Town Fair 2023: Register Here! : VLCT

Date

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Time

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Deadline

Friday, September 22, 2023

Location

Town Fair 2023: Register Here! Event Image

Town Fair 2023 is your chance to reconnect with your counterparts from around the state, get ideas & inspiration from topic experts, learn about new products and services from a wide variety of vendors, and enjoy fun entertainment and recreational options.

This two-day event is completely in person. Join us in South Burlington for direct access to the range of knowledge and networking opportunities you need to help you excel! All trainings are 90 minutes long, the exhibit hall will be open both days, and the three finalists for the Work Wheels Best In Tow competition will be on display (awaiting your vote!).

Tuesday morning’s breakfast will be followed by topic-specific roundtables, the first set of trainings, and the VLCT Board Meeting (view meeting agenda). After lunch, the 3-in-1 Annual Meeting precedes two specially assembled panel discussions on crucial aspects of disaster recovery. Dinner will be enhanced by service awards and the exciting casino-inspired event – which itself culminates in several great prizes!

After breakfast Wednesday, the keynote address, Building Relationships: Personal Skills for Professional Success, precedes the second set of trainings. Lunch will be concurrent with the annual meeting of Women Leading Government, then the last set of trainings will be held shortly before the grand raffle closes out the conference. Remember, you must be present to win!

Voting delegate registration for the annual meeting is separate from attendee registration this year. If you need to designate yourself as your municipality's voting delegate for VLCT, PACIF, or VERB, please also sign up at Voting Delegate Registration.

