Rathbun-Gunn graduates from leadership institute

BENNINGTON -- United Counseling Service Director of Early Childhood Services Betsy Rathbun-Gunn, of Sandgate, recently graduated from the Snelling Center's Vermont Leadership Institute.

"This unique program greatly enhances participants' professional abilities and connections," UCS Executive Director Ralph Provenza said. "Betsy has been working with a highly select group of individuals to develop leadership skills that will benefit her and our community."

The intensive 10-month educational program involved 26 leaders from a wide variety of professions including healthcare, education, government, as well private sector business leaders.

"It's a statewide effort to strengthen public service," Rathbun-Gunn said, "and help managers to make greater contributions to their organizations, to their communities and to Vermont. I was honored to be a part of it."

Participants learn directly from each other and their stories, working to improve key leadership skills, such as the ability to bring a systems perspective to complex issues, or to engage authentically with other people of diverse backgrounds.

Other local graduates of the 2012 class at the Vermont Leadership Institute include Chris Morrow, the owner of the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester and Jim Wilbur, of South Londonderry.

Visit www.ucsvt.org to find out more about UCS.

Green Mountain Club business social

BRIDGEWATER CORNERS - The Green Mountain Club (GMC) will host a business social at the Long Trail Brewing Company from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13. The club and the brewery encourage Vermont businesses to attend.

The Long Trail Brewery, 5520 U.S. 4, in Bridgewater Corners, has long supported the club's work on the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail as a GMC Business Member. The Business Membership program connects local businesses with hikers in Vermont through publicity and outreach to over 10,000 members and 200,000 annual hikers, while supporting the trail system.

Rutland senator and businessman Bill Carris, majority leader of the state Senate, and Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Megan Smith will attend to explore the mutually beneficial relationships the Vermont business community can have with non-profit leaders like the Green Mountain Club.

Society for Marketing Professional Services plans event in Montpelier

MONTPELIER -- The Northern New England Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS Northern New England) will hold its first ever networking event in Vermont on Tuesday, Sept. 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the Chef's Table at the New England Culinary Institute, 118 Main St., in Montpelier.

SMPS is a non-profit national professional organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of professional services marketing, particularly in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Encompassing more than 6,000 members in over 52 chapters nationwide and in Canada, the society's mission is to be the premier source for education, information, and resources in marketing professional services for the built and natural environment.

The Northern New England Chapter is specifically geared toward maximizing business development opportunities for people and firms in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Register online at www.smpsmaine.org