Clean Yield to Co-host New Economy Week Symposium: Investing for the Sake of Climate and Community

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“What does investing look like in the era of climate change, malfunctioning democracies, and a faltering global economic order? How can I invest in local food systems, or truly local projects in my community, or how do I really get all my money out of fossil fuel investments?” These are questions that Chris Wood, Executive Director of BALE poses in describing the opportunities that will be discussed and discovered at a half-day conference on Wednesday, October 14 at Vermont Law School (VLS) in South Royalton, Vermont.
Entitled “Investing in the New Economy: Investments for the Sake of Climate and Community,” this public program invites everyone who is seeking ways to put their money where their beliefs are. Community members, next-generation leaders, investors, and businesses will get to consider practical investment strategies as presented by the White River Investment Club, the Vermont Community Loan Fund, the Vermont Food Investor Network and other leaders in the field.

Gus Speth

The afternoon event will balance expert-led discussions with personal stories of financial transitions and hands-on information from leaders in local, sustainable investing. Gus Speth, noted environmentalist and founder of the New Economy Law Center at VLS, will lead a panel of speakers that includes Maeve McBride, coordinator of 350 Vermont, and Janice St. Onge, president of the VSJF Flexible Capital Fund. They will be framing the need for transformative action and pointing to viable options to accommodate portfolios of all sizes. The symposium will also explore a fossil-fuel free ‘new economy’ and local farm and food investment opportunities.
Marta Ceroni, Executive Director of the Donella Meadows Institute, sees “more and more people trying to figure out how to ‘clean up’ their investments from fossil fuels, support local entrepreneurs and diversify their portfolios for higher long-term security. This is their chance to collaborate and hear about the new opportunities available.” Ceroni notes that this program is one of over a dozen events from October 12-18 that comprise New Economy Week in Vermont.
The symposium runs from 2:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Law School’s Chase Center. Light refreshments featuring local products will be served and a cash bar will be available. Registration is required for the event, with a $10 suggested donation. To attend, please RSVP on Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/InvestingintheNewEconomy    
The event is co-sponsored by BALE (Building A Local Economy), Donella Meadows InstituteSlow Money VermontClean Yield Asset Management, Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional CommissionVermont Law School, Vermont Community Loan FundSustainable WoodstockVermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, and King Arthur Flour.

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