Registration Fees

Exhibit Hall Only

$15.00

Non-Member: Exhibit Hall Only

$15.00

Non-Member: Tues and Wed Full Package

$198.00

Non-Member: Tues and Wed Sessions Only

$174.00

Non-Member: Tues Full Package

$133.00

Non-Member: Tues Sessions Only

$84.00

Non-Member: Tuesday Dinner & Casino Night Only

$64.00

Non-Member: Wed Sessions + Dinner and Casino

$154.00

Non-Member: Wednesday Sessions Only

$105.00

Regular Price: Tuesday Full Package

$133.00

Regular Pricing: Tuesday & Wednesday Full Package

$198.00

Regular Pricing: Tuesday & Wednesday Sessions Only

$174.00

Regular Pricing: Tuesday Dinner & Casino Night

$64.00

Regular Pricing: Tuesday Sessions Only

$84.00

Regular Pricing: Wed. Sessions & Tues. Dinner

$154.00

Regular Pricing: Wednesday Sessions Only

$105.00

Agenda

Tuesday - September 26
8:00 am - 9:30 am
	Breakfast and Roundtable Sessions Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Enjoy breakfast in the Exhibit Hall and peruse the many services provided by our vendors hoping to solve your problems, big or small! Then, pop over to Emerald III and sit down with our roundtable facilitators. Location: Lake Champlain Exhibit Hall & Emerald III
8:30 am - 9:30 am
	Roundtable Session: Reappraisal – How to Navigate an Order or an Impending Order? Sold Out! 0 Slots Left So, your town received a reappraisal order or is very close to receiving one. What tools can you use and what steps can you take to obtain a contractor, be part of the process and ensure that your project will be successful. This is designed to be a roundtable discussion where towns can share the pitfalls and successes they have seen as well as PVR leading the discussion to give guidance in the process from our end. Jill Remick VT Dept of Taxes - Property Valuation and Review <p>Jill Remick has been the Director of Property Valuation and Review since 2018. Prior to that she served in several roles at Tax, as well as Communications and Legislative Affairs at the Vermont Agency of Education. She serves as the Chair of the Central Vermont Career Center School Board, is a member of the Montpelier-Roxbury School Board, and lives in Montpelier with her family.</p> <p>Jill Remick has been the Director of Property Valuation and Review since 2018. Prior to that she served in several roles at Tax, as well as Communications and Legislative Affairs at the Vermont Agency of Education. She serves as the Chair of the Central Vermont Career Center School Board, is a member of the Montpelier-Roxbury School Board, and lives in Montpelier with her family.</p> Christie Wright VT Dept of Taxes - Property Valuation and Review
	Roundtable Session: Disaster Recovery and Hazard Mitigation Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Visit with State Hazard Mitigation Officer Stephanie Smith and other municipal officials concerned with building back better. Stephanie manages FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs and the Flood Resilient Communities Fund. Location: Emerald III Stephanie Smith VT Dept of Public Safety
	Roundtable Session: Short-Term Rentals Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Listen to a brief overview of local options to regulate short-term rentals and then engage with other participants in a question-and-answer session. Location: Emerald II Jacob Hemmerick VT Dept of Housing and Community Development <p>Jacob (Jake) Hemmerick is a Community Planning & Policy Manager in the Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development.?He works on state planning and development policy; manages the municipal planning, bylaw modernization, and regional planning grant programs; and supports State designation programs and other special projects.? Prior to joining the State, he lived and worked as a local town planner in northwest Vermont.? Jake now lives in Barre City with his partner Lisa and pup Primo, where he serves as Mayor.</p> <p>Jacob (Jake) Hemmerick is a Community Planning & Policy Manager in the Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development.?He works on state planning and development policy; manages the municipal planning, bylaw modernization, and regional planning grant programs; and supports State designation programs and other special projects.? Prior to joining the State, he lived and worked as a local town planner in northwest Vermont.? Jake now lives in Barre City with his partner Lisa and pup Primo, where he serves as Mayor.</p>
	Roundtable Session: Cannabis Control Board Update Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Attendees will hear a brief update on the number of municipalities hosting adult-use cannabis establishments and then discuss state and local regulations and processes with the facilitator. Location: Emerald II Julie Hulburd Vermont Cannabis Control Board <p>Julie Hulburd was appointed Commissioner of the CCB in 2021. She has 20 years of experience in human resources serving private, non-profit and public organizations, including 12 years in municipal government. Julie was appointed to the State Ethics Commission in 2018 and has served as its chair since 2019.</p> <p>Julie Hulburd was appointed Commissioner of the CCB in 2021. She has 20 years of experience in human resources serving private, non-profit and public organizations, including 12 years in municipal government. Julie was appointed to the State Ethics Commission in 2018 and has served as its chair since 2019.</p>
	Roundtable Session: Vermont Employee Benefits and Other Workplace Trends– facilitators: by Sally McKenzie and Steve May, Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence Sold Out! 0 Slots Left The facilitators will present the results of Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence’s annual Employee Benefits Survey and highlight average benchmarks including but not limited to plan designs, premium contributions, comparisons to the market, and some examples of initiatives being used to retain and attract talented employees. Location: Emerald III Steve May Hickok and Boardman HR Intelligence <p>Steve May is the lead Health Care Benefits Consultant assisting the firm’s largest clients with managing RFP processes, budget projections, funding arrangement analysis, strategic plan design analysis, and building collaborative purchasing arrangements. He is a frequent presenter to legislative bodies and collective bargaining groups and is called upon for expert testimony at arbitration hearings.</p> <p>Steve May is the lead Health Care Benefits Consultant assisting the firm’s largest clients with managing RFP processes, budget projections, funding arrangement analysis, strategic plan design analysis, and building collaborative purchasing arrangements. He is a frequent presenter to legislative bodies and collective bargaining groups and is called upon for expert testimony at arbitration hearings.</p> Sally McKenzie Acrisure <p>Sally McKenzie assists and works closely with the firm’s large group client segment with their benefit design, service solutions, installing and administering employer-sponsored employee benefits programs, contract and financial oversight, and adhering to federal and state compliance guidance and regulation. She also shares the role of cultivating and nurturing vendor/partner relationships.</p> <p>Sally McKenzie assists and works closely with the firm’s large group client segment with their benefit design, service solutions, installing and administering employer-sponsored employee benefits programs, contract and financial oversight, and adhering to federal and state compliance guidance and regulation. She also shares the role of cultivating and nurturing vendor/partner relationships.</p>
	Roundtable Session: Emerging Trends in Law Enforcement with facilitator: Jim Baker, JW Leadership Consulting Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Participants will learn of emerging trends in law enforcement in Vermont and around the country and how these trends are improving police community relations. Several of these trends can help reduce conflict, use of force, negative image of police officers, and overall liability. Location: Emerald III James Baker JW Leadership Consulting <p>Jim Baker served with the Vermont State Police for over 30 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. He served as the director from 2006-2009. He received a BS in Criminal Justice Management from Southern Vermont College and is a graduate of the 188th Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. He has been an adjunct professor at the Vermont Police Academy, Southern Vermont College, and St. Petersburg College in Florida.  </p> <p>During his career with Vermont State Police, Jim received multiple Commissioner’s and Division Commander’s Awards. In 2001 he was recognized by Southern Vermont College as the Distinguished Alumnus.  </p> <p>Jim served as the chair of the North Atlantic Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) State and Provincial Division, as the Chair of New England  High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and as a member of the Board of Directors of New England State Police Information Network. He also served on the IACP Executive Committee and Financial Review Committee.  </p> <p>In the fall of 2009 Jim started a business entitled JW Consulting. Through his consulting he has served as the Interim Director of the Vermont Police Academy; Acting Police Chief in the Town of Manchester, Vermont; and Interim Chief of Police for City of Rutland, Vermont; and project consultant for the IACP to the FBI National Law Enforcement Data Exchange program. He also served as executive support specialist for the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Initiative within the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.  </p> <p>Jim was appointed the Chief of Police for the City of Rutland in August 2012. He received a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Vermont Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet in October 2014. He left the position as chief of police in January 2015 to accept a position with the IACP as the Director of Law Enforcement Operation and Support. </p> <p>Jim Baker served with the Vermont State Police for over 30 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. He served as the director from 2006-2009. He received a BS in Criminal Justice Management from Southern Vermont College and is a graduate of the 188th Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. He has been an adjunct professor at the Vermont Police Academy, Southern Vermont College, and St. Petersburg College in Florida.  </p> <p>During his career with Vermont State Police, Jim received multiple Commissioner’s and Division Commander’s Awards. In 2001 he was recognized by Southern Vermont College as the Distinguished Alumnus.  </p> <p>Jim served as the chair of the North Atlantic Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) State and Provincial Division, as the Chair of New England  High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and as a member of the Board of Directors of New England State Police Information Network. He also served on the IACP Executive Committee and Financial Review Committee.  </p> <p>In the fall of 2009 Jim started a business entitled JW Consulting. Through his consulting he has served as the Interim Director of the Vermont Police Academy; Acting Police Chief in the Town of Manchester, Vermont; and Interim Chief of Police for City of Rutland, Vermont; and project consultant for the IACP to the FBI National Law Enforcement Data Exchange program. He also served as executive support specialist for the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Initiative within the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.  </p> <p>Jim was appointed the Chief of Police for the City of Rutland in August 2012. He received a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Vermont Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet in October 2014. He left the position as chief of police in January 2015 to accept a position with the IACP as the Director of Law Enforcement Operation and Support. </p>
	Roundtable Session: Leadership Development and Employee Compensation with facilitators Karin Tierney and Katrina Meigs from Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Join Karin and members of the Hickok & Boardman HR Consulting team to discuss workforce trends and strategies for success to drive productivity and employee engagement through leadership development.? We’ll also talk about challenges and approaches to navigating employee compensation since COVID. Location: Emerald III Karin Tierney Hickok and Boardman HR Intelligence, an Acrisure Agency Partner <p>Karin is the lead of HR Consulting Services for Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence. Through organizational design and workforce planning, Karin helps organizations implement initiatives to recruit, develop, engage, and retain dynamic team members during times of significant change.</p> <p>Karin is the lead of HR Consulting Services for Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence. Through organizational design and workforce planning, Karin helps organizations implement initiatives to recruit, develop, engage, and retain dynamic team members during times of significant change.</p> Katrina Meigs Hickok and Boardman HR Intelligence <p>In her role as a strategic business partner, Katrina actively engages with senior organizational leaders, leveraging her extensive knowledge and insights to guide decision-making and shape the direction of the company. Throughout the entire span of an employee's journey within the organization, Katrina provides valuable guidance and support, from recruitment and onboarding to development and performance management, ensuring a seamless and productive employee experience.</p> <p>In her role as a strategic business partner, Katrina actively engages with senior organizational leaders, leveraging her extensive knowledge and insights to guide decision-making and shape the direction of the company. Throughout the entire span of an employee's journey within the organization, Katrina provides valuable guidance and support, from recruitment and onboarding to development and performance management, ensuring a seamless and productive employee experience.</p>
9:30 am - 11:00 am
