Financing
Vermont is looked to regionally and nationally for its connectivity among capital providers and its community-based approach to economic development, especially in food systems. The Farm to Plate Financing Crosscutting Team is a forum for capital providers of all stripes to assess financing gaps, identify new funding opportunities, and promote creative funding arrangements that will advance the development of Vermont’s food system enterprises. Convened in September 2012, to-date the group has reviewed diverse cases of live and historical deals, resulting in three case studies that are available for download through this section. Most recently, the Team hosted a panel of food system funders from New England and the Northeast region to share views on trends, opportunities, and collaboration.
In June 2013, the Crosscutting Team began incubating a Slow Money network in Vermont. Launched in September 2014, Slow Money Vermont has established itself as a valuable source of information and relationships designed to enable Main St investors to find their way toward local food enterprise investment opportunities. See the link in this section to the Slow Money Vermont Task Force for highlights from the six well-attended events and other innovative activities that have unfolded since then.
From the beginning, the Financing Crosscutting Team was ably chaired by Janice St. Onge, President of the VSJF Flexible Capital Fund. In September 2015, the Team elected Eric DeLuca as Chair for a one-year term. In addition to Chairing the Slow Money Vermont Task Force in 2015, Eric co-chairs the Enterprise Financing Options Committee of the VT Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB), which has made over $3M of catalytic grants since 2012—driving $4.3M in match. This WLEB Committee is poised to share Blueprints for three Financing Tools designed to address access-to-capital gaps, and make the most of public funds & public/private partnerships.
People
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Independent Grocers
Agritourism
Food Access
Financing
Research
Energy
Slow Money Vermont
Health
Rooted in Vermont®
Food Access PlanningAlexander Arroyo
alexander.s.arroyoREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(619) 417-4470
Owner/Farmer
Fuller Mountain Farm
fullermountainfarm.com
1411 Fuller Mountain Road
North Ferrisburgh VT, 05473
Alex Arroyo of Fuller Mountain Farm in North Ferrisburgh! My retired mother and I are transforming 8 acres of beautiful land into a food forest and dynamic silvopastural system, also growing market herbs and flowers. I'm passionate about ecology and a holistic approach to growing food and raising animals.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Meat Processing
Financing
Agritourism
Food Retailers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Technical Assistance Coordination
Independent Grocers
Slow Money Vermont
Communications and Marketing Community of PracticeChelsea Bardot Lewis
chelsea.lewisREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 828-3360
Chelsea Bardot Lewis is an Agricultural Policy Administrator with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. She has an M.S. in Agriculture Food and Environment from the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, where she conducted the research for “A capacity assessment of New England’s large animal slaughter facilities as relative to meat production for the regional food system,” published in 2011. In addition to her work with the meat industry in Vermont, she is also the director of the Vermont Food Export Program, and VAAFM's Federal Policy liaison. She and her husband Nate own Moonlight Farm in Waterbury, Vermont, an organic fruit and garlic operation.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Meat Processing
Food Cycle Coalition
Education and Workforce Development
Independent Grocers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Food Access
Financing
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Slow Money Vermont
HealthJustin Barrett
workREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@piecemealvt.com
(541) 510-5873
chef owner
Piecemeal Pies
piecemealpies.com
5 South Main Street
White River Junction Vermont, 05001
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Network Groups
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Financing
Slow Money VermontEric Becker
ericREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@cleanyield.com
(802) 526-2525
Chief Investment Officer
Clean Yield Asset Management
16 Beaver Meadow Road
Norwich VT, 05055
Slow Money Vermont
c/o 3 Pitkin Ct.
Suite 301E
Montpelier Vermont, 05602
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Food Cycle Coalition
Education and Workforce Development
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Food Access
Financing
Research
Energy
Health
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Rooted in Vermont®
Food Access PlanningNatalie Bekkouche
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Network Groups
Will Belongia
willREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vclf.org
(802) 223-1448
Executive Director
Vermont Community Loan Fund
investinvermont.org
15 State Street, Suite 101
Montpelier VT, 05602
Executive Director of the Vermont Community Loan Fund A nonprofit, mission-driven alternative lender and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) creates opportunities leading to healthy communities and financial stability for all Vermonters. An expert in finding and financing opportunities that traditional lenders overlook or avoid, VCLF puts capital in the hands of Vermont entrepreneurs and organizations who can’t get it anywhere else, all to benefit the Vermonters who need it most. We make loans and provide financial consulting and business development services to help lower-income Vermonters access safe, affordable homes, quality jobs, early care & education and other essential services. We seek to serve Vermonters who traditionally lack equitable access to credit, including lower-income Vermonters, communities at risk, and women.
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Network Groups
Justin Bourgeois
jbourgeoisREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@communitynationalbank.com
(802) 479-7711
VP, Commercial Lending
Community National Bank
communitynationalbank.com
95 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602
As a commercial lender working for a small, Vermont owned financial institution, I am perfectly positioned to step in where appropriate to provide financing in situations where a business is looking to either set up or increase their production capacity.
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Network Groups
Beth Boutin
bethREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermontruralventures.com
802-861-3822
Senior Investment Officer
Vermont Rural Ventures
vermontruralventures.com
123 St. Paul Street
Burlington Vermont, 05401
Vermont Rural Ventures (VRV) helps Vermont businesses and nonprofits grow or expand with patient, equity-like funds. We invest in the economic, environmental, and social well-being of Vermont. VRV looks for projects that retain or create jobs and essential goods and services for Vermonters. We finance key community developments in downtown and village centers and in other concerted community efforts that demonstrate positive impacts on Vermont’s economic, health care, energy and food systems. Vermont Rural Ventures is a qualified community development entity operated by Housing Vermont. Beth Boutin serves as Vermont Rural Ventures’ main point of contact. She is responsible for program outreach, developing and managing a pipeline of opportunities, structuring, sourcing debt and equity capital, and managing each project seeking and receiving financing.
