This most recent Monday evening, 26 June 2023, we were pleased to once again host a public gathering for the purposes of dialogue and community engagement related to challenges and opportunities facing those living and working in the Northeast Kingdom.

In conjunction with the office of Vermont Senator Peter Welch, we were joined by nearly 150 engaged Vermonters and an esteemed panel that included the Senator himself; Hill Farmstead founder and owner Shaun Hill; Jon Ramsay from Vermont Land Trust and Center for an Agricultural Economy; Vermont Representative Katherine Sims; Jasper Hill Farm’s Andy Kehler; Sarah Waring, State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire for the USDA Rural Development; and Jessica Savage, Director of Community Collaboration at Vermont Council on Rural Development.

Over the course of an hour or so, each panelist provided a brief presentation, and then the panel took questions and heard comments from attendees and spoke from their various areas of expertise with the hope of creating pathways of dialogue through which we can advance and improve this rich, beautiful region.

We extend our gratitude to Senator Welch and his team for working with us to coordinate this event, as well as the special guests and everyone who made the drive out for a wonderful evening. We look forward to hosting more of these community conversations whenever possible.