Punch and cake were in order this afternoon, when VHFA recognized Lender Accounting Coordinator Sue Joachim for her 25 years with the Agency.

Sue joined VHFA when the Finance Department was a mere three people. (It's seven now.) Computers were non-existent at the Agency. Instead, upon her arrival, she was issued an adding machine, #2 pencil and a paper ledger.

The Center for Rural Studies (CRS) at the University of Vermont is conducting a series of focus groups to improve the Vermont Housing Data Web site.

These 30-minute sessions will help determine how the site is being used, how it impacts/benefits users, and how it could be improved. Each session will include group discussion as well as hands-on navigation of the site.

VHFA's Socially Responsible Committee kicked off its Community Awareness Program (CAP) this afternoon, with a lunch-time presentation on energy efficiency by Tim Perrin of Efficiency Vermont.

Tim shared tips on how to make homes more energy efficient, save money and help the environment.

This is the latest of several quick bios we'll blog of speakers scheduled to appear at the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, Nov. 18 in South Burlington.