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Network Groups
Lee Bouyea
leeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@freshtrackscap.com
(802) 922-4433
Managing Director
FreshTracks Capital
freshtrackscap.com
29 Harbor Road
Shelburne VT, 05482
FreshTracks is a venture capital firm focused on investing in high-growth Vermont businesses. We provide equity capital and hands on management oversight to help young companies scale.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Food Cycle Coalition
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Agritourism
Food Access
Financing
Slow Money Vermont
Health
Rooted in Vermont®Ember Boyle
HappyBirdPoultryFarmREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-343-4182
owner
Happy Bird Poultry Farm, LLC
HappyBirdPoultryFarm.com
568 Main St
Isle La Motte Vermont, 05463
Happy Bird Poultry Farm, LLC started as two couples growing their own chicken. One year we (The Boyles) gave some of our homegrown chicken as gifts for Christmas and WOW! It was popular so we grew more and more each year. Then we added the smokehouse and farm market. We now offer a diverse variety of local food and non food items for sale. Our chicken is still grown here on the farm and is now (as of 2017) processed by us in our on farm VT Department of Agriculture inspected poultry processing plant. We aren't a deli or restaurant but we do offer some awesome foods for you to take home and share with family and friends. Real smoke, real flavor, low and slow!
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Stacy Burnstein
stacyburnsteinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@comcast.net
(802) 225-1180
Land Access Specialist
Intervale Center
intervale.org
180 Intervale Road
Burlington VT, 05401
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Agritourism
Food Access
Financing
Soil and Water
Research
Energy
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Labor
Health
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Food Access PlanningErica Campbell
erica_campbellREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@sanders.senate.gov
Policy & Outreach Staff - Agriculture, food, rural dev. & transportation
Office of Senator Bernie Sanders
1 Church St, 3rd Floor
Burlington Vermont, 05401
Office on Senator Bernie Sanders--agriculture, nutrition, rural development & transportation policy
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Mark Cannella
mark.cannellaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@uvm.edu
(802) 223-2389
Director: Farm Viability and Farm Business Management Specialist
University of Vermont Extension (Berlin)
uvm.edu/extension
327 US Route 302
Berlin VT, 05641
Mark is an Associate Professor with UVM Extension and the director of Agricultural Business Programs.
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Christopher Chaisson
chrisREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@wholefarmservices.com
802-777-3537
Wild Branch Foods
wildbranchfoods.com
2044 Prindle Rd
Charlotte Vermont, 05445
Founder/Director
Whole Farm Services
wholefarmservices.com
2044 Prindle Rd
Charlotte Vermont, 05445
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Network Groups
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Financing
Slow Money VermontKarin Chamberlain
karinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@cleanyield.com
802-526-2525
Clean Yield Asset Management
16 Beaver Meadow Road
Norwich VT, 05055
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Meat Processing
Producer and Processor Association Support
Technical Assistance Coordination
Dairy Professional Development
Farm to Institution
Financing
Slow Money Vermont
Farm Viability Indicators Task ForceEla Chapin
elaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vhcb.org
(802) 828-2117
Viability Program Director
Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program
vhcb.org/viability
VT Housing & Conservation Board
58 East State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602
Ela Chapin is Director of the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board that provides business planning and technical assistance to farm, food and forest products businesses. Since 2006, Ela has managed and advanced the quality of program services and provided professional development opportunities to strengthen the network of agricultural service providers in Vermont and beyond. She has a MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Financing
Consumer Education and MarketingBetsy Chodorkoff
betsyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@blockfound.org
(802) 426-2026
The Harris and Frances Block Foundation
blockfound.org
491 Ennis Hill Road
Marshfield VT, 05658
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Food Cycle Coalition
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Consumer Education and Marketing
Food Access
Financing
Energy
Slow Money Vermont
Health
Rooted in Vermont®
Food Access PlanningScott Choiniere
scottREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@abbeygroup.net
(802) 373-6458
Executive Vice President
The Abbey Food Service Management Group
abbeygroup.net
6212 State Route 105
Enosburg Falls VT, 05450
My name is Scott Choiniere. I am the Executive Vice President for The Abbey Group. We are a New England Food Service Management Company. I have 30 years Food service management experience, I am a New England Culinary School graduate and I am also a certified USDA School Nutrition Specialist. I have a tenacious drive for excellence in customer service and highlight communication as priority number one throughout our team to build on what we we do best, providing the best nutrition and experience for our customers. We strive to hire and retain employees throughout your local communities and in addition utilize handcrafted local sustainable foods to implement our Farm to school and Sea to school philosophy.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Producer and Processor Association Support
Technical Assistance Coordination
Dairy Professional Development
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Agricultural Land Use Planning
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Financing
Soil and Water
Research
Energy
Integrated Curriculum & Flexible Pathways
Consumer Education and Marketing
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Business-Education Partnerships
Career Pathways & Image
Workforce Needs Assessment and Summit
Tech Task Force
Food Access
Eat Local Campaign
Agritourism
Farm to Institution
Food Retailers
Meat Processing
Slow Money Vermont
Independent Grocers
Labor
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Health
Steering Committee
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Rooted in Vermont®Jake Claro
JakeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
(802) 828-5669
Farm to Plate Program Director
