Vermonters who rent live in the 15th least affordable state in the nation, according to a new report released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), a Washington, D.C., housing advocacy group, and the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC) in Burlington.

The annual "Out of Reach" report, released today, says rural Vermont is one of the 10 most expensive rural areas in the nation.

Vermont’s "Housing Wage" has risen to $17.70 per hour, or $36,812 a year. This represents an increase of 54% since 2000. The national Housing Wage for 2010 is $18.44.

Chittenden Bank, a division of People's United Bank, has signed on to be a sponsor for the 2010 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference coming Nov. 18.

Signing up early gets your organization more bang for its buck. All sponsorships include your logo on the conference Web site.

Our latest sponsor of the 2010 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference is:

• Daly & Daly, P.C.

The conference is the largest housing event in the state, taking place every other year.

Help make the ‘10 event a success, by becoming a sponsor: Contact Policy & Planning Manager Maura Collins.

Packages start at just $250, and all packages include logo placement at the official conference Web site.

VHFA has partnered with the American Heart Association for Start! — a physical activity initiative to fight heart disease and stroke through workplace walking programs.

Now through June 25, staff members will be able to track their physical activity online. The Agency will also set goals for staff to try and meet as a team.