NEK Chamber The Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce

The snow fell this week—an early reminder that winter is coming, and that life in the Northeast Kingdom is not for the faint of heart. Living here is an active choice. It’s not easy, but it’s real. And maybe that’s exactly why people love it so much.

At our most recent Wednesday Chamber Coffee Hour, I had a wonderful chat with Ted Benoit, owner of Lead & Tackle in Lyndonville, and found myself looking forward to my next stop in. It’s a hunting and fishing store, but it’s so much more than that.

The first thing you notice isn’t the gear. It’s the warmth. A husband, wife, young son, and two dogs greet you like family. I’m not a hunter myself and only know so much about that world, but the moment I walk through the door, I always feel at ease. This isn’t your typical gun shop—it’s a place where anyone can walk in and feel welcome.

The owners believe in keeping things simple and sourcing locally wherever possible. Their philosophy is clear: quality over quantity, sustainability over flash. In a time when nearly everything feels mass-produced and disposable, they remind us what craftsmanship and care really look like.

Located at 31 Middle St., Lead & Tackle is also a reflection of something deeper in our regional identity. Hunting and fishing have always been part of the Northeast Kingdom’s story. What once was a means of survival has become a connection to heritage and the land. Today, it’s also about conservation. According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the number of resident hunting licenses sold in Vermont has dropped by nearly 25% over the past two decades. Yet hunters remain some of the most active conservationists, funding habitat protection and wildlife management through license fees and excise taxes.

The connection between sustainability, stewardship, and self-reliance is alive and well inside this shop. Here, you can bring in an old gun to be repaired instead of replaced, or pick up the gear you need to put local food on your table. They offer firearm safety courses for women, help first-time anglers learn to tie a lure, and create space for anyone who wants to engage with the outdoors in a responsible, community-minded way.

And while their focus is on hunting and fishing, the shelves tell a broader story: “ridiculously small LEGO sets,” “the most in-depth sticker collection this side of the Connecticut River,” and plenty of items you won’t find anywhere else. According to Ted, it might be a little hectic at times, but in all the best ways. It’s real, local, and full of heart.

The owners are working to grow their social media presence, though that comes with its own challenges as outdoor stores often get flagged or restricted online. Still, their community connection is what sustains them. When you shop there, you’re not just buying a product; you’re supporting a family, a way of life, and a piece of the NEK’s living culture.

As we move into the colder months and the holiday season, this is what “shopping local” really means. Every dollar spent at a store like Lead & Tackle strengthens our local economy and keeps our traditions alive.

Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in the Kingdom aren’t just hobbies, they’re reminders of who we are. They keep us grounded, connected to nature, and tied to one another. At a time when so much feels uncertain, that’s something worth holding onto.

So this season, stop into Lead & Tackle, or any of our incredible local businesses, and see what makes the Northeast Kingdom so special. You might just find more than what you came for.

< Older Post

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Housing, Workforce & the Work Ahead

By Quintin Tomasi • November 4, 2025

For Chamber Director, Loralee Tester, October was a month filled with meaningful conversations about the systems that shape our communities. One event from Let’s Build Homes brought together hundreds of Vermonters focused on addressing Vermont’s housing crisis. “The energy and collaboration in that room were deeply inspiring — a reminder that solving housing isn’t about changing what makes Vermont special, but ensuring our children and workforce can afford to stay here.” – Loralee Tester Tester also had the opportunity to sit on a state committee exploring health outcomes through the lens of an abundance mindset — asking what we might uncover if we focused on possibility rather than scarcity? That same spirit was reflected later in a talk featuring Derek Thompson , co-author (alongside Ezra Klein) of Abundance . Thompson ended the talk on this powerful note: “Growth is good. Change is hard. Both are true. And stasis sucks.” It’s a timely challenge for all of us. What can we — the Northeast Kingdom — do to encourage healthy growth, embrace valuable change, and acknowledge that stasis only deepens our affordability and workforce challenges? There’s so much good work happening already. “I was honored to serve as a judge for this year’s Rumble in the Kingdom , where four remarkable businesses won prizes and eight more showcased powerful, community-driven ideas. Innovation is alive and well here in the NEK.” – Loralee Tester More good work is still to come. The Chamber’s new Workforce Development Coordinator begins next week. This position, funded through a grant from the Vermont Department of Labor , will help accelerate the efforts of the NEK Chamber’s Manufacturing Consortium , building stronger connections between employers, educators, and future workers. We are endlessly grateful for the support of chamber members who continue to make this important work possible. In December, we’ll be sending out 2026 membership invoices. We’re working hard to make membership even more valuable, with new member-to-member benefits designed to save you money and connect you with other local businesses. Current benefits include: Fuel Discounts through our partner programs . Group Rates for dental, vision, and pet insurance — a fantastic way to extend benefits to your employees or yourself. Exclusive Member-to-Member Offers: Linda Lanteigne Photography – discounted headshots and business photo sessions Northeast Kingdom Online – reduced-rate website design for members– details to come in next month's newsletter Catamount Arts – free popcorn with your movie ticket We’re working to introduce membership cards to make it easy to access and verify your benefits. If your business would like to offer a discount or perk to fellow members, please contact the Chamber office . It’s a wonderful way to promote your business while contributing to a more connected, thriving community.