	Clerks and Treasurers Track: First Amendment Audits – Guidance for Municipal Employees Sold Out! 0 Slots Left VLCT has received reports of First Amendment Audits directed at some VLCT members. These audits are essentially tests conducted by knowledgeable individuals to determine how well public sector employees understand the right of the public to film in public spaces, especially municipal facilities. The "auditors" actively engage in recording video of interactions with municipal officials and employees as they walk through public facilities. An audit that generates no resistance to filming in public areas is normally not posted on social media for public consumption. However, an audit that meets with resistance, attempted removal from a public space, or, at worst, a violation of someone’s rights, will most likely be posted for the public to see – and may result in a lawsuit for violation of First Amendment rights. Especially important for front line staff who are likely to greet visitors first and for those who might be called on to provide assistance, this session will help you and your staff understand how to respond to these situations in ways that will reduce your risk. Panelists will discuss what to expect in a First Amendment audit, how to reduce stress during an audit, and legal considerations. Location: Emerald III James Carroll Carroll, Boe, Pell & Kite, P.C. <p>Jim Carroll is an attorney who has been in private practice in Middlebury, Vermont since 1985. His practice involves representing numerous municipalities, with an emphasis on the defense of civil rights, tort, employment and highway disputes, and land use and ordinance enforcement. </p> <p>Jim received a BA from the University of Vermont in 1977 and a JD magna cum laude from the Vermont Law School in 1984, where he was also an editor of the Vermont Law Review. Since then, Jim has served as the president of the Addison and Vermont Bar Associations and as chair of the VBA Municipal Law Section. He is currently on the board of directors for the Vermont Bar Foundation. </p> <p>Jim Carroll is an attorney who has been in private practice in Middlebury, Vermont since 1985. His practice involves representing numerous municipalities, with an emphasis on the defense of civil rights, tort, employment and highway disputes, and land use and ordinance enforcement. </p> <p>Jim received a BA from the University of Vermont in 1977 and a JD magna cum laude from the Vermont Law School in 1984, where he was also an editor of the Vermont Law Review. Since then, Jim has served as the president of the Addison and Vermont Bar Associations and as chair of the VBA Municipal Law Section. He is currently on the board of directors for the Vermont Bar Foundation. </p> Trevor Whipple Vermont League of Cities and Towns <p>Trevor Whipple began his law enforcement career in Littleton, New Hampshire. He later served in the Barre City Police Department for 23 years, first as juvenile officer and then as chief of police. Trevor was also chief of police for the City of South Burlington from 2006 until his retirement in 2018. </p> <p>During his career, Trevor obtained an AS from Castleton State College, a BS from Johnson State College. and an MPA from the University of Vermont. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He holds lifetime memberships in the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also served as an emergency medical technician and a volunteer firefighter.</p> <p>Trevor Whipple began his law enforcement career in Littleton, New Hampshire. He later served in the Barre City Police Department for 23 years, first as juvenile officer and then as chief of police. Trevor was also chief of police for the City of South Burlington from 2006 until his retirement in 2018. </p> <p>During his career, Trevor obtained an AS from Castleton State College, a BS from Johnson State College. and an MPA from the University of Vermont. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He holds lifetime memberships in the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also served as an emergency medical technician and a volunteer firefighter.</p>
	VLCT Board Meeting Sold Out! 0 Slots Left View the full detailed board meeting agenda at: www.vlct.org/vlct-board. AGENDA 1. Call to order by President; Introduction of new members and guests 9:30 2. Additions and Deletions to the Agenda 9:35 3. Consent Agenda Items 9:40 a. Approve Minutes of September 14, 2023 Board Meeting 4. Approve 2024 VLCT Budget and Membership Dues 9:45 a. CFO Budget Memo and 2024 Budget b. Proposed 2024/2025 (Dues Year 2025) VLCT Membership Dues Schedule 5. Accept the 2022 VLCT Audit 10:05 a. 2022 VLCT Audit (to be circulated separately by Monday, September 25) 6. Approve Abundant Sun Contract for Equity Services 10:20 a. Abundant Sun Engagement Letter for Welcoming and Engaging Communities Cohort 2.0 7. Approve Crime Research Group Proposal to Conduct Municipal Policing Assessment 10:35 a. Crime Research Group VLCT Proposal b. 2022 VLCT Proposal to Improve Municipal Policing 8. Legislative Update 10:45 a. Executive Director’s Fall Advocacy Update b. 2023/2024 VLCT Municipal Priorities 9. Executive Session (if necessary) 11:00 10. Other Business 11:15 11. Adjourn Location: Diamond II
	Listers Track: Just The Basics - Roles and Responsibilities of Listers Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Learn the fundamentals of being a lister! This session will address the central concepts of property assessments – including fair market value and equalization – along with the statutory process and deadlines for lister grievance hearings, the main steps of the grievance process, and the role of professional appraisers that may be involved. Location: Amphitheater Kail Romanoff Vermont League of Cities and Towns <p>Kail Romanoff currently advises as well as develops and implements trainings on municipal law for municipal officials throughout Vermont. A member of the Underhill, Vermont planning commission, he worked previously as Underhill’s zoning administrator and in private practice handling real estate matters. Prior to law school, Kail gained 10 years of experience in land development as a land surveyor working in Vermont, New York, and Wyoming. His educational background is in law, geography, geology, environmental studies, and climate science.  </p> <p>Kail Romanoff currently advises as well as develops and implements trainings on municipal law for municipal officials throughout Vermont. A member of the Underhill, Vermont planning commission, he worked previously as Underhill’s zoning administrator and in private practice handling real estate matters. Prior to law school, Kail gained 10 years of experience in land development as a land surveyor working in Vermont, New York, and Wyoming. His educational background is in law, geography, geology, environmental studies, and climate science.  </p> Benton Mitchell Vermont Department of Taxes, Division of Property Valuation and Review Theresa Gile Vermont Department of Taxes Division of Property Valuation and Review
	Public Safety Track: Practical Steps to Navigate Police Reform at the Local Level Sold Out! 0 Slots Left This panel of talented law enforcement officials and community-minded advocates will discuss community expectations of police reform and experience gained while striving to bring reform to Vermont law enforcement agencies. Panelists will delve into the details of law enforcement responses and how they can address issues while serving their communities. Location: Diamond I James Baker JW Leadership Consulting <p>Jim Baker served with the Vermont State Police for over 30 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. He served as the director from 2006-2009. He received a BS in Criminal Justice Management from Southern Vermont College and is a graduate of the 188th Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. He has been an adjunct professor at the Vermont Police Academy, Southern Vermont College, and St. Petersburg College in Florida.  </p> <p>During his career with Vermont State Police, Jim received multiple Commissioner’s and Division Commander’s Awards. In 2001 he was recognized by Southern Vermont College as the Distinguished Alumnus.  </p> <p>Jim served as the chair of the North Atlantic Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) State and Provincial Division, as the Chair of New England  High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and as a member of the Board of Directors of New England State Police Information Network. He also served on the IACP Executive Committee and Financial Review Committee.  </p> <p>In the fall of 2009 Jim started a business entitled JW Consulting. Through his consulting he has served as the Interim Director of the Vermont Police Academy; Acting Police Chief in the Town of Manchester, Vermont; and Interim Chief of Police for City of Rutland, Vermont; and project consultant for the IACP to the FBI National Law Enforcement Data Exchange program. He also served as executive support specialist for the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Initiative within the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.  </p> <p>Jim was appointed the Chief of Police for the City of Rutland in August 2012. He received a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Vermont Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet in October 2014. He left the position as chief of police in January 2015 to accept a position with the IACP as the Director of Law Enforcement Operation and Support. </p> <p>Jim Baker served with the Vermont State Police for over 30 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. He served as the director from 2006-2009. He received a BS in Criminal Justice Management from Southern Vermont College and is a graduate of the 188th Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. He has been an adjunct professor at the Vermont Police Academy, Southern Vermont College, and St. Petersburg College in Florida.  </p> <p>During his career with Vermont State Police, Jim received multiple Commissioner’s and Division Commander’s Awards. In 2001 he was recognized by Southern Vermont College as the Distinguished Alumnus.  </p> <p>Jim served as the chair of the North Atlantic Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) State and Provincial Division, as the Chair of New England  High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and as a member of the Board of Directors of New England State Police Information Network. He also served on the IACP Executive Committee and Financial Review Committee.  </p> <p>In the fall of 2009 Jim started a business entitled JW Consulting. Through his consulting he has served as the Interim Director of the Vermont Police Academy; Acting Police Chief in the Town of Manchester, Vermont; and Interim Chief of Police for City of Rutland, Vermont; and project consultant for the IACP to the FBI National Law Enforcement Data Exchange program. He also served as executive support specialist for the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Initiative within the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.  </p> <p>Jim was appointed the Chief of Police for the City of Rutland in August 2012. He received a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Vermont Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet in October 2014. He left the position as chief of police in January 2015 to accept a position with the IACP as the Director of Law Enforcement Operation and Support. </p> Norma Hardy Brattleboro, Town of
	Town Leader Track: Community-Driven Economic Development Sold Out! 0 Slots Left “Economic development” is one of the most frequently used terms in municipal government, but what does it mean? That depends. Geography, politics, history, resources, and the people in power often define it for a community. Come learn how several Vermont communities have undertaken economic development, what tools they’ve used, and how your community might replicate it. Dom Cloud will share his “10 rules of economic development,” which St. Albans City used to spark downtown investments. Rob Riley will share how dozens of communities across northern New England have made the forest-based economy – from recreation to wood products – the centerpiece of inviting young families back to our downtowns. And Jessica Savage will share how the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Working Communities Challenge has empowered eight Vermont communities to tackle economic challenges through collaboration and systems change. Location: Emerald II Rob Riley Northern Forest Center <p>Rob Riley joined the Northern Forest Center in 2007 as director of programs, assumed leadership of the Center in spring 2008, and has guided the Center to become the respected regional innovation and investment partner it is today. He led creation of the Northern Forest Board Forum and the Rural Development Innovation Group and is particularly proud of the Center’s ability to bring expertise and resources to help Northern Forest people and communities while advocating for the region at the national level. The New Hampshire Union Leader included Rob in its 2003 list of Forty Outstanding Leaders Under 40 in New Hampshire. </p> <p>Prior to joining the Center, Rob served as director of MicroCredit-NH, an award-winning statewide community economic development program. Previously, Rob founded and served as executive director of Main Street Plymouth, Inc., which received New Hampshire’s Main Street Program of the Year Award in 2000. Other experience includes directing youth programs at Sagebrush Arena in Hailey, Idaho as well as farming and logging in Andover, Vermont. </p> <p>Rob Riley joined the Northern Forest Center in 2007 as director of programs, assumed leadership of the Center in spring 2008, and has guided the Center to become the respected regional innovation and investment partner it is today. He led creation of the Northern Forest Board Forum and the Rural Development Innovation Group and is particularly proud of the Center’s ability to bring expertise and resources to help Northern Forest people and communities while advocating for the region at the national level. The New Hampshire Union Leader included Rob in its 2003 list of Forty Outstanding Leaders Under 40 in New Hampshire. </p> <p>Prior to joining the Center, Rob served as director of MicroCredit-NH, an award-winning statewide community economic development program. Previously, Rob founded and served as executive director of Main Street Plymouth, Inc., which received New Hampshire’s Main Street Program of the Year Award in 2000. Other experience includes directing youth programs at Sagebrush Arena in Hailey, Idaho as well as farming and logging in Andover, Vermont. </p> Jessica Savage Vermont Council on Rural Development <p>After 15 years in the public sector, mainly in the natural resources and recreation management fields, Jessica Savage joined the VCRD team to support community-led economic development. She has an MPA from UVM with a focus on water quality policy and is an avid outdoorsperson and a mom to two young children.</p> <p>After 15 years in the public sector, mainly in the natural resources and recreation management fields, Jessica Savage joined the VCRD team to support community-led economic development. She has an MPA from UVM with a focus on water quality policy and is an avid outdoorsperson and a mom to two young children.</p> Sarah Waring USDA Rural Development <p>Vermont native Sarah Waring most recently worked as Vice President for Grants and Community Investments at the Vermont Community Foundation. She previously worked at the Vermont Council on Rural Development, the Farm & Wilderness Foundation, and the Sonoran Institute. Waring was also executive director at the Center for an Agricultural Economy. In 2020, she served on the Governor's Task Force for Economic Mitigation and Recovery where she supported the development of a toolkit for municipal engagement for diversity, equity, and inclusion.</p> <p>Vermont native Sarah Waring most recently worked as Vice President for Grants and Community Investments at the Vermont Community Foundation. She previously worked at the Vermont Council on Rural Development, the Farm & Wilderness Foundation, and the Sonoran Institute. Waring was also executive director at the Center for an Agricultural Economy. In 2020, she served on the Governor's Task Force for Economic Mitigation and Recovery where she supported the development of a toolkit for municipal engagement for diversity, equity, and inclusion.</p> Dominic Cloud St. Albans, City of
