Check-In & Networking Coffee Hour
Location: Hula Lobby
Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Welcoming Remarks & Toward an Equitable, Sustainable & Prosperous Economy: A Keynote Conversation with Vermont Leaders
Location: Reef Room
Time: 9:00 am - 10:15 am
How do we build an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous economy? It’s the future many of us aspire to, but how can it be achieved? Here from public, private, and nonprofit leaders about their visions for Vermont and how they are embracing innovation, momentum, and togetherness to reimagine broken systems and create economic resilience. This “Keynote Conversation” will explore bridging differences and divides, empowering leadership in all Vermonters, and standing -- courageously -- by our values.
Moderator:
Ari Weitzman, Managing Director, Tangle News
Speakers:
Jen Kimmich, co-founder and CEO, The Alchemist Brewery
Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak
Tinotenda Charles Rutanhira, Executive Director, Business Development and Co-Founder, The Vermont Professionals of Color Network
Networking Break
Location: Hula Lobby
Time: 10:15 am - 10:30 am
Visit the exhibitor hall, make new connections, catch up with colleagues, and grab a cup of coffee!
Pay a visit to The Coco Bar to enjoy a FREE coconut, complete with a straw and ready to enjoy! You will also have a chance to connect with Prince Awhaitey as he shares his training and knowledge about the nutritional benefits of the coconut and how nutrition can help you to acheive your goals!
BLOCK 1 | 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Delivering on Our Commitments: DEI & Sustainability in This Moment
Location: Reef Room
Time: 10:30 am - 11:45 am
In early 2025 federal actions sent a ripple through the business sector. The loss of federal contracts and grants – and the threat of litigation – compelled some companies to eliminate, downsize, or go silent on their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) efforts. Yet this wasn’t the beginning of a backpedal across corporate America. In the past year, iconic brands from Meta to Walmart had already rolled back DEI initiatives, and while many of us agree that “corporate DEI” is broken and the impact of these initiatives hasn’t matched the intent, reversing our commitments to DEI feels unacceptable. In parallel, companies with sustainability commitments, often referred to as “ESG”, have experienced similar pushback. Even iconic sustainability-focused companies are facing opposition from shareholders and contending with concerns about how stakeholders – including the media – will react. Join this conversation to hear how brave business leaders are standing their ground internally and externally, delivering on their commitments, and leveraging this moment to strengthen their brand and use it for good.
Moderator:
Srinivas Venugopal, Academic Director, Sustainable Innovation MBA Program, UVM Grossman School of Business
Speakers:
Caroline Corrente, Owner, Haymaker Bun Company
Margot Phillips, Director of JEDI, Burton
Location: Isthmus Room
Time: 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
In addition to direct funding for farmers, small businesses, and climate disaster response, a large proportion of Vermont's state budget is reliant on federal funding. From trade to Medicaid, decisions in Washington have a direct impact on Vermont’s economy and people. As Vermont wraps up the 2025 legislative session, join this conversation with state and federal leaders to understand the impacts that federal decisions can (and are) having on Vermont’s businesses and budget, and action steps you can take to strengthen your organization’s position in the face of any headwinds.
Moderator:
Steph Yu, Executive Director, Public Assets Institute
Speakers:
Ryan Christiansen, President & Head Distiller, Caledonia Spirits, Inc.
Fauna Hurley, Business Liaison, Office of Senator Peter Welch
Morgan Nichols, Community Liaison and Constituent Services Representative, Office of Representative Becca Balint
James Paradissis, Outreach Representative, Office of Senator Bernie Sanders
From D.C. to Montpelier: How Federal Decisions Impact Vermont
Connecting with Purpose: A Low-Pressure Networking Experience hosted by UVM SI-MBA and Social Tinkering
Location: Sunset Room
Time: 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Do you find networking intimidating? You’re not alone! This session is designed for all personality types and levels of networking experience to ensure a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Come make meaningful connections with VBSR members, community leaders, business professionals, UVM SI-MBA students, and more at this structured networking session. No awkward small talk – just real connections with people who care about making an impact.
Facilitator:
Jeanette Langston, Founding Director, Social Tinkering
Lunch Break
Time: 11:45 am - 12:45 pm
We encourage attendees to pre-purchase lunch as an "add-on" to their conference ticket. Options include healthy and filling dishes that include meat, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.
Visit The Coco Bar cart among the exhibitor tables to get a free coconut as supplies last!
If you have inquiries about specific dietary restrictions, please contact mollyr@vbsr.org. If you decide not to purchase a lunch ticket, your other options include a food truck or bringing your own lunch.
