A father and daughter approach the Montpelier Statehouse. The stride of the father and the joy of his child symbolize, we hope, the optimistic, forward-looking spirit of NEK Day.
Friday, January 27th | Agenda→ | Register→ | Submit topics→ | Google Calendar event→
We love the NEK! We choose to live and work in a region that enjoys stunning natural beauty, close-knit communities, and a vibrant culture.
Loving the NEK means addressing the challenges of the region, and there are many. We are the most rural and economically challenged region of Vermont, and our access to resources is limited compared to other regions.
The NEK Collaborative is a convening organization that acts as a unified voice for the NEK. We listen and talk to individuals and organizations all over the Kingdom to determine what's important to you and what challenges you face. We're committed to promoting civic and civil engagement across our region by connecting NEK residents with our representatives in Montpelier whenever possible.
NEK Day at the Statehouse is your chance to share your thoughts with our NEK Legislative Caucus. We have identified five policy priorities this year to which NEK leaders will speak:
Housing
Workforce Development
Transportation
A Thriving Vermont State University with a continued vibrant presence in the NEK
Mental Health and Substance Misuse
Housing
Housing affordability and availability remain a challenge in the Kingdom, as they are elsewhere in Vermont. Our elected representatives are well aware of this, and we'll share some insights on the challenges and some local solutions as well as hear more about legislative plans. Our featured housing speakers will be Jim Kisch, President and CEO of Passumpsic Bank, and Shawn Tester, CEO of Northern Vermont Regional Hospital
Workforce Development
NEK workers need access to training and development and job opportunities that meet their needs. NEK employers need more workers at all levels of skills and experience, and support in recruiting, developing, and retaining staff. Representative Michael Marcotte, Chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, will discuss his committee's work. Julie Laforce, Co-Owner of Built by Newport, will speak from the perspective of a regional employer.
Transportation
NEK residents need safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options. We'll hear from Caleb Grant, Executive Director of Rural Community Transportation.
Vermont State University in the NEK
Mental health and substance misuse touches every aspect of life in the Kingdom. Joseph Forscher, Chief of Behavioural Health at NEK Human Services, will speak to ongoing efforts to address such problems in the NEK.
Mental Health and Substance Misuse
Retaining a robust higher education institution in the NEK is crucial to the regional economy, as well as the educational and career opportunities of NEK residents. We are encouraged by the plans for Vermont State University and look forward to updates from its VTSU President Dr. Parwinder Grewal.
This region-wide, cross-sector, virtual event is the only one of its kind in the Kingdom, and we hope you will join us!
NEK Day at the Statehouse
Friday, January 27: 12 Noon- 1:30 PM
Virtual Event: Register→ for Zoom link.
Do you see issues in the NEK you want addressed? Submit topics→ for consideration at NEK Day.
This is your chance to connect (virtually this year) with legislators and fellow NEKers to celebrate the region, share priorities, and learn what’s been happening at the state level.
Want to know what to expect? Visit our NEK Day 2022 Recap→ for a taste of what past years have had to offer.
