Issue No. 5, September 2020
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The Rough Cut
by Christine McGowan,
Network Coordinator
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Dear Network Friends,
Fall is in the air! Maybe it’s the back to school feeling that September brings, but there’s a frenzy of activity happening across the state, and my email inbox has been overflowing. Specifically, I’ve seen several emails about various COVID-recovery grants available to businesses in Vermont. I know it can seem overwhelming, but if you are forest or wood products business in Vermont that is facing COVID-related challenges (and who isn’t?!), please take a moment to learn about the grants your business may qualify for – several have deadlines looming, so now is the time to act!
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The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Forest Economy Stabilization Grant Program deadline has been extended to Sept. 8! Learn about the program here.
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The Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s Vermont Economic Recovery Grant Program has increased the amount it will award eligible businesses. Learn more here.
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The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Agriculture and Working Lands Assistance Program also has grant funding available to forest and wood products businesses. Application deadline is Oct. 1. Learn more here.
I know it's a lot to take in. But these programs could potentially help fill a cash flow gap your business may have suffered due to COVID-related shutdowns or disruptions. If you have questions, or want help figuring out whether one of these programs is right for you, please send me an email and I’ll help get you the guidance you need.
Speaking of business guidance, we’re launching a special Vermont Wood Products COVID-Recovery Project to help woodworking businesses that were shut down this spring and/or have had to quickly pivot to online sales. For a limited time (September - December 2020), business and technical assistance will be offered free of charge to a limited number of Vermont wood products businesses. Details below!
While we all continue to navigate the world during a pandemic, it’s good to be reminded of the people in our industry who have stood the test of time. Brian Lafoe and Stan Parker, named last year’s Northeast Region Outstanding Loggers (and 2018 VFPA Loggers of the Year), exemplify professionalism and offer inspiration to the next generation of industry leaders. Read more about them in this month’s feature story.
Life goes on, folks, so let’s make the best of it. I hope you’re finding time to enjoy the woods.
Stay safe out there,
-Christine
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Dispatch from the Forest
Network News and Beyond
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Free Business Assistance Available to Woodworkers this Fall
As the realities of COVID-19 took hold this spring, some business service providers got together to try to assess how businesses in our forest economy were faring. What we discovered was that of all the businesses across the spectrum-- from foresters, loggers, mills and wood products-- woodworking businesses were hit hardest, as nearly all of them were forced to shut down for several weeks, creating incredible challenges. Working with the Vermont Wood Works Council, the Northern Forest Center, and some other partners, we developed a suite of services available to woodworking businesses this fall utilizing some of the CARES Act funds that have come to Vermont:
COVID Recovery Business Coaching
- Group Cohort: 6-8 business owners will meet as a small cohort with business coaches for approximately four months to discuss common challenges and develop solutions to meet each business’ needs. Topics will include emergency cash flow management, HR and COVID-related workplace safety issues, and sales and marketing. Cohort members will also receive 1:1 business consulting services tailored to the business needs.
- Individual Business Consulting: We are also offering 1:1 business consulting services to businesses that do not make it into the group cohort, and who are struggling with COVID-19 related challenges.
Marketing Assistance
- Marketing Assessments: We are offering free online marketing assessments for up to 25 businesses by a marketing professional who will analyze your existing online marketing program and provide a report that includes specific recommendations on how to improve your online marketing program. We will also offer guidance for how to receive assistance to implement specific recommendations to ramp up your online marketing quickly.
- Photography Services: We are offering one free photo shoot (up to 4 hours) of the product(s) of your choice for use on your online channels, for up to 15 businesses. A professional photographer will take photos, edit, and provide final images that you will own. Some images may also be used to represent your business on vermontwood.com.
Space is limited!
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Forestry Hack-A-Thon This Fall
What problem facing Vermont's forest economy could digital technology and innovation help solve? The answer to that question will define the next Forestry Hack-a-Thon being hosted by Do North CoWorking in Lyndonville in November, and we need your input!
Hackathons bring together teams that compete to spontaneously develop (“hack”) solutions to a specific problem, typically over a brief, intense period of time. Do North Coworking will be hosting a 5-day hackathon to generate innovative ideas to address some of the major challenges in our forestry and wood products industry. We need your help to evaluate what problems need to be addressed to ensure that our industry continues to be a key part of Vermont’s economy.
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The Overstory
Our industry has a story to tell, so settle in and enjoy some good news from around the Network. Have an idea for a feature? Let us know!
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In every industry, there are individuals who set the bar. In Vermont’s forest products industry, two of those individuals are Brian Lafoe and Stan Parker, owners of Lafoe Logging and recipients of the "Northeast Region Outstanding Logger” award by the Forest Resources Association in Washington DC. Click here for the full story.
Thank you Brian and Stan for your commitment to excellence in logging, safety, sustainable forestry, and advocacy for Vermont’s working forests!
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COVID-19 Resources
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Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) Quick Response Support for Working Lands Businesses: COVID-19 Resources.
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Vermont Forest Industry Network Steering Committee
Trevor Allard, Allard Lumber; Liz Gleason, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board; Dave Frank, Sunwood Biomass; Paul Frederick, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation; Charlie Hancock, North Woods Forestry; Lucas Jenson, Treehouse Hardwoods and Mill Shop and Vermont Wood Works Council; Ricky McLain, Woodworks; Joe Short, Northern Forest Center; Tim Tierney, VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development; Allan Thompson, Consulting Forester
Network Coordinator: Christine McGowan, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
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