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Food Justice
Aggregation and Distribution
Consumer Education and Marketing
Education and Workforce Development
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Access
Financing
Energy
ResearchGina Clithero
gina.clitheroREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
802-585-6225
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620
Gina is an Agriculture Development Specialist at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets. She manages the Vermont Produce Safety Improvement Grant Program and the Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Food Cycle Coalition
Aggregation and Distribution
Financing
Consumer Education and Marketing
Education and Workforce Development
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Energy
Food Access
Health
Research
Agritourism
Business-Education Partnerships
Career Pathways & Image
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Farm to Institution
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Farmland Access
Food Access Planning
Food Justice
Independent Grocers
Rooted in Vermont®
Slow Money VermontOllie Cultrara
ollie.cultraraREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620
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Network Groups
Aggregation and Distribution
Consumer Education and Marketing
Education and Workforce Development
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Production and Processing
Energy
Financing
Food Access
Health
Labor
Research
Soil and Water
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Agritourism
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Rooted in Vermont®
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Slow Money Vermont
Food Access Planning
Steering Committee
Food JusticeSarah Danly
sarahREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
(802) 828-3745
Farm to Plate Network Manager
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Financing
Producer and Processor Association Support
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Slow Money Vermont
Consumer Education and Marketing
Communications and Marketing Community of PracticeEric DeLuca
deluca.ericREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-451-6830
I serve on the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board. The WLEB was created during the FY2012 legislative session to oversee and administer the Working Lands Enterprise Fund. The Fund demonstrates the state's investment in the working lands enterprise economy, and is in the process of allocating $986K. $220K has been awarded to-date to entrepreneurs. The legislature appropriated an additional $1.425M to the Fund for FY2014. I previously served on the Vermont Agriculture Innovation Center board. The AIC drove $3M of investment in VT food system innovation from 2010 to 2012, across 51 projects. I managed the International Year of Cooperatives (2012) for the US. I work with cooperative enterprises of all types and sectors, including farmer-owned businesses, food co-ops, and food system worker cooperatives in which teams of people create their own jobs.
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Network Groups
Energy
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Financing
Farmland AccessAlexander DePillis
Alex.DePillisREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620
Alex is the energy specialist with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets
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Network Groups
Brian Degen
BDegenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@FieldstoneCap.com
(802) 496-9940
Managing Partner
Fieldstone Capital Partners, LLC
238 Deer Run Lane
Waitsfield VT, 05673
I invest patient private equity capital in expansion-stage Vermont companies with a focus on branded consumer products (including food products) and traditional industrial/manufacturing companies. I also provide strategic guidance and operational support to portfolio companies.
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Network Groups
Ben Doyle
benjamin.doyleREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vt.usda.gov
802-839-9914
Community and Economic Development Specialist
USDA Rural Development
rurdev.usda.gov/NH-VTHome.html
87 State Street,
Suite 324
Montpelier VT, 05601
Ben Doyle is a Community Economic Development Specialist for USDA Rural Development. In this role, he works with stakeholders and staff to build community capacity for accessing Rural Development resources. A former high school English teacher and Peace Corps volunteer, Ben lives in Montpelier, Vermont.
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Barbara Fenhagen
bfenhagenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@aol.com
Johnson Family Foundation
jffnd.org
55 Exchange Place
New York NY, 10005
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Network Groups
Jon Freeman
jfreemanREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ncic.org
(802) 748-5101
President
Northern Community Investment Corporation
ncic.org
51 Depot Square
Suite 2
St. Johnsbury VT, 05819
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Network Groups
Leah Fury
leahREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@cooperativefund.org
Loan & Outreach Officer
Cooperative Fund of New England
coopfund.coop
5533 Peden Point Rd
Wilmington North Carolina, 28409
The Cooperative Fund of New England (CFNE) is a community development loan fund that facilitates socially responsible investing in cooperatives, community-oriented nonprofits, and worker-owned businesses in New England and adjacent communities in New York.
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Network Groups
Meat Processing
Farm to Institution
Financing
Slow Money VermontBRYCE M. & DEBBIE M. GONYAW
YOGISABEARREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@GMAIL.COM
802-274-2344
OWNER
DEER RUN FARM
PO BOX 202
1057 BRUCE BADGER MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
DANVILLE Vermont, 05828-0202
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Network Groups
David Girard
david.girardREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vt.usda.gov
802-388-6744 Ext.120
Farm Loan Officer
USDA Farm Service Agency
68 Catamount Park
Middlebury Vermont, 05753
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Network Groups
Education and Workforce Development
Food Access
Financing
LaborRebecca Golden
becca.goldenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@benjerry.com
802-923-2646
Director of Programs
Ben & Jerry's Foundation
benjerry.com
30 Community Drive
South Burlington VT, 05403
Becca is the Director of Programs at the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, former Co-Chair for the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders national funder affinity group, and one of the founding members of the Vermont Food Funders' Network.
