Now through the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, Nov. 18, we’re spotlighting speakers planning to participate in the day’s bevy of workshops. Next up: Jason Pidgeon, New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU).

A native of Vermont and graduate of The University of Vermont's School of Business Administration, Jason has been with New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) since 2001. He's served in a variety of positions in the mortgage department, and is currently one of the top loan officers at NEFCU and has been for several years

We just received notice that the upcoming Vermont Statewide Housing Conference has been approved to offer continuing education credits from the American Planning Association and its American Institute of Certified Planners for two workshops.

"Basics of LEED for Neighborhood Development," from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., and "Using LEED-Neighborhood Development in Vermont," from 1 to 2:15 p.m., will each earn planners 1.25 credits.

The day-long conference is coming up Thursday, Nov. 18. Register for the conference now.

We've had some shuffling of duties and responsibilities in the Finance Department, and Lisa Clark has been promoted to the new role of Finance Operations Manager.

Lisa's been with VHFA since 1997 and was previously Senior Financial Analyst.

Read the details in our press release (PDF) from this morning.

Congratulations, Lisa!

We'll be collecting non-perishable food goods at the Nov. 18 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference.

Like our last conference in 2008, all donations will benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf (CEFS), the largest food shelf in Vermont, serving more than 10,000 people a year.

According to CEFS, these items make the best donations: