MONTPELIER, Artists, educators, entrepreneurs and organizers from the Northeast Kingdom will gather at the Vermont Statehouse on Jan. 28 for the second annual NEK Day, organized by the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative.
The day is meant to showcase recent successes in the three-county region, highlight rural community development models, and work with lawmakers on solutions for 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.”
Events begin at 9 a.m. with advocacy training by Amy Shollenberger of Action Circles at the Vermont Historical Society Museum. A welcome and press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Cedar Creek Room with Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman and other leaders. A pie social and NEK business showcase will run from 2 to 3 p.m. in the cafeteria lounge.
NEK leaders will testify before several legislative committees throughout the day, including House Commerce, Senate Economic Development, House Education, and others.
Participating organizations include Northern Vermont University, Catamount Film & Arts, Kingdom Trails and HEAT Squad.
NEK News will be at the Statehouse for NEK Day and will follow up with attendees and committee testimony.
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Frank Hoffman via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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