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
	Lunch Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Enjoy lunch, peruse the exhibit hall, and don't forget to grab dessert!! Location: Emerald I, II, & III
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
	Meeting of the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Information about this meeting is being supplied directly to chiefs. Location: Amphitheater
	Annual Meeting Sold Out! 0 Slots Left VLCT invites all members to send a voting delegate to our annual meetings – where you will elect the VLCT Board of Directors, hear updates on recent program changes from VLCT leadership, learn about the financial health of the member-owned risk pools, and meet VLCT’s new Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. This is your annual opportunity to weigh in on how VLCT represents you in the state house, share insights into what services you need VLCT, PACIF or VERB to offer your municipality, and question both staff and board members about why we do things the way we do. Voting Delegates will need to register separately from their Town Fair registration. Location: Diamond I & II
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
	Panel Session: Accessing Federal Resources to Rebuild After a Disaster Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Hear directly from, and have an opportunity to ask questions of, representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Vermont Emergency Management and the State’s Flood Recovery Office on how your community can maximize federal resources and build back better. This session will provide communities impacted by the summer’s flooding helpful tips, and prepare communities spared by the flooding for future disasters. Location: Diamond I, II Tim Baker FEMA Doug Farnham VT Agency of Administration Stephanie Smith VT Dept of Public Safety William Roy FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
	Panel Session: Getting Comfortable with Debt After a Disaster Sold Out! 0 Slots Left VLCT has put together a panel of municipal finance experts to discuss how to properly use debt after a disaster to help rebuild and keep your municipality fiscally strong. Location: Diamond I, II Pat Braunscheidel M&T Bank <p>Pat Braunscheidel is a Sr. Vice President and Business Banking Team Leader for the State of Vermont at M&T Bank. In his role, Pat leads a team of dedicated community-based Relationship Managers and spearheads efforts to enhance M&T’s market share throughout the state.</p> <p>Pat Braunscheidel is a Sr. Vice President and Business Banking Team Leader for the State of Vermont at M&T Bank. In his role, Pat leads a team of dedicated community-based Relationship Managers and spearheads efforts to enhance M&T’s market share throughout the state.</p> Michael Gaughan Vermont Bond Bank Mike Pieciak VT State Treasurer's Office Misty Sinsigalli USDA Rural Development
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
	VLCT Presents Casino Night & Dinner Sold Out! 0 Slots Left VLCT presents CASINO NIGHT brought to you by Alpine Amusement, featuring nine game tables offering Craps, Roulette, Texas Hold’em, and Blackjack. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while you network with colleagues and play games to win raffle tickets to fabulous prizes! Attendees can purchase refreshments at the cash bar. Dinner tickets come with $250 in chips to start. Attendees can purchase an additional $250 in chips on site for $25. Proceeds will benefit the VLCT Municipal Service Scholarship. Note: There will be absolutely NO gambling with real money at this fundraiser. Games are played with chips that are traded in for raffle tickets to win great prizes! Here are some of them: - A two-night ski and stay package for two at Jay Peak Resort at Stateside ($1,067 value) - A 2024 round of golf for four, including carts, at Green Mountain National in Killington ($864 value) - One all-inclusive registration for Town Fair 2024 (up to $198 value) - One year’s worth of free registrations for one to VLCT trainings (varied value) - A day pass for two adults and two children at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center in Hartford ($50.00 value) - One free night of camping, with full hookup, at North Beach Campground in Burlington ($41 value). Location: Emerald I, II & III
Wednesday - September 27
8:00 am - 9:00 am
	Breakfast Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Enjoy breakfast in the Exhibit Hall and peruse the many services provided by our vendors hoping to solve your problems, big or small! Location: Lake Champlain Exhibit Hall
9:00 am - 9:30 am
	Keynote Session Building Relationships: Personal Skills for Professional Success with Daniel Post Senning of the Emily Post Institute Sold Out! 0 Slots Left We all live and work in an increasingly casual and complex world. Knowing what others expect and even what we should expect of ourselves is not always easy. At the same time, opportunities for distinction are all around us. The same basic guidelines that have helped people not just get along, but thrive, for hundreds of years can still aid us in our contemporary world. Dan will share the core principles that have guided the etiquette advice at The Emily Post Institute for over 100 years and how you can use them to guide you in building better relationships today. Location: Emerald III Daniel Senning Duxbury, Town of, and The Emily Post Institute <p>Daniel Post Senning is an active spokesperson for <a href="https://emilypost.com/" target="_blank">The Emily Post Institute Inc.,</a> a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect, and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book, Etiquette, in 1922. Dan is a great-great grandson of Emily Post and a co-author of <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/emily-posts-etiquette/" target="_blank">Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th edition</a> and <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/the-etiquette-advantage-in-business/" target="_blank">The Etiquette Advantage in Business, 3rd edition</a>. He is also the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNPI7FQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BNPI7FQ&linkCode=as2&tag=emilypostcom-20" target="_blank">Manners in a Digital World: Living Well Online</a>. He specializes in relationship building in all areas of life, whether at home, at work, or online.  </p> <p>Dan conducts <a href="http://emilypost.com/business/seminars/" target="_blank">business etiquette seminars</a>, teaches the <a href="http://emilypost.com/lifestyle/childrens-train-the-trainer/" target="_blank">Emily Post Business Etiquette Train the Trainer Course</a>, and delivers speeches across the country and around the world. Together with his cousin Lizzie Post, Dan answers 21st century etiquette questions on the podcast <a href="https://emilypost.com/podcast/awesome-etiquette-podcast" target="_blank">Awesome Etiquette</a>. As a spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, Dan has appeared on the Today Show, The History Channel, and ESPN; has contributed to The Huffington Post; and has been interviewed by publications including The New York Times, Slate, Esquire, GQ, Glamour, Time Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. </p> <p>Prior to joining The Emily Post Institute in 2008, Dan earned a BS in molecular biology from Pomona College and worked in the performing arts, touring with the Laurie Cameron Company based in Los Angeles. He currently lives in Duxbury, Vermont with his wife Puja and their daughters Anisha and Arya. </p> <p>Daniel Post Senning is an active spokesperson for <a href="https://emilypost.com/" target="_blank">The Emily Post Institute Inc.,</a> a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect, and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book, Etiquette, in 1922. Dan is a great-great grandson of Emily Post and a co-author of <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/emily-posts-etiquette/" target="_blank">Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th edition</a> and <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/the-etiquette-advantage-in-business/" target="_blank">The Etiquette Advantage in Business, 3rd edition</a>. He is also the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNPI7FQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BNPI7FQ&linkCode=as2&tag=emilypostcom-20" target="_blank">Manners in a Digital World: Living Well Online</a>. He specializes in relationship building in all areas of life, whether at home, at work, or online.  </p> <p>Dan conducts <a href="http://emilypost.com/business/seminars/" target="_blank">business etiquette seminars</a>, teaches the <a href="http://emilypost.com/lifestyle/childrens-train-the-trainer/" target="_blank">Emily Post Business Etiquette Train the Trainer Course</a>, and delivers speeches across the country and around the world. Together with his cousin Lizzie Post, Dan answers 21st century etiquette questions on the podcast <a href="https://emilypost.com/podcast/awesome-etiquette-podcast" target="_blank">Awesome Etiquette</a>. As a spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, Dan has appeared on the Today Show, The History Channel, and ESPN; has contributed to The Huffington Post; and has been interviewed by publications including The New York Times, Slate, Esquire, GQ, Glamour, Time Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. </p> <p>Prior to joining The Emily Post Institute in 2008, Dan earned a BS in molecular biology from Pomona College and worked in the performing arts, touring with the Laurie Cameron Company based in Los Angeles. He currently lives in Duxbury, Vermont with his wife Puja and their daughters Anisha and Arya. </p>
9:30 am - 11:00 am
	Town Leaders and Clerks & Treasurers Track: Situational Problem Solving Using Three Core Principles with Keynote Speaker Daniel Post Senning Sold Out! 0 Slots Left It might be nice to always know what to do, but it is not possible. Sometimes we are faced with a difficult choice or situation, and the answer or path forward is unclear. In this session, we will review the core principles that support healthy communities and learn how to apply them to solving difficult situations. You will learn a problem-solving process based on consideration, respect, and honesty and have a chance to practice applying it to real world situations as well as hear how other groups approach similar problems. Location: Emerald I Daniel Senning Duxbury, Town of, and The Emily Post Institute <p>Daniel Post Senning is an active spokesperson for <a href="https://emilypost.com/" target="_blank">The Emily Post Institute Inc.,</a> a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect, and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book, Etiquette, in 1922. Dan is a great-great grandson of Emily Post and a co-author of <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/emily-posts-etiquette/" target="_blank">Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th edition</a> and <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/the-etiquette-advantage-in-business/" target="_blank">The Etiquette Advantage in Business, 3rd edition</a>. He is also the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNPI7FQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BNPI7FQ&linkCode=as2&tag=emilypostcom-20" target="_blank">Manners in a Digital World: Living Well Online</a>. He specializes in relationship building in all areas of life, whether at home, at work, or online.  </p> <p>Dan conducts <a href="http://emilypost.com/business/seminars/" target="_blank">business etiquette seminars</a>, teaches the <a href="http://emilypost.com/lifestyle/childrens-train-the-trainer/" target="_blank">Emily Post Business Etiquette Train the Trainer Course</a>, and delivers speeches across the country and around the world. Together with his cousin Lizzie Post, Dan answers 21st century etiquette questions on the podcast <a href="https://emilypost.com/podcast/awesome-etiquette-podcast" target="_blank">Awesome Etiquette</a>. As a spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, Dan has appeared on the Today Show, The History Channel, and ESPN; has contributed to The Huffington Post; and has been interviewed by publications including The New York Times, Slate, Esquire, GQ, Glamour, Time Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. </p> <p>Prior to joining The Emily Post Institute in 2008, Dan earned a BS in molecular biology from Pomona College and worked in the performing arts, touring with the Laurie Cameron Company based in Los Angeles. He currently lives in Duxbury, Vermont with his wife Puja and their daughters Anisha and Arya. </p> <p>Daniel Post Senning is an active spokesperson for <a href="https://emilypost.com/" target="_blank">The Emily Post Institute Inc.,</a> a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect, and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book, Etiquette, in 1922. Dan is a great-great grandson of Emily Post and a co-author of <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/emily-posts-etiquette/" target="_blank">Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th edition</a> and <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/the-etiquette-advantage-in-business/" target="_blank">The Etiquette Advantage in Business, 3rd edition</a>. He is also the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNPI7FQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BNPI7FQ&linkCode=as2&tag=emilypostcom-20" target="_blank">Manners in a Digital World: Living Well Online</a>. He specializes in relationship building in all areas of life, whether at home, at work, or online.  </p> <p>Dan conducts <a href="http://emilypost.com/business/seminars/" target="_blank">business etiquette seminars</a>, teaches the <a href="http://emilypost.com/lifestyle/childrens-train-the-trainer/" target="_blank">Emily Post Business Etiquette Train the Trainer Course</a>, and delivers speeches across the country and around the world. Together with his cousin Lizzie Post, Dan answers 21st century etiquette questions on the podcast <a href="https://emilypost.com/podcast/awesome-etiquette-podcast" target="_blank">Awesome Etiquette</a>. As a spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, Dan has appeared on the Today Show, The History Channel, and ESPN; has contributed to The Huffington Post; and has been interviewed by publications including The New York Times, Slate, Esquire, GQ, Glamour, Time Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. </p> <p>Prior to joining The Emily Post Institute in 2008, Dan earned a BS in molecular biology from Pomona College and worked in the performing arts, touring with the Laurie Cameron Company based in Los Angeles. He currently lives in Duxbury, Vermont with his wife Puja and their daughters Anisha and Arya. </p>
