Speakers

Jay Chikobe is an Associate who focuses on design and innovation services for Resonance.  He will share insights about his work in Africa to support the development of entrepreneurs - and creating a culture and climate that allows innovation to thrive.  As an Associate at Resonance, Jay works with Essex Rotary member Steve Schmida to promote sustainable development in emerging economies.  

In 2020 Vermont allocated CARES Act funds to address the crisis of limited housing options by funding the purchase and renovation of hotel and other properties to help people without homes gain a more stable living arrangement.  The Champlain Housing Trust (CHT), led by Michael Monte, purchased several properties in the Champlain Valley to create housing.  As part of this initiative, Baymont Inns & Suites in Essex Junction was converted to 68 permanent apartments for people moving out of homelessness. People started moving their apartments at this property in late 2020 and the facility was renamed Susan’s Place after a long time staffer Susan Ainsworth-Daniels who passed away earlier this year.

Michael Monte bio:  Michael is CHT's Chief Executive Officer having joined the leadership team in December 2007 and being appointed CEO in January, 2021. Michael was a founder of Burlington Community Land Trust and was a board member for Lake Champlain Housing, the two organizations that merged to form CHT. He has over 30 years of community and economic development experience. He worked at Burlington's Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) from its creation and was its longest serving Director. Prior to CEDO, he was employed as Executive Director for several non-profit organizations including the King Street Youth Center. Michael is also a founder and partner of the independent community development consultant group, Burlington Associates, where he worked with Community Land Trusts around the country.

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