On January 31, 2019 over 100 community members from the Northeast Kingdom convened at the Vermont Statehouse for the first annual NEK Day. We used this opportunity to celebrate the Northeast Kingdom, showcase the great work happening in our region and to thank our state leaders for their continued support.
Community projects made possible by state funding were highlighted and the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative’s Platforms for Action on Leadership Development and Economic Growth at the Intersection of the Creative, Recreation and Food Sectors were officially unveiled.
The day was full of activity from a press conference with the Governor, testifying before numerous legislative committees, networking with legislators and partners and in one-on-one meetings with local representatives and senators. Community and business leaders, nonprofits, civic groups and NEK students had the opportunity to share their stories of success and challenges and why continued investment in our region is so important for our progress.
We closed the day together with an ice cream social (with ice cream provided by our own Kingdom Creamery) and business showcase in the Statehouse cafeteria.
The energy in the Statehouse on NEK Day was overflowing and it was clear to those present that as a region we are working together more now than ever before, that we are moving forward with tremendous momentum and that positive impacts from our work are being felt around our region.
Thank you all so much for helping to make this year’s NEK day an awesome experience and success and much gratitude to those of you working hard to make our area of the state a great place to live, work and play.
Please join us next year! NEK Day is an annual event and we encourage you to join us next year. If you are interested in volunteering on NEK Day 2020 or testifying before committee, contact us and let us know!