	Listers Track: The Future of Assessment -- Where Do We Go From Here? Sold Out! 0 Slots Left The future of assessment is uncertain because of the current hiring and retention crisis. In this session, you will brainstorm ideas and learn current solutions for how to get training and resources for newly recruited assessors. Consider options like a shared model between municipalities, ask questions, and work toward common goals to help your town move forward with this important work. Our panel of experts will share updates on new items from the legislation and discuss ideas for the reappraisal study. Location: Amphitheater Terri Sabens Johnson, Town of <p>Terri Sabens, a Vermont Property Appraiser III (VPA III), established Vermont Municipal Grand List Maintenance, LLC (VMGLM) in 2019 because many Vermont towns were having difficulty finding experienced listers. VMGLM helps municipalities maintain their grand list and find staff to continue that work. She recently created a shared assessor's position that has its first trainee, based in Johnson & Hyde Park — with room for a few more municipalities to join in when needed.</p> <p>Terri Sabens, a Vermont Property Appraiser III (VPA III), established Vermont Municipal Grand List Maintenance, LLC (VMGLM) in 2019 because many Vermont towns were having difficulty finding experienced listers. VMGLM helps municipalities maintain their grand list and find staff to continue that work. She recently created a shared assessor's position that has its first trainee, based in Johnson & Hyde Park — with room for a few more municipalities to join in when needed.</p> Lisa Wright Vermont Assessors and Listers Association - VALA <p>Lisa Wright is a Certified Residential Appraiser and SRA Member of the Appraisal Institute.  She works on the independent appraisal business as well as contract assessor for the towns of Pittsford, Proctor, Pawlet, Chittenden and Shrewsbury and Chair of the Board of Listers in West Rutland. Lisa began working in the appraisal/assessment industry in 2003 working with her father Stephen Wright and completed numerous town-wide reappraisal over the years. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys horseback riding, gardening, hiking and biking.</p> <p>Lisa Wright is a Certified Residential Appraiser and SRA Member of the Appraisal Institute.  She works on the independent appraisal business as well as contract assessor for the towns of Pittsford, Proctor, Pawlet, Chittenden and Shrewsbury and Chair of the Board of Listers in West Rutland. Lisa began working in the appraisal/assessment industry in 2003 working with her father Stephen Wright and completed numerous town-wide reappraisal over the years. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys horseback riding, gardening, hiking and biking.</p> Christie Wright VT Dept of Taxes - Property Valuation and Review Jill Remick VT Dept of Taxes - Property Valuation and Review <p>Jill Remick has been the Director of Property Valuation and Review since 2018. Prior to that she served in several roles at Tax, as well as Communications and Legislative Affairs at the Vermont Agency of Education. She serves as the Chair of the Central Vermont Career Center School Board, is a member of the Montpelier-Roxbury School Board, and lives in Montpelier with her family.</p> <p>Jill Remick has been the Director of Property Valuation and Review since 2018. Prior to that she served in several roles at Tax, as well as Communications and Legislative Affairs at the Vermont Agency of Education. She serves as the Chair of the Central Vermont Career Center School Board, is a member of the Montpelier-Roxbury School Board, and lives in Montpelier with her family.</p>
	Public Safety Track: Ally, Not Enemy: Safer Emergency Responses to Mental Health Crises Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Many communities facing a myriad of public safety and mental health issues have found these crises to be on the rise over the past few years. The traditional law enforcement approach does not always result in the best outcomes. Hear how some Vermont communities have developed different responses. Our panel of experts includes a representative from a police department that formed a wraparound community response to quality-of-life issues, a mental health clinician who manages an embedded police social worker program, and a member of an ambulance service that has partnered with a local addiction recovery group on solutions that have worked for their communities. Attendees will discover insightful strategies that you can implement in your community. Location: Diamond I Trevor Whipple Vermont League of Cities and Towns <p>Trevor Whipple began his law enforcement career in Littleton, New Hampshire. He later served in the Barre City Police Department for 23 years, first as juvenile officer and then as chief of police. Trevor was also chief of police for the City of South Burlington from 2006 until his retirement in 2018. </p> <p>During his career, Trevor obtained an AS from Castleton State College, a BS from Johnson State College. and an MPA from the University of Vermont. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He holds lifetime memberships in the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also served as an emergency medical technician and a volunteer firefighter.</p> <p>Trevor Whipple began his law enforcement career in Littleton, New Hampshire. He later served in the Barre City Police Department for 23 years, first as juvenile officer and then as chief of police. Trevor was also chief of police for the City of South Burlington from 2006 until his retirement in 2018. </p> <p>During his career, Trevor obtained an AS from Castleton State College, a BS from Johnson State College. and an MPA from the University of Vermont. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He holds lifetime memberships in the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also served as an emergency medical technician and a volunteer firefighter.</p> Kelly Carroll Bennington, Town of Bill Camarda Bennington Rescue Squad Scott Lavalley Howard Center Mental Health Matthew Prouty Rutland City Police
	Town Leader Track: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in Town Hall Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Hear from the leader of one of the nation’s largest local government executive search firms. Ron Holifield and his team at Strategic Government Resources conduct hundreds of municipal job recruitments each year and provide leadership and development training to local officials across the country. In this session for anyone concerned about workplace culture and attracting and retaining talent in your municipality, Ron will answer questions including: how to create a culture that attracts the best candidates possible; how to prepare for a job search; what are the best practices for reaching the most diverse and talented candidates; and what you need to do differently to make sure people not only look at your job posting and apply, but then stay and grow with your municipality. Location: Emerald II Ron Holifield Strategic Government Resources <p>Ron Holifield served almost two decades in city management, including Assistant City Manager in Plano, Texas, as well as City Manager in Garland, DeSoto, Farmersville and Sundown, and on the City Manager’s staff in Lubbock. In 1996, he left city management and purchased Government Relations Specialists, where he provided strategic marketing consultation for many of the leading corporations in America, including Space Imaging, American Express, IBM, Xerox, and over 50 other Fortune 500 companies, as well as NASA. In 1999, Ron sold that company and founded Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to specialize in recruiting, assessing and developing innovative, collaborative, authentic leaders for local governments nationwide. Today, Ron speaks at over 50 state and national conferences and workshops each year and remains high profile in the city management profession. SGR is the third largest local government executive search firm in the nation, operates the second largest local government job board in the nation, and provides live and online leadership development to more local government executives and midlevel managers than any other company in the nation.  </p> <p>Ron holds a BA in Government from Abilene Christian University and an MPA from Texas Tech University.</p> <p>Ron Holifield served almost two decades in city management, including Assistant City Manager in Plano, Texas, as well as City Manager in Garland, DeSoto, Farmersville and Sundown, and on the City Manager’s staff in Lubbock. In 1996, he left city management and purchased Government Relations Specialists, where he provided strategic marketing consultation for many of the leading corporations in America, including Space Imaging, American Express, IBM, Xerox, and over 50 other Fortune 500 companies, as well as NASA. In 1999, Ron sold that company and founded Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to specialize in recruiting, assessing and developing innovative, collaborative, authentic leaders for local governments nationwide. Today, Ron speaks at over 50 state and national conferences and workshops each year and remains high profile in the city management profession. SGR is the third largest local government executive search firm in the nation, operates the second largest local government job board in the nation, and provides live and online leadership development to more local government executives and midlevel managers than any other company in the nation.  </p> <p>Ron holds a BA in Government from Abilene Christian University and an MPA from Texas Tech University.</p>
11:30 am - 12:30 am
	Lunch Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Enjoy lunch, peruse the exhibit hall, and don't forget to grab dessert!! Location: Emerald I, II, &III
	Women Leading Government Annual Meeting Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Gather with your fellow municipally-minded women (including cisgender and trans women), intersex, non-binary, agender, or genderfluid. Learn about the Vermont Chapter of Women Leading Government. Help us set goals and workshop topics for the coming year. Ask questions and learn about membership (non-elected officials) or attending our events as a non-member. Location: Diamond II
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
	Clerks & Treasurers Track: The Nitty Gritty of Basic Governmental Accounting Sold Out! 0 Slots Left This session will lay a quick foundation with an overview of fundamental governmental accounting concepts and then move rapidly into practical information you can use to improve the accuracy of your accounting records. Get real-time assistance and know-how by bringing a copy of your current general fund trial balance and your laptop! The bulk of the time will be spent in an overview of reconciliation practices for the balance sheet, a critical component of the overall financial position that is often overlooked in favor of the budget-based income statement. Location: Emerald I Sarah Macy Vermont League of Cities and Towns <p>Sarah Macy, a self-described governmental accounting super nerd, holds a master of accountancy degree in Governmental Accounting from Rutgers University and a BA in Political Science and a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Professional Accounting from UVM. Sarah dipped her toes in the world of public accounting before finding her calling in municipal finance with the City of St. Albans in 2008. She has since been employed as Finance Director for the Town of Milton, joint Finance Director for the Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction, Government Finance Specialist for VLCT, and Director of Finance and Administration for the City of St. Albans. She is teaching Governmental Accounting at UVM this fall.   </p> <p>Sarah served on the Vermont Government Finance Officers Association board of directors for six years, as president for five; is a founding member of Vermont Women Leading Government; and is a Certified Public Finance Officer. </p> <p>Sarah Macy, a self-described governmental accounting super nerd, holds a master of accountancy degree in Governmental Accounting from Rutgers University and a BA in Political Science and a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Professional Accounting from UVM. Sarah dipped her toes in the world of public accounting before finding her calling in municipal finance with the City of St. Albans in 2008. She has since been employed as Finance Director for the Town of Milton, joint Finance Director for the Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction, Government Finance Specialist for VLCT, and Director of Finance and Administration for the City of St. Albans. She is teaching Governmental Accounting at UVM this fall.   </p> <p>Sarah served on the Vermont Government Finance Officers Association board of directors for six years, as president for five; is a founding member of Vermont Women Leading Government; and is a Certified Public Finance Officer. </p> Cynthia Stoddard NEMRC <p>Cynthia Stoddard has more than 20 years of experience in working at different levels of Vermont municipal government. Her service began in 1995, when she was elected Westminster Town Treasurer. She joined the NEMRC staff in 2000 to help various municipal staff use the NEMRC software and to provide on-site consulting with a concentration in all aspects of municipal finance. In 2012, she was hired for the position of Town Manager and Finance Director for the Town of Putney. Cynthia rejoined the NEMRC staff in her current role as Director of Support and Training.</p> <p>Cynthia Stoddard has more than 20 years of experience in working at different levels of Vermont municipal government. Her service began in 1995, when she was elected Westminster Town Treasurer. She joined the NEMRC staff in 2000 to help various municipal staff use the NEMRC software and to provide on-site consulting with a concentration in all aspects of municipal finance. In 2012, she was hired for the position of Town Manager and Finance Director for the Town of Putney. Cynthia rejoined the NEMRC staff in her current role as Director of Support and Training.</p>