BLOCK 2 | 12:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Our Eye on the Prize: Keeping Focus and Momentum in Times of Uncertainty
Location: Reef Room
Time: 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
In an era of harrowing headlines, it can be hard to stay focused, let alone productive. How can you move through the overwhelm and find purpose and momentum? Stay alert and prudent, but limit your disruptions to actual risks, and avoid needless distractions? There isn’t a playbook for 2025, but there are ways to cope, and actions you can take to isolate your concerns and address them efficiently. Join experts across disciplines for a deep dive into the psychology of uncertainty, how this moment compares to others in the history of business leadership, a legal view on precaution, lessons from biomimicry, and how your peers are managing their own work lives and organizations toward sustainability, reimagined employee engagement, and maybe even business growth!
Moderator:
Cheryl Eaton, Managing Director, We Are Guru
Speakers:
Mike Dupee, CEO, Sustainable Brands
Beyond Titles: Creating a Culture of Collective Leadership
Location: Isthmus Room
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
In today’s ever-evolving workplace, leadership isn’t limited to titles – everyone has a role to play. Join a discussion with innovative leaders – from across organizations – as they share practical strategies for fostering a culture of shared leadership, resilience, and engagement. We’ll explore how to bring your team into the solutions and cultivate leadership at all levels, strengthening workplace culture through internal policies and practices. This session will cover approaches to navigating difficult conversations, low morale, and instilling hope, including in hybrid and remote settings. Employee well-being will be a key focus, including the mental health impacts of workplace and global challenges. When one rises, we all rise – leadership by example has the power to uplift entire teams! Join us for a dynamic session designed to help you lead with confidence and inspire those around you – wherever you sit in your organization.
Moderator:
Lucia Campriello, CEO, Hula
Speakers:
Michelle Moore Hernandez, CEO and Founder, Leading Elephants LLC
Mark Hunter, President and Founder, Pinnacle Coaching
Annie Winkler, Program and Operations Generalist, Vermont Employee Ownership Center
The State of the B Corp Movement: A Conversation with the Vermont B Corp Collective
Location: Sunset Room
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Join us for an insightful session with the Vermont B Corp Collective focused on the evolving landscape of the B Corp movement and what it means for businesses today. We’ll discuss the newly released standards for B Corp Certification and dive into what’s changing, why it matters, and how B Corp-oriented businesses can navigate this transition. Whether you’re a Certified B Corp, considering certification, or simply interested in the future of impact-driven business, this discussion will offer valuable insights into the continued value of being a B Corp in this moment and the role of the B Corp community in shaping a more equitable and sustainable economy.
Co-Moderators:
Carra Beth Cheslin, Social Impact Program (SIP) Manager, Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Emily Gaynor, Director, People & Culture, Native
Networking Break
Location: Hula Lobby
Time: 2:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Visit the exhibitor hall, make new connections, catch up with colleagues or email, and enjoy the beautiful waterfront of Lake Champlain! Don't miss The Coco Bar cart among the exhibitor tables (get a free coconut while supplies last!).
BLOCK 3 | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
From Division to Dialogue: One Small Step with Vermont Public
Location: Reef Room
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Created by StoryCorps, One Small Step is an initiative designed to remind us of the humanity in one another, even those with whom we disagree. Rather than debating politics, this effort brings together people with different beliefs for a conversation focused on personal connection and shared experiences. This powerful initiative – rooted in “contact theory” and supported by a team of scientists, researchers, and psychologists – has been proven to foster understanding and strengthen communities one conversation at a time, with nearly 5,000 people across 40 states (including Vermonters) participating to-date. Join Vermont Public for this transformative training, where you’ll gain tangible skills to navigate differences, build connections, and engage in compassionate dialogue. Come together in conversation, and rediscover what unites us!
Facilitator:
Karen Anderson, Director of Radio Programming & Operations, Vermont Public
AI, Social Media & E-Commerce: Using Technology for Good, Despite Its Flaws
Location: Isthmus Room
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Landlines, fax machines, and typewriters still exist but they aren’t surging in popularity as business tools in 2025. Artificial Intelligence, ecommerce and social media, however, become more integral to our economy by the hour. These tools are not without unintended consequences, controversy or moral dilemmas. From massive energy consumption to spreading misinformation, from data privacy violations to the billionaires who benefit from each transaction, every pixel and byte seem to carry both risk and reward. In this moment of “can’t live with them, can’t live without them” technologies, this courageous conversation will tackle how you can thoughtfully, effectively engage these tools in your values-led endeavors. Bring your brave questions and ideas!
Moderator:
Mike Lannen, Founder and Creative Director, Eternity Web
Speakers:
Hiro Soga, Digital Marketing Specialist, Marketing Partners
CD Mattison, Head of Product @ Yelo, UX and Ecommerce Innovation Strategist
Katrina Wagner, Founder, AI Help
After Party
Location: Hula Lobby & Outdoor Patio
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Celebrate the end of an inspiring day with connections new and old over locally sourced appetizers, a full cash bar with signature cocktails in addition to non-alcoholic options from Tonique Mobile Bar!
