The Mad River Valley Village

STAND UP FOR SAFETY WORKSHOPS
2026-08-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | MRV Chamber Welcome Center, 9 Route 17, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
In the Mad River Valley, we believe that everyone — whether they live here, work here, or visit — deserves to feel safe. To support that vision the chamber’s is launching a new series of Stand Up for Safety workshops designed to help hospitality workers recognize and respond to situations that may threaten the safety or well-being of themselves, their co-workers, or their guests.
These interactive sessions will equip front-line staff with practical tools to:

Recognize signs of harm, harassment, or exploitation
Respond appropriately and safely when concerns arise
Connect individuals in need with the right support services

The workshops are approachable, hands-on, and rooted in real-world hospitality settings — from restaurants and inns to shops and recreation businesses. While the curriculum is still being finalized, the goal is clear: to ensure the Mad River Valley remains a safe and welcoming place for all. The workshops are organized and facilitated by Anna Nassset Consulting.
Upcoming Workshops will all take place at the MRV Chamber Welcome Center

January 22 – 10-11 am: Understanding DV, HT, and Stalking
Explore how to identify and respond to domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking in both customers and co-workers, and learn about available local and national resources.
April 7- 10-11 am: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Learn to recognize early warning signs of sexual assault, how to respond to disclosures, and how to connect survivors with resources and support.
August 5 – 10-11 am: Workplace Culture
Discover how to build a supportive workplace culture where all employees feel safe and valued, through stories, exercises, and practical leadership strategies.
Back in October 22 GBV Bystander Training was offered
We learned the basics of gender-based violence prevention, including the 4D’s of bystander intervention, and how to empower yourself and others to make a difference.

A Community Commitment
“Hospitality is the backbone of the Mad River Valley’s economy and culture,” said Eric Friedman, Executive Director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce. “By giving our front-line staff the tools and confidence to recognize and respond to difficult situations, we’re not just protecting individuals — we’re strengthening the fabric of our community and ensuring the Valley remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone.”
About Stand Up for Safety
A collaboration between local businesses, resorts, and organizations committed to standing up to gender-based violence and fostering a culture of care in the Mad River Valley.
For more information about the workshops, or to learn how your business can get involved, please contact info@madriverrvalley.com and/or visit www.madrivervalley.com/stand-up-for-safety

Coffee With an Advisor
2026-08-19 09:00 - 10:30
Life is full of questions, and money is no different. Sometimes you just want to ask something. Bring or pour a cup of your favorite warm beverage, and join me at the Mad River Valley Welcome Center. Come as you are. All are welcome. And every question counts—simple, complex, or somewhere in between. It’s a relaxed, open conversation about money, planning, and whatever’s on your mind. Kassie Reid from Greenhill Financial Planners will be on hand to chat.
Each quarter we’ll have a different theme to get the conversation going;

March: A Fresh StartPour a cup and bring your thoughts and curiosities. The start of the year is a natural time to evaluate your goals and priorities, capture momentum, and plan for the year ahead. This space is designed to welcome everyone, whether your questions feel simple, complicated, or somewhere in between. It’s a relaxed, open conversation about money, planning, and whatever’s on your mind.

May: Summer PauseLonger days and shifting routines can make this time of year feel both energizing and full, so before summer sweeps you away, take a moment to pause. Bring whatever’s on your mind—upcoming plans, changing expenses, or simply a question you’ve been meaning to ask. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to reflect, recalibrate, and talk through money decisions in a way that feels grounded and practical. Come as you are and join the conversation.

August: Fall TransitionsAs the seasons shift, so do routines and priorities. Settle in with something warm and join an open conversation about what this transition might bring—new schedules, business cycles, evolving goals, or unexpected change. We could explore how these shifts connect to your financial life, from cash flow to longer-term direction, or wherever the discussion naturally leads. Bring your questions and curiosity.

November: Year’s EndAs the year winds down, it’s a natural time to reflect on what’s unfolded and consider what comes next. Gather your thoughts and join the conversation around year-end considerations—from giving and tax planning to tying up loose ends or preparing for January. This is a supportive place to organize your reflections, acknowledge progress, and make intentional decisions before the calendar turns. Wherever you’re at, you’re welcome at the table.

MRV Women in Business – Social Media Workshop
2026-09-10 17:00 - 19:00
These bi-monthly workshops are a place to have an open conversation about social media, what is working for everyone, what isn’t, what do you need help with? The MRV Chamber’s MRV Women in Business group decided to host these bi-monthly Social Media Workshops in the months in between the more structured MRV Women in Business Meetings. It is meant to be an open, collaborative brainstorming session designed to help you feel a little more prepared the next time you create a post or reel.
Let’s be honest, social media can feel overwhelming.
What do you post?
Should you use trending sounds?
Do captions really matter?
What makes a strong hook?
Why should people follow your page? Is your SEO set up?
This workshop is a space to come together and talk all things social. We’ll brainstorm content ideas, discuss what’s actually working right now, explore collaborations, and share experiences. The goal? You leave feeling inspired and ready to create a few new posts for your page. We will share hook ideas, trending sound ideas, adding words to the screen, adding captions, and anything else you would like to cover. The event is hosted by Samantha Ciccone, the coordinator of the MRV Women in Business Group.
Please feel free to BYOB if you’d like to sip while we brainstorm, and you’re welcome to grab snacks from Peace Burger across the street or from your favorite local spot.