	Listers Track: VTPIE and the New Grand List Program: A Practical Demonstration for Listers & Clerks Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Bring your laptop to take part in this interactive session. Attendees will hear from our panel of experts on where Vermont Property Information Exchange (VTPIE) currently stands in the roll-out process as well as new features and capabilities of the program for 2023 & 2024. See a live demonstration of the program, get on-the-spot technical assistance, and have your questions answered. Learn what features you will use in 2023 and 2024 to accomplish your yearly municipal goals. Location: Amphitheater Patrick Santoso Axiomatic <p>Patrick Santoso has, over the past decade, managed software development projects for state agencies, municipalities, counties, and Fortune 500 companies. His subject matter expertise and business process engineering capabilities have helped to launch and maintain statewide systems that are relied upon by state agencies for property tax administration, property assessment, and equalization. Patrick holds a BS and an MS in Engineering from the University of New Hampshire and is a member of the New Hampshire board of directors for the American Red Cross Northern New England Region.</p> <p>Patrick Santoso has, over the past decade, managed software development projects for state agencies, municipalities, counties, and Fortune 500 companies. His subject matter expertise and business process engineering capabilities have helped to launch and maintain statewide systems that are relied upon by state agencies for property tax administration, property assessment, and equalization. Patrick holds a BS and an MS in Engineering from the University of New Hampshire and is a member of the New Hampshire board of directors for the American Red Cross Northern New England Region.</p> Jill Remick VT Dept of Taxes - Property Valuation and Review <p>Jill Remick has been the Director of Property Valuation and Review since 2018. Prior to that she served in several roles at Tax, as well as Communications and Legislative Affairs at the Vermont Agency of Education. She serves as the Chair of the Central Vermont Career Center School Board, is a member of the Montpelier-Roxbury School Board, and lives in Montpelier with her family.</p> <p>Jill Remick has been the Director of Property Valuation and Review since 2018. Prior to that she served in several roles at Tax, as well as Communications and Legislative Affairs at the Vermont Agency of Education. She serves as the Chair of the Central Vermont Career Center School Board, is a member of the Montpelier-Roxbury School Board, and lives in Montpelier with her family.</p> Christie Wright VT Dept of Taxes - Property Valuation and Review
	Public Safety Track: Shared Services: Overcoming Obstacles Through Regional Approaches Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Increasingly, Vermont municipalities report that shortages of staff and resources are forcing them to look to their neighbors to provide critical municipal services. Despite the need to collaborate, few regional or shared services agreements exist in Vermont. Come learn about a few successful models – including how towns are sharing planning and zoning staff thanks to help from regional planning commissions, how St. Albans Town and St. Albans City agreed to use an intermunicipal agreement to expand police coverage, and how regional dispatch efforts are advancing. Location: Diamond I Carrie Johnson St. Albans, Town of <p>Carrie Johnson retired from her position as the St. Albans Town Manager in August 2023 after working in municipal government for almost 20 years in northwest Vermont. Carrie recently started a consulting business and beginning this fall is working with municipalities and individuals needing assistance.  <br /> Carrie is a native Vermonter born in Newport and raised in Vergennes, and she earned a BS in Business Administration from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski. After raising two sons and a daughter in St. Albans, she became securities licensed and worked in the financial services industry for five years before moving to the local government sector in early 2004. <br /> Carrie is committed to promoting respectful, collaborative, and efficient local government with a smidge of sass to keep it interesting! Recently, Carrie worked with Dom Cloud, the St. Albans City Manager, and their respective boards to execute a historic joint city-town long-term law enforcement contract. This contract provides efficiencies and stability as labor markets tighten. The agreement also encourages economic development by sunsetting the century-old water/wastewater feud between the two municipalities.</p> <p>Carrie Johnson retired from her position as the St. Albans Town Manager in August 2023 after working in municipal government for almost 20 years in northwest Vermont. Carrie recently started a consulting business and beginning this fall is working with municipalities and individuals needing assistance.  <br /> Carrie is a native Vermonter born in Newport and raised in Vergennes, and she earned a BS in Business Administration from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski. After raising two sons and a daughter in St. Albans, she became securities licensed and worked in the financial services industry for five years before moving to the local government sector in early 2004. <br /> Carrie is committed to promoting respectful, collaborative, and efficient local government with a smidge of sass to keep it interesting! Recently, Carrie worked with Dom Cloud, the St. Albans City Manager, and their respective boards to execute a historic joint city-town long-term law enforcement contract. This contract provides efficiencies and stability as labor markets tighten. The agreement also encourages economic development by sunsetting the century-old water/wastewater feud between the two municipalities.</p> Catherine Dimitruk Northwest Regional Planning Commission
	Town Leader Track: They Said What?? First Amendment Rights and Public Employee Speech Sold Out! 0 Slots Left How do you proceed when one of your employees posts a controversial opinion on social media? Come find out! Two experienced Vermont attorneys will cover how First Amendment law applies to speech by public employees in both on-duty and off-duty situations. You will leave this session with a better understanding of what you can do, what you should not do, and the legal pitfalls to avoid. Location: Emerald I Michael Leddy McNeil, Leddy & Sheahan, P.C. <p>Mick Leddy is a lawyer engaged in a general practice, with a focus on civil litigation and municipal law. He earned his JD from the University of Dayton School of Law, magna cum laude, and his BA in English from Providence College.</p> <p>Mick Leddy is a lawyer engaged in a general practice, with a focus on civil litigation and municipal law. He earned his JD from the University of Dayton School of Law, magna cum laude, and his BA in English from Providence College.</p> Brian Monaghan Monaghan Safar PLLC <p>Brian Monaghan represents primarily municipalities in the full spectrum of issues they face. This includes advising, counseling, and representing cities, towns, and villages in everyday issues, as well as representing municipalities and municipal officials in the defense of lawsuits, often through the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Property and Casualty Intermunicipal Fund (VLCT PACIF). Additionally, Brian represents municipalities in collective bargaining negotiations and labor and employment disputes.</p> <p>Brian Monaghan represents primarily municipalities in the full spectrum of issues they face. This includes advising, counseling, and representing cities, towns, and villages in everyday issues, as well as representing municipalities and municipal officials in the defense of lawsuits, often through the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Property and Casualty Intermunicipal Fund (VLCT PACIF). Additionally, Brian represents municipalities in collective bargaining negotiations and labor and employment disputes.</p>
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
	Grand Raffle Sold Out! 0 Slots Left Be there to win one of five (5) $100 gift cards, along with an assortment of other goodies provided by our fabulous list of sponsors and exhibitors! Location: Lake Champlain Exhibit Hall
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
	By Invitation Only: HR Roundtable with Ron Holifield of Strategic Government Resources Sold Out! 0 Slots Left VLCT will invite municipal HR directors to this special roundtable discussion with Ron Holifield of Strategic Government Resources. Participants will have a chance to discuss workplace culture, hiring practices, trends in municipal HR, and more with Holifield as well as VLCT’s Jill Muhr and Jessi Hill. Location: Diamond II Ron Holifield Strategic Government Resources <p>Ron Holifield served almost two decades in city management, including Assistant City Manager in Plano, Texas, as well as City Manager in Garland, DeSoto, Farmersville and Sundown, and on the City Manager’s staff in Lubbock. In 1996, he left city management and purchased Government Relations Specialists, where he provided strategic marketing consultation for many of the leading corporations in America, including Space Imaging, American Express, IBM, Xerox, and over 50 other Fortune 500 companies, as well as NASA. In 1999, Ron sold that company and founded Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to specialize in recruiting, assessing and developing innovative, collaborative, authentic leaders for local governments nationwide. Today, Ron speaks at over 50 state and national conferences and workshops each year and remains high profile in the city management profession. SGR is the third largest local government executive search firm in the nation, operates the second largest local government job board in the nation, and provides live and online leadership development to more local government executives and midlevel managers than any other company in the nation.  </p> <p>Ron holds a BA in Government from Abilene Christian University and an MPA from Texas Tech University.</p> <p>Ron Holifield served almost two decades in city management, including Assistant City Manager in Plano, Texas, as well as City Manager in Garland, DeSoto, Farmersville and Sundown, and on the City Manager’s staff in Lubbock. In 1996, he left city management and purchased Government Relations Specialists, where he provided strategic marketing consultation for many of the leading corporations in America, including Space Imaging, American Express, IBM, Xerox, and over 50 other Fortune 500 companies, as well as NASA. In 1999, Ron sold that company and founded Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to specialize in recruiting, assessing and developing innovative, collaborative, authentic leaders for local governments nationwide. Today, Ron speaks at over 50 state and national conferences and workshops each year and remains high profile in the city management profession. SGR is the third largest local government executive search firm in the nation, operates the second largest local government job board in the nation, and provides live and online leadership development to more local government executives and midlevel managers than any other company in the nation.  </p> <p>Ron holds a BA in Government from Abilene Christian University and an MPA from Texas Tech University.</p> Jill Muhr Vermont League of Cities and Towns <p>Jill Muhr has more than 25 years of human resources (HR) experience. In addition to having handled VLCT’s internal HR functions from 1999 to 2009, Jill’s HR background includes leadership roles within higher education, public accounting, web-based HR information services, and at New York City’s oldest museum. She re-joined VLCT in 2015 to launch its member-focused HR consultation program.  </p> <p>Jill earned her BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Delaware and a post-graduate certificate from New York University. She is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional and serves on the board of the Vermont Human Resources Association. </p> <p>Jill Muhr has more than 25 years of human resources (HR) experience. In addition to having handled VLCT’s internal HR functions from 1999 to 2009, Jill’s HR background includes leadership roles within higher education, public accounting, web-based HR information services, and at New York City’s oldest museum. She re-joined VLCT in 2015 to launch its member-focused HR consultation program.  </p> <p>Jill earned her BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Delaware and a post-graduate certificate from New York University. She is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional and serves on the board of the Vermont Human Resources Association. </p> Jessica Hill Vermont League of Cities and Towns <p>Jessica Hill is a Human Resources (HR) generalist who is currently responsible for internal HR at VLCT including recruiting, training, benefits, safety, wellness, and helping staff navigate VLCT’s policies.   </p> <p>Jessica began her career at VLCT as the general secretary in 1995. She has stayed and served in various roles including claims secretary, technical administrator, conference coordinator, and manager of administrative services prior to moving into HR as Manager in 2012. She was promoted to Director of Human Resources and Administration in 2015.</p> <p>In July of 2022, Jessica was promoted to Director of Operations. Currently she manages all HR related functions as well as VLCT's facility and operational needs along with members of VLCT's Operations Team.</p> <p>Jessica Hill is a Human Resources (HR) generalist who is currently responsible for internal HR at VLCT including recruiting, training, benefits, safety, wellness, and helping staff navigate VLCT’s policies.   </p> <p>Jessica began her career at VLCT as the general secretary in 1995. She has stayed and served in various roles including claims secretary, technical administrator, conference coordinator, and manager of administrative services prior to moving into HR as Manager in 2012. She was promoted to Director of Human Resources and Administration in 2015.</p> <p>In July of 2022, Jessica was promoted to Director of Operations. Currently she manages all HR related functions as well as VLCT's facility and operational needs along with members of VLCT's Operations Team.</p>

