Vermont Public Banking Congress

Subject: [Events-UV] Register now for the Vermont Public Banking Congress - Two Days - Augst 4th and 5th.

Vermont Public Banking Congress - Two Days - Augst 4th and 5th. The White River Natural Resources Conservation District is organizing a two-day Vermont Public Banking event. The event brings together farmers, legislators, economists, conservation leaders, bankers, community organizations, students, and citizens to explore how public banking can support resilient farms, thriving communities, and a stronger Vermont economy. The events will feature Don Morgan, President of the Bank of North Dakota — the nation's only remaining state-owned bank — who will discuss how public banking has helped finance agriculture, disaster recovery, housing, infrastructure, higher education, and local economic development for more than a century. Public banking in the United States traces its roots to the Populist movement of the late 1800s, when millions of farmers organized nationwide to address debt, high interest rates, railroad monopolies, and the lack of affordable credit in rural communities. Their efforts helped shape many of the agricultural lending institutions and cooperative financial systems that followed, including Vermont's own state bank (1806–1845) and the Bank of North Dakota (1919–present). Event Schedule Tuesday, August 4 — Farmer-Focused Day (Limited Space) This day is organized specifically for farmers and focuses on farm resilience, disaster recovery, and the financing challenges facing Vermont agricultural producers. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM — Farm Resiliency Bus Tour (space limited, advance registration required) Cedar Circle Farm, East Thetford, VT 5:30 – 8:30 PM — Farmer Dinner & Discussion Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, VT —A conversation on the financing challenges facing Vermont agriculture and lessons from North Dakota's agricultural lending and disaster recovery programs. Wednesday, August 5 — Open to the Public This day is open to all attendees, including farmers, policymakers, municipal leaders, financial professionals, educators, nonprofit leaders, students, and anyone interested in how public banking can benefit Vermont. 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Public Banking Congress Vermont Law and Graduate School, South Royalton, VT A full day of presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative working sessions exploring Vermont's history with public banking, practical examples from around the country, and how public finance could address farm viability, housing, disaster resilience, student debt, municipal infrastructure, and community investment. 5:00 – 9:00 PM — Public Banking Symposium Fable Farm, East Barnard, VT An evening of conversation, networking, and collaboration to close out the Congress. Virtual attendance will also be available for those unable to travel to Vermont. Whether a farmer, policymaker, municipal leader, financial professional, educator, nonprofit leader, student, or simply someone interested in Vermont's future, the Congress offers an opportunity to learn, ask questions, exchange ideas, and help shape an informed conversation about the role public banking could play in building a more resilient and prosperous Vermont. Registration is required. Organizations interested in co-sponsoring the event are encouraged to reach out directly. To register, go to: www.whiterivernrcd.org/2026-08-04-vermont-public-banking-congress To inquire about registration, contact: jaiel.nrcd@gmail.com Jaiel Pulskamp, Outreach & Administrative CoordinatorWhite River Natural Resources Conservation District jaiel.nrcd@gmail.com 28 Farmvu Drive White River Junction, VT 05001 802-498-7866 (cell) www.whiterivernrcd.org