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Network Groups
Producer and Processor Association Support
Agritourism
Financing
Research
EnergyMatthew Gordon
mgordonREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermontmaple.org
802-498-7767
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Network Groups
Steven Greenfield
sgreenfieldREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@veda.org
(802) 828-5459
Steve Greenfield is VEDA's Chief Operating Officer, a position he has held since 2004. Steve joined VEDA as a Loan Officer in October, 1985 and was appointed to the post of Deputy Manager in 1997. From 1981 to 1985, he was the Coordinator for the Vermont Job Start Program. Prior to that, he was Business Manager for a Vermont school district and managed his family’s retail furniture business. Steve received a B.B.A. degree from the University of Vermont in 1969, and an M.B.A. degree from Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College in 1971. Steve may be reached at 802-828-5459, or sgreenfield@veda.org.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Food Cycle Coalition
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Consumer Education and Marketing
Food Access
Financing
Research
Business-Education Partnerships
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Rooted in Vermont®
Food Access Planning
Slow Money VermontCorey Hennessey
corey.a.hennesseyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
Founder
Orchard Street Business Services
orchardstreetvt.com
East Montpelier Vermont, 05651
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Technical Assistance Coordination
Dairy Professional Development
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Agricultural Land Use Planning
Farmland Access
Workforce Needs Assessment and Summit
Agritourism
Financing
Soil and Water
Research
Labor
Slow Money VermontMiles Hooper
miles.hooperREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-299-6370
Ayers Brook Goat Dairy
vermontcreamery.com
301 Vermont 12 North
Randolph Vermont, 05060
Crop and Operations manager at Ayers Brook Goat Dairy, Randolph Vermont
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Network Groups
Greg Huysman
ghuysmanREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@oppsvt.org
(802) 865-3404
Small Business Lending Manager
Opportunities Credit Union
oppsvt.org
92 North Avenue
Burlington VT, 05401
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Network Groups
Financing
Communications and Marketing Community of PracticeJake Ide
jakeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vclf.org
(802) 223-4423
Director of Development
Vermont Community Loan Fund
investinvermont.org
15 State Street, Suite 101
Montpelier VT, 05602
Jake Is Director of Development for the Vermont Community Loan Fund. An expert in finding and financing opportunities that don’t qualify for credit from traditional lenders, the Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) puts capital in the hands of VT's small businesses, entrepreneurs and community organizations who can’t access it anywhere else, to benefit the Vermonters who need it most. We finance businesses and programs that help lower-income Vermonters access safe, affordable homes, quality jobs, quality early care & education and essential community services. The money we lend comes from the community: individuals & families, corporations, state & federal governments, foundations, financial institutions, faith-based groups and others who want to align their investments with their values, earning them a social or "community" return as well as a financial return. We make sure our borrowers have access not just to capital, but to the other tools and resources they need to succeed. We provide comprehensive business development services, both in-house and in partnership with outside partners and collaborators. In 2009, we were designated VT’s first-ever statewide US SBA microlender intermediary; in 2013, we were honored as VT SBA's Microlender of the Year. VCLF was designated an SBA-guaranteed Community Advantage lender in 2014. As of December 31st, 2014, our portfolio consisted of 252 loans totaling $26.4 million, representing jobs for 1,532 Vermonters, 1,552 affordable homes, child care for 1,342 children and organizations serving 45,791 Vermonters annually. Since 1987, we’ve made over 850 loans surpassing $85 million that have created or preserved employment for 4,500 Vermonters, 3,700 affordable homes, quality care for 3400 children and essential services for hundreds of thousands of Vermonters. The Loan Fund has provided flexible financing and business development services for small farms, local food producers and natural resources-based entrepreneurs for 20 years. In 2011, we partnered with The Carrot Project (thecarrotproject.org) to provide in-depth technical assistance tailored to meet the needs of small- and mid-sized farms and agricultural organizations. In 2015, we launched our Food, Farms & Forests Fund to meet the Vermonters' capital needs around sustainable agriculture, healthy food production and the working landscape.
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Network Groups
Sarah Isham
sishamREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@veda.org
(802) 828-5463
Sr. Agricultural Loan Officer
Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation (VACC)
veda.org/financing-options/vermont-agricultural-financing
58 East State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602
Since 2000, Sarah Isham has been VACC’s Senior Agricultural Loan Officer, having started her tenure with VACC as an Agricultural Loan Officer in 1994. Sarah previously had a 14-year career with USDA as an Assistant County Supervisor at Farmers Home Administration, where she originated farm and housing loans. Sarah graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Animal Science. A resident of Brookfield, she is actively involved in the Vermont horse industry and community organizations. Sarah may be reached at 802-828-5463, or sisham@veda.org.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Agricultural Land Use Planning
Aggregation and Distribution
Independent Grocers
Food Retailers
Food Access
Financing
Energy
Slow Money VermontJoy Jackson
jacksonseggsnmoreREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-324-3653
Head Egg Collector
Jacksons Eggs N More
346 Jackson Road
Panton Vermont, 05491
We raise healthy and happy chickens that produce delicious eggs! For the past 10 years we have been able to serve the local markets and many families with our eggs as well as fresh produce from our garden! We feed our birds a mix of corn and grain and they get lots of treats from the garden. We deliver locally in Vergennes to your door or feel free to stop by and pick up. We guarantee you will Love our eggs and produce or your Money Back!
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Network Groups
Christine James
cjamesREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@jmfund.org
(617) 556-4120
Program Officer
The John Merck Fund
jmfund.org
2 Oliver Street
8th Floor
Boston MA, 02109
As program officer for The John Merck Fund's Regional Food Systems program, I advise the JMF board on both grant and investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture and food systems work in Vermont and the other New England states.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Financing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Slow Money VermontCaitlin Jenness
ckjennessREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(603) 620-3713
Citizen Cider
citizencider.com
316 Pine St. Suite 114
Burlington Vermont, 05452
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Meat Processing
Producer and Processor Association Support
Food Safety
Dairy Professional Development
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Agricultural Land Use Planning
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Food Retailers
Agritourism
Food Access
Soil and Water
Research
Energy
Governor's Institute
Integrated Curriculum & Flexible Pathways
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Labor
Steering Committee
Financing
Technical Assistance Coordination
Workforce Needs Assessment and Summit
Slow Money Vermont
Eat Local CampaignEllen Kahler
ellenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
(802) 828-5320
Executive Director
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602
I assist in coordinating the Farm to Plate Network and our organization is responsible for implementing the Farm to Plate Initiative, at the request of the Vermont Legislature. I serve on the Boards of Red Tomato, the Working Lands Enterprise Fund, and the Sustainable Agriculture Council. I am also active in helping other New England states in developing their own food system plans and implementation efforts.
