Northeast Kingdom Vermont Chamber of Commerce

09/17/2026

Leadership NEK is back for its second year!

A new season, a new cohort, and new opportunities to strengthen connections and support rising community leaders.

The group was joined this morning by Vermont Futures Project's Executive Director, Kevin Chu, for a conversation on some of our state's biggest issues and how systemic challenges and existing state demographics amplify them.

The afternoon included a guest panel that challenged our cohort to look at the NEK as whole and ask, where are we headed? What are the opportunities and challenges? And what role can leaders throughout the region play?

Panelists included Northeastern Vermont Development Association Executive Director, David Snedeker, and Northern Forest Center VT/NH Program Director, Mike Morin.

It was a busy first day, but we've already been blown away by the thoughtfulness and passion that this year’s participants have been showing and can’t wait for next month’s session.

💡 Learn more about Leadership NEK:
nekchamber.com/leadership-nek

09/17/2026

📷 Scenes from this week's Coffee & Connections | Newport

Thank you to Joshua House NEK VT, for sponsoring us in Newport this month for a conversation all about supporting community and finding ways to grow together.

If you couldn't make it this month, you can learn more about their work at their open house this Saturday (details at the link below).

📅 Open House

Then, check out our blog (linked below) for a recap on this month’s event:
📰 nekchamber.com/coffee-connections-newport-9-16-2026

Join us, next month, Wednesday, October 21st from 7:30 - 8:30 AM at Sol Cafe, 150 Main St, Newport, VT 05855. Follow along for details on these and many other exciting opportunities coming up!

And thank you to Vermont's North Country Chamber of Commerce for partnering on this wonderful event!

09/16/2026

Fall foliage is season is just around the corner!

Check out our companion website for the lineup of festivals coming to the NEK this season!

🍁 northeastkingdom.com/nek-fall-foliage-festival-2026

These festivals will have you covered for peak fall foliage this season.

Read our guide for everything you'll need to make the most of this iconic season:
🍁 northeastkingdom.com/experience-fall-in-vermonts-northeast-kingdom

09/11/2026

Yesterday, leaders from across Vermont gathered in Burlington for the Solutions Summit to listen, learn, and think creatively about the challenges facing our state. The conversation centered on some of Vermont’s biggest impediments to success.

Legislators were also in the room, listening carefully and engaging in the discussion, especially after a presentation on Vermont’s demographic trends and what they mean for our economy.

What stood out most was the sense of optimism. The challenges are real, but so is the willingness to confront them. There were people in the room ready to move beyond frustration and toward practical, creative solutions that can help Vermont thrive.

If you have ideas you would like to share, whether related to tax caps, permitting reform, health care, housing, workforce, or other ways to make Vermont more affordable and competitive, we would love to hear from you. Send us a message and help us keep the conversation going. The NEK needs to be part of these conversations, and we want to ensure the voices of our businesses, communities, and working families are heard.

09/11/2026

Alzheimer's Association: Vermont Chapter is hosting their Walk to End Alzheimer's. This is a wonderful event to participate in. We have so many member businesses sponsoring this event, including Passumpsic Bank, Canterbury Inn, Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging, Northeast Kingdom Human Services, NVRH, and Fairbanks Scales, Inc.. We are grateful to the support from this community!

Every year, the Northeast Kingdom Walk to End Alzheimer's takes place in St. Johnsbury – an effort that could not be done without our dedicated Walk-day volunteers. Volunteers are truly the 💜of the Alzheimer’s Association! How can you help at this year's walk on Sunday, September 27th? Find out by visiting our Sign Up Genius at this link:
https://tinyurl.com/NEK-Volunteer-Sign-Up-Genius

Thank you for your help! We look forward to seeing you on Walk Day for a hopeful, impactful and fun day!

09/09/2026

“We are very seriously considering [moving to Vermont], more than before Keys to the Kingdom!"

That’s what one couple had to say of their experience after last month’s Keys to the Kingdom.

Back for its second year, the NEK Chamber’s signature relocation event brings together potential and new Vermonters with long-time locals for a semi-currated weekend of community-building and adventure.

Read the full recap on our website:

📰 nekchamber.com/keys-to-the-kingdom-2026

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. We’ll be back at it again next year! In the meantime, the NEK Chamber offers year-round support for new and prospective Vermonters. If you know anyone looking to move or who's recently moved to Vermont, please connect them with the Chamber for any of our relocation services:

Vermont Welcome Wagon Project - NEK Chapter
Northeast Kingdom Young Professionals Network

09/07/2026

This will be a great welcoming in of the apple season! Come try your hand at pressing c***r!

Counting down the days until we press c***r, make and sample apple butter along with many other tasty apple treats. Do you have a favorite apple treat or favorite Lyndon apple story? Please feel free to share it and please join us Saturday between 1 and 3 at the Shores Museum in Lyndon Center.