NEWPORT, The Northeast Kingdom Collaborative will host the second annual NEK Day at the Vermont Statehouse on Tuesday, January 28. The event aims to highlight the region’s successes in rural community development and to engage with legislators on key issues.
“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.”
The day begins with advocacy training at 9 a.m. in the Snelling Room at the Vermont Historical Society Museum, led by Amy Shollenberger of Action Circles. A press conference with Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman and other leaders follows at 10 a.m. in the Cedar Creek Room. A pie social and NEK Business Showcase will run from 2 to 3 p.m. in the cafeteria lounge, featuring organizations such as Northern Vermont University, Catamount Film & Arts, Kingdom Trails, and HEAT Squad.
NEK leaders will also testify before several legislative committees, including House Commerce & Economic Development (9-10 a.m.), Senate Economic Development (10:30-10:45 a.m.), and House and Senate Education committees (1-2 p.m.), among others.
The NEK Collaborative has coordinated among businesses and nonprofits for more than 20 years. Since last year’s first NEK Day, the coalition has advanced strategic action plans focusing on leadership development and economic growth in creative, recreational, and food sectors.
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Austin via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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