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Network Groups
Dave Keenan
dkeenanREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ncic.org
(802) 748-5101
Business Resource Manager at NCIC
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Helen Kellogg
hhkelloggREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 279-8349
President
Brook Road Advisors
371 Brook Road
Waitsfield Vermont, 05673
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
FinancingDavid Lane
david.laneREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@yankeeaca.com
(802) 524-2938
Yankee Farm Credit
yankeeaca.com
130 Upper Welden Street
St. Albans VT, 05478
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Network Groups
Melissa Levy
melissaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@community-roots.com
(802) 318-1720
Hinesburg Revolving Loan Fund Committee
hinesburg.org/rlfc
345 Billings Farm Road
Hinesburg VT, 05461
Melissa Levy is the Principal of Community Roots, LLC, a woman-owned consulting firm specializing in rural economic and community development in a variety of sectors, including the arts, tourism, and natural resource-based industries like agriculture and forestry. She has worked closely with state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, foundations and businesses on coaching, training and research around wealth creation value chains; on economic research; and on designing and facilitating workshops and trainings. Melissa received her Master’s in Natural Resource Planning from the University of Vermont and her Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from the State University of New York at Binghamton. She serves as Secretary and Board Member of the Vermont Environmental Consortium. Melissa also serves as a member of the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council. Melissa lives in Hinesburg, Vermont where she serves as Chair of the Hinesburg Economic Development Committee and as a member of the Hinesburg Revolving Loan Fund Committee.
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Network Groups
Alex Linkow
alinkowREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@fairfoodnetwork.org
(734) 730-3558
Program Director
Fair Food Network
fairfoodnetwork.org
205 East Washington Street
Ann Arbor MI, 48104
I direct the Fair Food Fund, which provides patient financing and business assistance to local food enterprises that support small and mid-scale farms in the Northeast.
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Network Groups
Lisa Lorimer
lisaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@mamasezz.com
800-212-8913
Co-Founder
MamaSezz Foods
mamasezz.com
127 Marlboro Road
Brattleboro Vermont, 05301
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Network Groups
Karen Lynch
karen.lynchREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vt.usda.gov
802-828-6044
USDA Rural Development
rurdev.usda.gov/NH-VTHome.html
87 State Street,
Suite 324
Montpelier VT, 05601
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Network Groups
James Macon
maconREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@barbouralliance.com
(802) 448-3344
Director
Closed Loop Capital
closedloopcapital.com
45 Woodbine Road
Shelburne VT, 05482
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Network Groups
Anthony Mennona
anthonyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
Finance Director
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Food Access
Financing
Energy
Slow Money Vermont
Farm Viability Indicators Task ForceKatie Michels
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Producer and Processor Association Support
Technical Assistance Coordination
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Financing
Farm Viability Indicators Task ForceJen Miller
jenREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nofavt.org
802-434-4122
NOFA Vermont
nofavt.org
14 Pleasant Street
Richmond VT, 05477
Jen manages NOFA-VT's Farmer Services Program which provides business planning services, technical assistance, one-on-one farmer mentorships, and educational opportunities for Vermont's organic and sustainable farmers.
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Network Groups
Financing
Communications and Marketing Community of PracticeAnn Miller
amillerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@veda.org
802-828-0626
Marketing Coordinator/Ag Loan Assistant
Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation (VACC)
veda.org/financing-options/vermont-agricultural-financing
58 East State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602
Marketing Coordinator/Ag Loan Assistant
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Network Groups
Meat Processing
Technical Assistance Coordination
Consumer Education and Marketing
FinancingMatthew Mole
orgfiberREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-324-0304
Founder
Sustainable Fiber Solutions
398A Quaker St
North Ferrisburgh Vermont, 05473
Entrepreneur, business planner, marketing and market development specialist. Direct experience with business planning, operations, business development, organics, sustainable textiles, and growing sustainable, agriculture based businesses and industries.
