Welcome & Press conference at 10 a.m. in the Cedar Creek Room with NEK leaders, Lt Governor David Zuckerman and other key leadership.
Pie Social and NEK Business Showcase in the cafeteria lounge from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Reps from NEK businesses and non-profit organizations including Northern Vermont University, Catamount Film & Arts, Kingdom Trails and HEAT Squad will be in attendance, and available for interviews.
NEK leaders will testify before legislative committees throughout the day:
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee: 9 – 10 a.m.
Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs: 10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
House Education Committee: 1 – 2 p.m.
Senate Education Committee: 1:30 – 2 p.m.
House Energy & Technology Committee: 1-2 p.m.
House Agriculture Committee: 11 a.m. – noon
Senate Agriculture & Forestry Committee: 1 – 2 p.m.
Small group discussion with the Rural Caucus: noon – 1 p.m.
House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife: 1:00-1:45 p.m.
The NEK Collaborative has been working to increase coordination and communication
among NEK businesses and nonprofits for more than 20 years.
Since their first NEK Day this time last year, the region has made incredible strides towards building vibrant, thriving communities in the Northeast Kingdom.
The organization has brought together dozens of partners to implement strategic action plans in two key areas:
1. Expanding leadership development
2. Advancing economic growth at the intersection of the creative, recreational and food sectors.
For more information visit: www.nekcollaborative.org/nekday