Speakers

Name	Organization	Speaking At
Benton Mitchell	Vermont Department of Taxes, Division of Property Valuation and Review	Listers Track: Just The Basics - Roles and Responsibilities of Listers
Bill Camarda	Bennington Rescue Squad	Public Safety Track: Ally, Not Enemy: Safer Emergency Responses to Mental Health Crises
Brian Monaghan <p>Brian Monaghan represents primarily municipalities in the full spectrum of issues they face. This includes advising, counseling, and representing cities, towns, and villages in everyday issues, as well as representing municipalities and municipal officials in the defense of lawsuits, often through the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Property and Casualty Intermunicipal Fund (VLCT PACIF). Additionally, Brian represents municipalities in collective bargaining negotiations and labor and employment disputes.</p> <p>Brian has spent more than a decade focusing his practice on representing the interests of Vermont cities, towns, villages, and other municipal entities. His experience includes litigating contested matters before boards, commissions, and courts, and advising municipalities, corporations, and individuals in land use matters, constitutional claims, and employment disputes.</p>	Monaghan Safar PLLC	Town Leader Track: They Said What?? First Amendment Rights and Public Employee Speech
Carrie Johnson <p>Carrie Johnson retired from her position as the St. Albans Town Manager in August 2023 after working in municipal government for almost 20 years in northwest Vermont. Carrie recently started a consulting business and beginning this fall is working with municipalities and individuals needing assistance.  <br /> Carrie is a native Vermonter born in Newport and raised in Vergennes, and she earned a BS in Business Administration from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski. After raising two sons and a daughter in St. Albans, she became securities licensed and worked in the financial services industry for five years before moving to the local government sector in early 2004. <br /> Carrie is committed to promoting respectful, collaborative, and efficient local government with a smidge of sass to keep it interesting! Recently, Carrie worked with Dom Cloud, the St. Albans City Manager, and their respective boards to execute a historic joint city-town long-term law enforcement contract. This contract provides efficiencies and stability as labor markets tighten. The agreement also encourages economic development by sunsetting the century-old water/wastewater feud between the two municipalities.</p>	St. Albans, Town of	Public Safety Track: Shared Services: Overcoming Obstacles Through Regional Approaches
Catherine Dimitruk	Northwest Regional Planning Commission	Public Safety Track: Shared Services: Overcoming Obstacles Through Regional Approaches
Christie Wright	VT Dept of Taxes - Property Valuation and Review	Listers Track: The Future of Assessment -- Where Do We Go From Here? Listers Track: VTPIE and the New Grand List Program: A Practical Demonstration for Listers & Clerks Roundtable Session: Reappraisal – How to Navigate an Order or an Impending Order?
Cynthia Stoddard <p>Cynthia Stoddard has more than 20 years of experience in working at different levels of Vermont municipal government. Her service began in 1995, when she was elected Westminster Town Treasurer. She joined the NEMRC staff in 2000 to help various municipal staff use the NEMRC software and to provide on-site consulting with a concentration in all aspects of municipal finance. In 2012, she was hired for the position of Town Manager and Finance Director for the Town of Putney. Cynthia rejoined the NEMRC staff in her current role as Director of Support and Training.</p>	NEMRC	Clerks & Treasurers Track: The Nitty Gritty of Basic Governmental Accounting
Daniel Senning <p>Daniel Post Senning is an active spokesperson for <a href="https://emilypost.com/" target="_blank">The Emily Post Institute Inc.,</a> a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect, and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book, Etiquette, in 1922. Dan is a great-great grandson of Emily Post and a co-author of <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/emily-posts-etiquette/" target="_blank">Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th edition</a> and <a href="http://emilypost.com/book/the-etiquette-advantage-in-business/" target="_blank">The Etiquette Advantage in Business, 3rd edition</a>. He is also the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNPI7FQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BNPI7FQ&linkCode=as2&tag=emilypostcom-20" target="_blank">Manners in a Digital World: Living Well Online</a>. He specializes in relationship building in all areas of life, whether at home, at work, or online.  </p> <p>Dan conducts <a href="http://emilypost.com/business/seminars/" target="_blank">business etiquette seminars</a>, teaches the <a href="http://emilypost.com/lifestyle/childrens-train-the-trainer/" target="_blank">Emily Post Business Etiquette Train the Trainer Course</a>, and delivers speeches across the country and around the world. Together with his cousin Lizzie Post, Dan answers 21st century etiquette questions on the podcast <a href="https://emilypost.com/podcast/awesome-etiquette-podcast" target="_blank">Awesome Etiquette</a>. As a spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, Dan has appeared on the Today Show, The History Channel, and ESPN; has contributed to The Huffington Post; and has been interviewed by publications including The New York Times, Slate, Esquire, GQ, Glamour, Time Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. </p> <p>Prior to joining The Emily Post Institute in 2008, Dan earned a BS in molecular biology from Pomona College and worked in the performing arts, touring with the Laurie Cameron Company based in Los Angeles. He currently lives in Duxbury, Vermont with his wife Puja and their daughters Anisha and Arya. </p>	Duxbury, Town of, and The Emily Post Institute	Keynote Session Building Relationships: Personal Skills for Professional Success with Daniel Post Senning of the Emily Post Institute Town Leaders and Clerks & Treasurers Track: Situational Problem Solving Using Three Core Principles with Keynote Speaker Daniel Post Senning
Dominic Cloud	St. Albans, City of	Town Leader Track: Community-Driven Economic Development
Doug Farnham	VT Agency of Administration	Panel Session: Accessing Federal Resources to Rebuild After a Disaster
Jacob Hemmerick <p>Jacob (Jake) Hemmerick is a Community Planning & Policy Manager in the Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development.?He works on state planning and development policy; manages the municipal planning, bylaw modernization, and regional planning grant programs; and supports State designation programs and other special projects.? Prior to joining the State, he lived and worked as a local town planner in northwest Vermont.? Jake now lives in Barre City with his partner Lisa and pup Primo, where he serves as Mayor.</p>	VT Dept of Housing and Community Development	Roundtable Session: Short-Term Rentals
James Carroll <p>Jim Carroll is an attorney who has been in private practice in Middlebury, Vermont since 1985. His practice involves representing numerous municipalities, with an emphasis on the defense of civil rights, tort, employment and highway disputes, and land use and ordinance enforcement. </p> <p>Jim received a BA from the University of Vermont in 1977 and a JD magna cum laude from the Vermont Law School in 1984, where he was also an editor of the Vermont Law Review. Since then, Jim has served as the president of the Addison and Vermont Bar Associations and as chair of the VBA Municipal Law Section. He is currently on the board of directors for the Vermont Bar Foundation. </p>	Carroll, Boe, Pell & Kite, P.C.	Clerks and Treasurers Track: First Amendment Audits – Guidance for Municipal Employees
James Baker <p>Jim Baker served with the Vermont State Police for over 30 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. He served as the director from 2006-2009. He received a BS in Criminal Justice Management from Southern Vermont College and is a graduate of the 188th Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. He has been an adjunct professor at the Vermont Police Academy, Southern Vermont College, and St. Petersburg College in Florida.  </p> <p>During his career with Vermont State Police, Jim received multiple Commissioner’s and Division Commander’s Awards. In 2001 he was recognized by Southern Vermont College as the Distinguished Alumnus.  </p> <p>Jim served as the chair of the North Atlantic Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) State and Provincial Division, as the Chair of New England  High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and as a member of the Board of Directors of New England State Police Information Network. He also served on the IACP Executive Committee and Financial Review Committee.  </p> <p>In the fall of 2009 Jim started a business entitled JW Consulting. Through his consulting he has served as the Interim Director of the Vermont Police Academy; Acting Police Chief in the Town of Manchester, Vermont; and Interim Chief of Police for City of Rutland, Vermont; and project consultant for the IACP to the FBI National Law Enforcement Data Exchange program. He also served as executive support specialist for the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Initiative within the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.  </p> <p>Jim was appointed the Chief of Police for the City of Rutland in August 2012. He received a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Vermont Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Cabinet in October 2014. He left the position as chief of police in January 2015 to accept a position with the IACP as the Director of Law Enforcement Operation and Support. </p>	JW Leadership Consulting	Public Safety Track: Practical Steps to Navigate Police Reform at the Local Level Roundtable Session: Emerging Trends in Law Enforcement with facilitator: Jim Baker, JW Leadership Consulting
Jessica Hill <p>Jessica Hill is a Human Resources (HR) generalist who is currently responsible for internal HR at VLCT including recruiting, training, benefits, safety, wellness, and helping staff navigate VLCT’s policies.   </p> <p>Jessica began her career at VLCT as the general secretary in 1995. She has stayed and served in various roles including claims secretary, technical administrator, conference coordinator, and manager of administrative services prior to moving into HR as Manager in 2012. She was promoted to Director of Human Resources and Administration in 2015.</p> <p>In July of 2022, Jessica was promoted to Director of Operations. Currently she manages all HR related functions as well as VLCT's facility and operational needs along with members of VLCT's Operations Team.</p>	Vermont League of Cities and Towns	By Invitation Only: HR Roundtable with Ron Holifield of Strategic Government Resources
Jessica Savage <p>After 15 years in the public sector, mainly in the natural resources and recreation management fields, Jessica Savage joined the VCRD team to support community-led economic development. She has an MPA from UVM with a focus on water quality policy and is an avid outdoorsperson and a mom to two young children.</p>	Vermont Council on Rural Development	Town Leader Track: Community-Driven Economic Development
Jill Muhr <p>Jill Muhr has more than 25 years of human resources (HR) experience. In addition to having handled VLCT’s internal HR functions from 1999 to 2009, Jill’s HR background includes leadership roles within higher education, public accounting, web-based HR information services, and at New York City’s oldest museum. She re-joined VLCT in 2015 to launch its member-focused HR consultation program.  </p> <p>Jill earned her BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Delaware and a post-graduate certificate from New York University. She is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional and serves on the board of the Vermont Human Resources Association. </p>	Vermont League of Cities and Towns	By Invitation Only: HR Roundtable with Ron Holifield of Strategic Government Resources
Jill Remick <p>Jill Remick has been the Director of Property Valuation and Review since 2018. Prior to that she served in several roles at Tax, as well as Communications and Legislative Affairs at the Vermont Agency of Education. She serves as the Chair of the Central Vermont Career Center School Board, is a member of the Montpelier-Roxbury School Board, and lives in Montpelier with her family.</p>	VT Dept of Taxes - Property Valuation and Review	Listers Track: The Future of Assessment -- Where Do We Go From Here? Listers Track: VTPIE and the New Grand List Program: A Practical Demonstration for Listers & Clerks Roundtable Session: Reappraisal – How to Navigate an Order or an Impending Order?
Julie Hulburd <p>Julie Hulburd was appointed Commissioner of the CCB in 2021. She has 20 years of experience in human resources serving private, non-profit and public organizations, including 12 years in municipal government. Julie was appointed to the State Ethics Commission in 2018 and has served as its chair since 2019.</p>	Vermont Cannabis Control Board	Roundtable Session: Cannabis Control Board Update