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Network Groups
Milk Money
infoREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@milkmoneyvt.com
(802) 899-0979
Milk Money Vermont
MilkMoneyVT.com
PO Box 81
Charlotte Vermont, 05445
Online equity crowd-funding portal connecting Vermont's "Main St." investors with Vermont businesses looking to raise capital. Small Money. Big Change. www.MilkMoneyVT.com
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Network Groups
Education and Workforce Development
Farm to Institution
Food Retailers
Agritourism
Financing
Business-Education Partnerships
LaborOrly Munzing
orlyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@strollingoftheheifers.com
802-258-9177
Founder
Strolling of the Heifers
strollingoftheheifers.com
157 Main St
Brattleboro Vermont, 05301
Orly is the founder and executive director of Strolling of the Heifers. Drawing on her 20-year background as an educational consultant, she gathered a group of volunteers in 2001 to help focus attention on the difficulties of small family farms in the Brattleboro region. In 2002, they organized the first annual Strolling of the Heifers, a parade and festival celebrating farmers and aiming to connect people with healthy local food. With the growth in the local foods movement since then, “the Stroll” has expanded to a full weekend which is annually rated one of Vermont’s Top Ten Summer Events (and in 2013 was rated one of America’s Top 10 Summer Festivals). Under Orly’s leadership, over the years Strolling of the Heifers launched educational programs, a microloan fund, and farm internship program for youth, which are now all carried on by other organizations. In 2011, the Slow Living Summit was added, immediately preceding Stroll Weekend. Strolling of the Heifers also currently organizes the Vermont Farm/Food Business Plan Competition in collaboration with Vermont Technical College.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Financing
LaborRiley Neugebauer
rileyneugebauerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
Farm to Institution New England
farmtoinstitution.org
3 Linden Road
Hartland VT, 05048
I have focused much of my working life after graduation from Allegheny College on sustainability and food systems, community organizing, and youth engagement. She served previously at both American University and Skidmore College as a Sustainability Coordinator and has helped both of those campuses start successful CSA programs with local farmers, and spent significant time at Skidmore in partnerships with students, faculty, dining services, distributors, and the Real Food Challenge to assess and analyze the local food purchases of the college and collaborate on plans to increase these purchases. Riley also worked with Center for Whole Communities and Knoll Farm in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. Riley currently serves as the Farm & Sea to Campus Coordinator for Farm to Institution New England (FINE), and is based in midcoast Maine.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Agritourism
Food Access
Financing
Research
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Slow Money Vermont
Health
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Rooted in Vermont®
Food Access PlanningMariah Noth
mariahREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vhcb.org
(802) 735-7893
Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program
vhcb.org/viability
VT Housing & Conservation Board
58 East State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602
Vermont Farm and Forest Viability Program Outreach & Communications Coordinator
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Agritourism
Food Access
Financing
Research
Energy
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Slow Money Vermont
Health
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Rooted in Vermont®
Food Access PlanningKelly Nottermann
kellyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
(802) 828-1121
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602
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Network Groups
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Cycle Coalition
Farm to Institution
Consumer Education and Marketing
FinancingKaren Pettinelli
terrosafarmREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(508) 259-4427
Owner
Terrosafarm
terrosafarm.com
Gilbert rd
Barre Massachusetts, 01005
Farmer
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Financing
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Farmland Access and StewardshipBenneth Phelps
bennethREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@dirtpartners.com
978.290.2220
Director of Farmer Services
Dirt Capital Partners
dirtpartners.com
PO Box 457
Hudson New York, 12534
Benneth joined Dirt Capital Partners in 2016 as the Director of Farmer Services to further develop and refine the company’s approach to investing in land in partnership with farmers, and the company’s organizational culture and infrastructure. Previously, Benneth was Loan and Business Assistance Manager at The Carrot Project, where she spent five years evaluating loan applications and working with farm and food enterprises to plan for business growth. Prior to this she farmed vegetables and small fruit for ten years, in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts, working on organic farms with 4-80 acres in production. Benneth has served as a member of the Fund Advisory Committee of PVGrows, currently serves on the Loan Review Committee of The Carrot Project and as a Board Member of the Vermont Grass Farmers Association. She holds an MRP in community and regional planning from the University of Massachusetts, and a BA from Smith College where she studied American Studies and Economics.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Meat Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Agritourism
Food Access
Financing
Soil and Water
Research
Energy
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Labor
Tech Task Force
Slow Money Vermont
Health
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Rooted in Vermont®
Steering CommitteeLydia Pitkin
lydiaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
802-828-5670
Office Manager & Program Coordinator
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602
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Network Groups
Susan Poland
susan.polandREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vt.usda.gov
(802) 828-6002
USDA Rural Development
rurdev.usda.gov/NH-VTHome.html
87 State Street,
Suite 324
Montpelier VT, 05601
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Network Groups
Dan Pullman
danpREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@freshsourcecapital.com
(617) 413-5862
Manager
Fresh Source Capital, LLC
freshsourcecapital.com
125 Mount Auburn Street
PO#382086
Cambridge Massachusetts, 02238
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Network Groups
Obediah Racicot
obediah.racicotREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vt.usda.gov
802-951-6796
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
vt.nrcs.usda.gov
356 Mountain View Drive
Suite 105
Colchester VT, 05446
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Network Groups
Nick Richardson
nickREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vlt.org
(802) 262-1224
President
Vermont Land Trust
vlt.org
8 Bailey Avenue
Montpelier VT, 05602
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Network Groups
Education and Workforce Development
Financing
Integrated Curriculum & Flexible Pathways
Business-Education Partnerships
LaborKendra Rickerby
klrickerbyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
802-238-5760
Vermont Agency of Education
education.vermont.gov
219 North Main Street, Ste. 402
Barre VT, 05641
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Katelyn Robinson
krobinsonREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ncic.org
603-788-2700 ext. 2140
Project Manager
Northern Community Investment Corporation
ncic.org
51 Depot Square
Suite 2
St. Johnsbury VT, 05819
Project Manager at NCIC. Currently manage a USDA/EDA partnership grant called the Northern Tier Farms and Forest Jobs Accelerator-- focused on the Northeast Kingdom of VT, the North Country of NH and Franklin and Oxford County Maine. Working with a team of consultants to inventory the regions growers, distributors, restaurants and retailers as well as assessing the regions biophysical capacity. Also work with a local food hub cooperative in northern New Hampshire.
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Network Groups
Consumer Education and Marketing
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Rooted in Vermont®
Agritourism
Aggregation and Distribution
Education and Workforce Development
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Production and Processing
Energy
Financing
Food Access
Food Cycle Coalition
Health
Research
Food JusticeShane Rogers
shaneREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vsjf.org
802-828-0404
Rooted in Vermont Project Manager
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
vsjf.org
3 Pitkin Court
Suite 301E
Montpelier VT, 05602
Rooted in Vermont Project Manager
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Network Groups
Financing
Consumer Education and Marketing
Education and Workforce Development
Integrated Curriculum & Flexible Pathways
Agritourism
Health
Rooted in Vermont®
Business-Education Partnerships
Career Pathways & Image
Steering CommitteeLiz Ruffa
lizREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@merckforest.org
(802) 394-2579
Project Director
Northshire Grows
147 Green Peak Orchard North
East Dorset Vermont, 05253
Liz Ruffa is the Director of Institutional Advancement at Merck Forest & Farmland Center, a 3,200 acre conserved property in Rupert, VT. Merck Forest is on a mission to inspire curiosity, love and responsibility for working and natural lands. Liz lives in East Dorset where she continues to champion regional food systems through her work as a member of the Dorset Select Board.
