SW Vermont Chamber Hosts Second Annual Heart of The Shires Luncheon with Keynote Speaker Matt Dunne of the Center on Rural Innovation

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its second annual "Heart of The Shires Luncheon," a celebration of nonprofits, community leaders, and social sector organizations. This year’s event will be held at Hildene’s newly constructed Lincoln Hall, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature Matt Dunne, founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), as the keynote speaker.

This luncheon honors and recognizes the critical role that nonprofits, social enterprises, and community leaders play in strengthening the region’s civic fabric. Local leaders, organizations, and over 75 attendees from across the region will gather to reflect on community contributions and shared goals for the future.

Keynote Speaker – Matt Dunne
Matt Dunne, a lifelong Vermonter and visionary leader in rural innovation, will deliver this year’s keynote address. As the founder and executive director of CORI, Dunne is committed to advancing economic prosperity in rural America by building inclusive tech economy ecosystems. CORI supports scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation in small towns across the nation, helping communities like those in Vermont thrive in the digital age.

Dunne's career includes 11 years in the Vermont House and Senate, where he spearheaded pivotal initiatives like the state’s first broadband grants, brownfields revitalization funding, and downtown redevelopment programs. In addition to his public service, he helped grow a Vermont-based software company and served as the Associate Director of the Rockefeller Center on Public Policy at Dartmouth College.

Notably, under President Clinton, Dunne was appointed director of AmeriCorps*VISTA, where he led national efforts to bridge the digital divide and launched Entrepreneur Corps, focusing on micro-finance in underserved communities. Dunne also started Google’s Community Affairs division, leading local U.S. philanthropy and spearheading initiatives in rural data center communities. His leadership and dedication to rural development have earned him recognition as one of the foremost voices in rural economic advancement.

Location
The venue for the 2024 Heart of The Shires luncheon will take place in the newly built Lincoln Hall at Hildene, the Lincoln Family home in Manchester, Vermont. The luncheon committee looks for venues that align with the mission of the luncheon to celebrate community and civic duty; Lincoln Hall is the ideal location offering an historic and picturesque setting. With its stately architecture and large windows, the hall provides stunning views of the surrounding gardens and the Green Mountains.

Honoring Community Leaders and Nonprofits
This year’s luncheon will include the presentation of the Heart of The Shires Award, the Community Leadership Award, and the Lindy Lynch Volunteer of the Year Award. These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community through service, innovation, and leadership. Last year’s recipients include Lorna Mattern of UCS, Bennington County Habitat for Humanity, and Wendy Chenaille. Nominations are open and will close on Friday, October 18th.  To nominate visit: SWVTChamber.com/heartoftheshires

"We are thrilled to welcome Matt Dunne as our keynote speaker for this year's Heart of The Shires luncheon," said Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce. "His work with rural communities across America is an inspiration, and his insights on building inclusive tech ecosystems are particularly relevant as we look to foster innovation and growth in our region. The Southwestern Vermont Chamber is dedicated to fostering a thriving business community and promoting the economic well-being of the region. Through events like the Heart of The Shires Luncheon, the Chamber seeks to uplift and support the efforts of nonprofits and community leaders who play a pivotal role in this region’s success!"

Harvest Lunch
Attendees will enjoy a delicious harvest lunch provided by the award-winning Pangaea, featuring local and seasonal favorites.

Tickets and Sponsors
Limited tickets are available on the Chamber website: SWVTChamber.com/heartoftheshires. This event is made possible by generous support of our Presenting Sponsors Coggins Auto Group and Consolidated Communications. For those that would like to support the efforts of this celebratory luncheon, the Chamber is seeking affordable “Supporting Sponsorships.” Reach out to Matt Harrington (matt@swvtchamber.com) for more details.