Kail Romanoff <p>Kail Romanoff currently advises as well as develops and implements trainings on municipal law for municipal officials throughout Vermont. A member of the Underhill, Vermont planning commission, he worked previously as Underhill’s zoning administrator and in private practice handling real estate matters. Prior to law school, Kail gained 10 years of experience in land development as a land surveyor working in Vermont, New York, and Wyoming. His educational background is in law, geography, geology, environmental studies, and climate science.  </p>	Vermont League of Cities and Towns	Listers Track: Just The Basics - Roles and Responsibilities of Listers
Karin Tierney <p>Karin is the lead of HR Consulting Services for Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence. Through organizational design and workforce planning, Karin helps organizations implement initiatives to recruit, develop, engage, and retain dynamic team members during times of significant change.</p>	Hickok and Boardman HR Intelligence, an Acrisure Agency Partner	Roundtable Session: Leadership Development and Employee Compensation with facilitators Karin Tierney and Katrina Meigs from Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence
Katrina Meigs <p>In her role as a strategic business partner, Katrina actively engages with senior organizational leaders, leveraging her extensive knowledge and insights to guide decision-making and shape the direction of the company. Throughout the entire span of an employee's journey within the organization, Katrina provides valuable guidance and support, from recruitment and onboarding to development and performance management, ensuring a seamless and productive employee experience.</p>	Hickok and Boardman HR Intelligence	Roundtable Session: Leadership Development and Employee Compensation with facilitators Karin Tierney and Katrina Meigs from Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence
Kelly Carroll	Bennington, Town of	Public Safety Track: Ally, Not Enemy: Safer Emergency Responses to Mental Health Crises
Lisa Wright <p>Lisa Wright is a Certified Residential Appraiser and SRA Member of the Appraisal Institute.  She works on the independent appraisal business as well as contract assessor for the towns of Pittsford, Proctor, Pawlet, Chittenden and Shrewsbury and Chair of the Board of Listers in West Rutland. Lisa began working in the appraisal/assessment industry in 2003 working with her father Stephen Wright and completed numerous town-wide reappraisal over the years. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys horseback riding, gardening, hiking and biking.</p>	Vermont Assessors and Listers Association - VALA	Listers Track: The Future of Assessment -- Where Do We Go From Here?
Matthew Prouty	Rutland City Police	Public Safety Track: Ally, Not Enemy: Safer Emergency Responses to Mental Health Crises
Michael Gaughan	Vermont Bond Bank	Panel Session: Getting Comfortable with Debt After a Disaster
Michael Leddy <p>Mick Leddy is a lawyer engaged in a general practice, with a focus on civil litigation and municipal law. He earned his JD from the University of Dayton School of Law, magna cum laude, and his BA in English from Providence College.</p> <p>Mick is a lawyer engaged in a general practice, with a focus on civil litigation and municipal law</p>	McNeil, Leddy & Sheahan, P.C.	Town Leader Track: They Said What?? First Amendment Rights and Public Employee Speech
Mike Pieciak	VT State Treasurer's Office	Panel Session: Getting Comfortable with Debt After a Disaster
Misty Sinsigalli	USDA Rural Development	Panel Session: Getting Comfortable with Debt After a Disaster
Norma Hardy	Brattleboro, Town of	Public Safety Track: Practical Steps to Navigate Police Reform at the Local Level
Pat Braunscheidel <p>Pat Braunscheidel is a Sr. Vice President and Business Banking Team Leader for the State of Vermont at M&T Bank. In his role, Pat leads a team of dedicated community-based Relationship Managers and spearheads efforts to enhance M&T’s market share throughout the state.</p>	M&T Bank	Panel Session: Getting Comfortable with Debt After a Disaster
Patrick Santoso <p>Patrick Santoso has, over the past decade, managed software development projects for state agencies, municipalities, counties, and Fortune 500 companies. His subject matter expertise and business process engineering capabilities have helped to launch and maintain statewide systems that are relied upon by state agencies for property tax administration, property assessment, and equalization. Patrick holds a BS and an MS in Engineering from the University of New Hampshire and is a member of the New Hampshire board of directors for the American Red Cross Northern New England Region.</p>	Axiomatic	Listers Track: VTPIE and the New Grand List Program: A Practical Demonstration for Listers & Clerks
Rob Riley <p>Rob Riley joined the Northern Forest Center in 2007 as director of programs, assumed leadership of the Center in spring 2008, and has guided the Center to become the respected regional innovation and investment partner it is today. He led creation of the Northern Forest Board Forum and the Rural Development Innovation Group and is particularly proud of the Center’s ability to bring expertise and resources to help Northern Forest people and communities while advocating for the region at the national level. The New Hampshire Union Leader included Rob in its 2003 list of Forty Outstanding Leaders Under 40 in New Hampshire. </p> <p>Prior to joining the Center, Rob served as director of MicroCredit-NH, an award-winning statewide community economic development program. Previously, Rob founded and served as executive director of Main Street Plymouth, Inc., which received New Hampshire’s Main Street Program of the Year Award in 2000. Other experience includes directing youth programs at Sagebrush Arena in Hailey, Idaho as well as farming and logging in Andover, Vermont. </p>	Northern Forest Center	Town Leader Track: Community-Driven Economic Development
Ron Holifield <p>Ron Holifield served almost two decades in city management, including Assistant City Manager in Plano, Texas, as well as City Manager in Garland, DeSoto, Farmersville and Sundown, and on the City Manager’s staff in Lubbock. In 1996, he left city management and purchased Government Relations Specialists, where he provided strategic marketing consultation for many of the leading corporations in America, including Space Imaging, American Express, IBM, Xerox, and over 50 other Fortune 500 companies, as well as NASA. In 1999, Ron sold that company and founded Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to specialize in recruiting, assessing and developing innovative, collaborative, authentic leaders for local governments nationwide. Today, Ron speaks at over 50 state and national conferences and workshops each year and remains high profile in the city management profession. SGR is the third largest local government executive search firm in the nation, operates the second largest local government job board in the nation, and provides live and online leadership development to more local government executives and midlevel managers than any other company in the nation.  </p> <p>Ron holds a BA in Government from Abilene Christian University and an MPA from Texas Tech University.</p>	Strategic Government Resources	By Invitation Only: HR Roundtable with Ron Holifield of Strategic Government Resources Town Leader Track: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in Town Hall
Sally McKenzie <p>Sally McKenzie assists and works closely with the firm’s large group client segment with their benefit design, service solutions, installing and administering employer-sponsored employee benefits programs, contract and financial oversight, and adhering to federal and state compliance guidance and regulation. She also shares the role of cultivating and nurturing vendor/partner relationships.</p>	Acrisure	Roundtable Session: Vermont Employee Benefits and Other Workplace Trends– facilitators: by Sally McKenzie and Steve May, Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence
Sarah Macy <p>Sarah Macy, a self-described governmental accounting super nerd, holds a master of accountancy degree in Governmental Accounting from Rutgers University and a BA in Political Science and a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Professional Accounting from UVM. Sarah dipped her toes in the world of public accounting before finding her calling in municipal finance with the City of St. Albans in 2008. She has since been employed as Finance Director for the Town of Milton, joint Finance Director for the Town of Essex and Village of Essex Junction, Government Finance Specialist for VLCT, and Director of Finance and Administration for the City of St. Albans. She is teaching Governmental Accounting at UVM this fall.   </p> <p>Sarah served on the Vermont Government Finance Officers Association board of directors for six years, as president for five; is a founding member of Vermont Women Leading Government; and is a Certified Public Finance Officer. </p>	Vermont League of Cities and Towns	Clerks & Treasurers Track: The Nitty Gritty of Basic Governmental Accounting
Sarah Waring <p>Vermont native Sarah Waring most recently worked as Vice President for Grants and Community Investments at the Vermont Community Foundation. She previously worked at the Vermont Council on Rural Development, the Farm & Wilderness Foundation, and the Sonoran Institute. Waring was also executive director at the Center for an Agricultural Economy. In 2020, she served on the Governor's Task Force for Economic Mitigation and Recovery where she supported the development of a toolkit for municipal engagement for diversity, equity, and inclusion.</p>	USDA Rural Development	Town Leader Track: Community-Driven Economic Development
Scott Lavalley	Howard Center Mental Health	Public Safety Track: Ally, Not Enemy: Safer Emergency Responses to Mental Health Crises
Stephanie Smith	VT Dept of Public Safety	Panel Session: Accessing Federal Resources to Rebuild After a Disaster Roundtable Session: Disaster Recovery and Hazard Mitigation
Steve May <p>Steve May is the lead Health Care Benefits Consultant assisting the firm’s largest clients with managing RFP processes, budget projections, funding arrangement analysis, strategic plan design analysis, and building collaborative purchasing arrangements. He is a frequent presenter to legislative bodies and collective bargaining groups and is called upon for expert testimony at arbitration hearings.</p>	Hickok and Boardman HR Intelligence	Roundtable Session: Vermont Employee Benefits and Other Workplace Trends– facilitators: by Sally McKenzie and Steve May, Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence
Terri Sabens <p>Terri Sabens, a Vermont Property Appraiser III (VPA III), established Vermont Municipal Grand List Maintenance, LLC (VMGLM) in 2019 because many Vermont towns were having difficulty finding experienced listers. VMGLM helps municipalities maintain their grand list and find staff to continue that work. She recently created a shared assessor's position that has its first trainee, based in Johnson & Hyde Park — with room for a few more municipalities to join in when needed.</p>	Johnson, Town of	Listers Track: The Future of Assessment -- Where Do We Go From Here?
Theresa Gile	Vermont Department of Taxes Division of Property Valuation and Review	Listers Track: Just The Basics - Roles and Responsibilities of Listers
Tim Baker	FEMA	Panel Session: Accessing Federal Resources to Rebuild After a Disaster
Trevor Whipple <p>Trevor Whipple began his law enforcement career in Littleton, New Hampshire. He later served in the Barre City Police Department for 23 years, first as juvenile officer and then as chief of police. Trevor was also chief of police for the City of South Burlington from 2006 until his retirement in 2018. </p> <p>During his career, Trevor obtained an AS from Castleton State College, a BS from Johnson State College. and an MPA from the University of Vermont. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He holds lifetime memberships in the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also served as an emergency medical technician and a volunteer firefighter.</p>	Vermont League of Cities and Towns	Clerks and Treasurers Track: First Amendment Audits – Guidance for Municipal Employees Public Safety Track: Ally, Not Enemy: Safer Emergency Responses to Mental Health Crises
William Roy	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency	Panel Session: Accessing Federal Resources to Rebuild After a Disaster

Town Fair Exhibitors
Vermont Emergency Management	BETA Group, Inc.
UNIQUE Paving Materials Corp.	CAI Technologies
VHB	Innovative Surface Solutions
Vermont Local Roads (VT LTAP)	White + Burke Real Estate Advisors, Inc.
Union Bank	Peet Law Group
Paw Print & Mail	Rural Solutions
Gale Associates, Inc.	Medical Business Services, LLC
Speed of Light Optics	L&D Safety Marking Corp.
Dura-Line	VC3
Monaghan Safar PLLC	Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc
Weston & Sampson	Municipal Leasing Consultants
Civally
Mission Square Retirement	Vermont Access Network
Northfield Savings Bank	Town Web Design
Green Mountain Water Environment Association	State of Vermont Enhanced 911 Board
Sertex Broadband Solutions	Deckard Technologies
Aldrich + Elliott, PC	Vermont Short Term Rental Alliance
Vermont APEX Accelerator	SFC Engineering Partnership, Inc.
Auctions International	Eyemed
Clearfield, Inc.	DuBois & King
OpenGov, Inc.	Power & Tel
MRC/ GameTime Park & Playground Equipment	General Code - ICC Family of Solutions
Indus	Invest EAP
Ti-Sales