On October 8, our team had the honor of attending a gathering hosted by the Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) hosted at the Montpelier Performing Arts space. It was an evening dedicated to celebrating the people and projects that make our state a remarkable place to live and work. As both guests and proud beneficiaries of VCLF's mission, the event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we invest in our communities.
The VCLF's core mission is "investing in people and communities to create a just, thriving Vermont." That spirit was alive and well, as we connected with fellow community builders and supporters. The evening spotlighted the incredible work of organizations like the New School of Montpelier and the Montpelier Performing Arts Hub, alongside our own partner organization, Greenway Institute.
We were all treated to wonderful hospitality from other VCLF recipients. Delicious food was provided by Jamaican Jewelz, La Chapina, and Nu Chocolat, while gorgeous flowers from Proud Flower brightened the room. Seeing so many local businesses thrive with VCLF’s support reinforces the wide-reaching impact of their work across housing, education, and small business sectors.
At Norwich Technologies, we have experienced this impact firsthand.
Norwich Technologies formed new Greenway LLC entities to purchase several buildings from the former owners, Vermont College of Fine Arts. VCLF financing was instrumental in helping our subsidiary, Greenway Living, acquire Dewey Hall. This former dorm building now provides vital medium-term housing for essential community members, from Cabot Creamery employees to state legislators during session.
Greenway Hub was able to purchase College Hall as a sustainability-focused commercial property for nonprofit, educational, and government tenants. Learn more about the Greenway Campus on the newly launched website: www.greenwaycampus.com
The buildings will eventually become home to Greenway Institute, a nonprofit reimagining engineering education through a debt-free, hands-on, work-based model.
These projects are more than just buildings; they are investments in Vermont's future. They represent stability for our workforce and new educational pathways for the next generation of innovators. We are immensely grateful for VCLF's partnership and vision. Their support empowers organizations like ours to turn ambitious ideas into tangible realities that strengthen the fabric of our community.
We encourage you to learn more about the incredible work of the Vermont Community Loan Fund, and our ongoing initiatives to build a better future in Montpelier. Together, we are creating a more prosperous and equitable Vermont for all.