Leadership NEK: Empowering Future Leaders

Perhaps the answer isn’t quite so binary.

Through the National Civics Bee Vermont State Finals , we learned the value in offering our youth opportunities to participate in ways they’d never thought possible.

Two weeks later, our Housing Consortium demonstrated what we can accomplish when we stop saying, “someone should do that,” and start saying, “let’s do that.”

The lesson I take from each of these stories is that leaders are all around us, we just need to create spaces that empower them to rise to their full potential.

Enter Leadership NEK, a program designed to assemble and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

There is a sentiment that too often runs rampant through our rural communities that says, “leadership is for someone else, somewhere else.” The reality is that rising leaders are all around us, just waiting for someone to guide them through the right door and get them started on their journey. Through Leadership NEK we aim to draw out these rising leaders from local organizations and partner them with mentors from our community who can do just that.

Beginning September 25^th, participants will gather once a month for 10 sessions designed to explore critical regional issues including economic development, education, housing, health care, local government, and more. Throughout the 10-month experience the cohort will develop their own set of community impact projects to take with them back into their workplaces or volunteer positions. Participants will leave with the skills, knowledge, network, and confidence to navigate the key institutions necessary to implement direct action in their communities.

Leadership is an enduring need, and one that requires constant revitalization and refreshment. Robust mentorship networks and platforms that encourage participation are key to sustaining this critical ecosystem.

Applications for Leadership NEK are now open for all those ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Apply today or encourage someone within your network to do so.

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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.