In conjunction with the Community Business Connections program announced today by the Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, Vermont librarians will be among those trained to assist their communities' local economic development efforts.

Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, along with Darcy Carter, Director of the Vermont office of the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Linda Rossi, Assistant Director of the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) unveiled Community Business Connections, an important project designed to create new jobs by helping Vermonters start and expand businesses.

Commenting on this program, VT State Librarian Martha Reid noted, "Vermont’s public libraries have always been responsive to the needs of the local community. As the economic climate worsens, we are seeing a marked increase in the use of our public libraries. This project will have a direct impact on Vermonters who are thinking about starting a business or who need support in growing an existing business. The Vermont SBDC training will provide public librarians with the kind of information and resources they need to better assist local citizens."

For more information about this program, please contact the SBA at 802-828-4422, the VtSBDC at 800-464-7232, the Vermont Secretary of State's Office at 800-439-8683, or visit the Community Business Connections website: http://www.startabusinessinvermont.net/

Librarians can learn more about the training program from the Dept. of Libraries Continuing Education Calendar.