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Network Groups
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Food Cycle Coalition
Farmland Access
Aggregation and Distribution
Independent Grocers
Consumer Education and Marketing
Food Access
Financing
Research
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Communications and Marketing Community of Practice
Food Access PlanningLynn Ellen Schimoler
LynnEllen.SchimolerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
802-622-4477
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620
Lynn Ellen Schimoler is the Senior Agricultural Business Development Program Manager for the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. Schimoler has worked in the Natural Foods Industry for over 20 years. Her experience includes working for independently owned markets in CA,NH and VT, collaborating with the National Cooperatives Grocers to develop retail Co-ops around the US, and working as Director of Purchasing and Merchandising for City Market/Onion River Co-op.Schimoler has expertise in project management, store operations, product development, and human resources. Schimoler has been featured in Natural Foods Merchandiser and Edible Green Mountains, and as a guest speaker at numerous conferences, including Penton Media group's EXPO East. Schimoler has a BA in Dance from Bennington College, and is a part-time Dance Lecturer at the University of Vermont.
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Network Groups
Lisa Sebesta
lisaREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@freshsourcecapital.com
(617) 435-2291
Fresh Source Capital, LLC
freshsourcecapital.com
125 Mount Auburn Street
PO#382086
Cambridge Massachusetts, 02238
Lisa Sebesta is managing partner of Fresh Source Capital, an investment firm focused on the sustainable food and agriculture sector. Prior to forming Fresh Source, she spent over 15 years as a quantitative equity analyst and portfolio manager in the investment management industry. Lisa currently serves on the leadership team of Slow Money Boston, a network connecting local entrepreneurs to angel investors in their community. She also serves on the advisory board of Recover Green Roofs and is a member of Sprout Lenders, LLC, an investment club dedicated to supporting sustainable agriculture in the greater Boston area through investments. Lisa is a CFA charterholder with degrees from the College of the Holy Cross and the Fletcher School at Tufts University.
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Network Groups
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Financing
Production and ProcessingGus Seelig
gusREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vhcb.org
(802) 828-3250
Executive Director
Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB)
vhcb.org
58 East State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602
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Network Groups
Janice Shade
janiceREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@localcap.org
802-373-0340
Chair
Slow Money Vermont
c/o 3 Pitkin Ct.
Suite 301E
Montpelier Vermont, 05602
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Network Groups
Parker Shorey
parkerREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@lemonfairsaffron.com
(802) 318-6255
CEO
Lemonfair Saffron Co.
lemonfairsaffron.com
7 S Maple St
Vergennes Vermont, 05491
Lemonfair Saffron Co. is a partnership of family farms committed to sustainable farming and the finest quality saffron. Our saffron is always grown without pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. We started growing saffron in 2017 in the rich soil of Vermont's Champlain Valley. Since then, the community of saffron farms has grown together - inspired by demand for 100% pure, locally grown saffron. We take our name from the Lemon Fair river that flows North through the Champlain Valley in Vermont, eventually reaching Otter creek. The name is derived from the French Les Monts Vert (The Green Mountains). We are fortunate to participate in the University of Vermont's ongoing research and development.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Consumer Education and Marketing
Financing
Business-Education Partnerships
Slow Money Vermont
Farm Viability Indicators Task ForceJaime Silverstein
jaimeREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nofavt.org
NOFA Vermont
nofavt.org
14 Pleasant Street
Richmond VT, 05477
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Network Groups
Tim Smith
timREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@fcidc.com
(802) 524-2194
Executive Director
Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation
fcidc.com
2 North Main Street
St. Albans VT, 05478
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Financing
Technical Assistance Coordination
Farm Viability Indicators Task ForceSam Smith
samREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@intervale.org
(802) 660-0440 x110
Farm Business Specialist
Intervale Center
intervale.org
180 Intervale Road
Burlington VT, 05401
Sam brings a passion for farming and food systems to his work at the Intervale. He grew up in Southern Vermont, went to UVM, and recently received a MBA in Sustainability from Antioch New England. He has worked as both a livestock and vegetable farmer, and been involved in the Vermont agricultural community for over 15 years.
