What Will Vermont Look Like in 100 Years?
Rapid changes in the global economy and biosphere demand flexibility and creativity for Vermont communities to survive. By capitalizing on the talents, work ethic, compassion and innovativeness of Vermonters, leaders in communities, businesses, organizations and government will rise to 21st century challenges. Our determination will ease the transition away from fossil fuels, forge new alliances that yield high value from certified forests and organic agriculture, and foster homegrown enterprises that become the rising stars of tomorrow's economy. By reconnecting the fabric of our communities, we will retain the qualities and characteristics that are so precious and rare.
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund works at the creative edge where a new worldview is emerging. Our programs and funding spark creativity and resourcefulness in the face of difficult challenges. We dedicate our efforts to facilitating the creation and retention of quality, livable wage jobs throughout the state by supporting businesses, economic networks and markets in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, certified forestry, heritage and recreation-based tourism, and renewable energy. We nurture individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations seeking the confidence to improve a world that yields so painfully to change. Through our efforts and those of our many partners, VSJF is building a foundation that will sustain our communities well into the future.
This website contains general information and resources about sustainable development as well as specific details about VSJF and partner activities. We invite you to explore!
Vermont Biofuels Association Sets the Record Straight
On Monday, July 18, an Associated Press article by Mark Johnson was published in several Vermont newspapers claiming that ethanol and biodiesel are not energy efficient. Unfortunately, the study by researchers David Pimentel at Cornell University and Tad Patzek at the University of California-Berkeley that was cited in the article to justify these claims was misleading and inaccurate.
7-15-2005
NEW DIRECTORY OF VERMONT WOOD PRODUCTS FOR ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and the Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association are pleased to announce the publication of the Vermont Wood Products Resource Manual.
The first phase of this unique guide highlights Vermont furniture manufacturers that sell or are capable of selling to institutional or large volume buyers. The guide introduces a range of Vermont companies to facility owners, architects, and project managers seeking high quality Vermont wood products including those manufactured and certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Future updates of the manual will describe additional products including millwork, flooring, plywood and others.
6-29-2005
RURAL VERMONT INVENTORY OF DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES REPORT NOW AVAILABLE.
Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Kevin Dorn initiated this study to explore ways to prevent community dislocations from closure or exodus of major employers. To fulfill this request, report authors Ellen Kahler and Scott Sawyer identified rural Vermont locations that depend on a small number of large businesses.
Please click here to read this report.