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Janice St. Onge
janiceREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@flexiblecapitalfund.com
(802) 828-0398
President
Flexible Capital Fund
flexiblecapitalfund.com
3 Pitkin Court
Montpelier VT, 05602
Janice St. Onge is President of the Flexible Capital Fund. Janice brings economic and business development as well as financial expertise to the organization, having served in the technology and financial services industries, as well as higher education and state government sectors during her 25-year career. Janice has ten years of experience at Peoples United Bank in Connecticut serving in retail management, commercial real estate lending (managing a $21 million portfolio) and organizational development roles during her tenure there. During her career, Janice served as the Director of the Vermont Business Center (VBC) at the University of Vermont and Technology Business Development Director for the Vermont Department of Economic Development. She received the 2001 National Tibbetts Award in recognition for her outreach work with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program in Vermont. Janice is a graduate of the University of Utah with a B.A. in Marketing and is an alumni of the Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont Leadership Institute. She serves on the Vermont Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, the Clean Energy Development Fund Board, the Energy Action Network Capital Mobilization Group, and is a member of Slow Money Vermont’s Organizing Committee. A Stowe, Vermont resident, Janice was co-founder of the Stowe Energy and Climate Action Network and a former International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup Freestyle Skiing Judge.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Agritourism
Financing
Slow Money VermontRobert Stannard
bobREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermontnaturalbeef.com
(802) 537-3711
Managing Member
Vermont Natural Beef, LLC
vermontnaturalbeef.com
1943 Stage Road
Benson Vermont, 05743
Bob overseas and participates in all day to day operations and manages longer term strategic decision making. Bob has a 35-year successful track record in the agricultural industry. For the last twelve years he has grown Vermont Natural Beef. Prior to this he was a feed consultant for Feed Commodities International and Blue Seal Feeds. Bob began his ag career as a dairy farmer. Bob attended the Agricultural College at the University of Vermont.
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Kate Stephenson
kateREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermontfarmfund.org
802-225-8933
Program Manager
Vermont Farm Fund
VermontFarmFund.org
PO Box 1213
Montpelier Vermont, 05601
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Network Groups
Dorothy Suput
dsuputREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@thecarrotproject.org
(617) 674-2371
The Carrot Project
thecarrotproject.org
89 South St
Suite 700
Boston MA, 02111-2670
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Research
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Financing
Aggregation and Distribution
Food JusticeKristina Sweet
kristina.sweetREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vermont.gov
(802) 522-7811
Produce Program Manager
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
vermontagriculture.com
116 State Street
Montpelier VT, 05620
Kristina Sweet is the Produce Program Manager at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, where she works with local, regional, and national stakeholders on the development of state produce safety programs and implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule. Her favorite apple is the Macoun.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Food Cycle Coalition
Education and Workforce Development
Aggregation and Distribution
Agritourism
Financing
Career Pathways & Image
Business-Education Partnerships
Slow Money Vermont
Farm Viability Indicators Task Force
Communications and Marketing Community of PracticeJim Verzino
jimREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@strollingoftheheifers.com
(802) 242-1249
Entrepreneur in Residence
Windham Grows
windhamgrows.org
157 Main St.
Brattleboro Vermont, 05301
I help farm and food entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses as Entrepreneur in Residence at Windham Grows.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Meat Processing
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Farmland Access
Farm to Institution
Independent Grocers
Food Access
Financing
Soil and Water
Research
EnergyHector Vila
vilahector1REMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com
(802) 989-8025
Owner
Orchard Grass Farm
orchardgrassfarm.com/about
3969 Munger Street
New Haven Vermont, 05472
Orchard Grass Farm raises grass-fed White Dorper Sheep. We are located in New Haven, VT, and on these 47 acres we're trying to make a go of a small, sustainable farm. After working our way into the land for a few years, after some horses (9 years), the land spoke: Take me back to my beginnings, it said. Once a sheep farm, this land has returned to its roots.
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Network Groups
Production and Processing
Farmland Access
Aggregation and Distribution
Consumer Education and Marketing
Financing
Slow Money Vermont
Food Access PlanningStephanie Walker
stephnaieREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@walkercontemporary.com
617.842.3332
owner
Open Hearth Pizza
openhearthpizza.com
527 Sugarbush Access Rd
Warren Vermont, 05674
Summer 2020 marked Open Hearth Pizza's eleventh year traveling our home state of Vermont with our mobile wood fired pizza ovens. We are a catering company that focuses on using local ingredients and making as much as we can from scratch, including our own naturally leavened, stone milled, whole grain pizza dough from Rogers Farmstead local organic wheat.
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Network Groups
Mike Welch
mwelchREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@ncic.org
(802) 748-5101
NEK Economic Development
Northern Community Investment Corporation
ncic.org
51 Depot Square
Suite 2
St. Johnsbury VT, 05819
I administer the Technical Assistance Grant program for small businesses in the NEK. I also serve on the board of directors of the St. Johnsbury Area Local Food Alliance.
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Network Groups
Heather Wetzstein
heather.wetzsteinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vt.usda.gov
(802) 951-6796 x223
Resource Conservationist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
vt.nrcs.usda.gov
356 Mountain View Drive
Suite 105
Colchester VT, 05446
NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to farmers and forest landowners for conservation improvements on their land, which includes (but is not limited to) waste storage, silage leachate, grazing management, protecting streams and other waters, hoop houses, irrigation improvements, soil erosion concerns on farm and forest roads and landings.
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Network Groups
Farmland Access and Stewardship
Aggregation and Distribution
Food Access
Financing
Business-Education Partnerships
Slow Money Vermont
Rooted in Vermont®
Food Access PlanningSara Jean Whelan
sjREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@threechimneyfarm.com
(631) 626-4927
Co-Founder
Three Chimney Farm
threechimneyfarm.com
95 Spear St
Charlotte VT, 05445
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Network Groups
Rosemarie White
RosemarieWREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@nsbvt.com
(802) 223-6001
Commercial Lender
Northfield Savings Bank
nsbvt.com
100 State Street
Suite 1
Montpelier Vermont, 05602
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Andy Wood
awoodREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@veda.org
802-498-8865
Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation (VACC)
veda.org/financing-options/vermont-agricultural-financing
58 East State Street
Montpelier VT, 05602
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Ken Yearman
kenneth.yearmanREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vt.usda.gov
802-828-6070
USDA Rural Development
rurdev.usda.gov/NH-VTHome.html
87 State Street,
Suite 324
Montpelier VT, 05601