White River Junction, VT, has seen a renaissance over the last 20 years. Led by a band of female entrepreneurs, this village tucked along the Connecticut River is today the home of dozens of thriving businesses. No fewer than 25 of these business are run by women, and together they are the core of a vibrant, growing community. Kim Souza, the owner of the consignment store Revolution, was one of the first business owners to move back to White River Junction. The first few years were tough, but with the support of her community, Revolution found its footing. Soon more businesses opened, and new life was breathed into the town. Across the street, Julie Sumanis and Elenda Taylor opened JUEL, a juice bar and cafe, in the ground floor of a new apartment building. In 2008, Leslie Carleton moved from nearby Norwich to open Upper Valley Yoga. Seven years later, Kate Gamble opened Open Door, another yoga studio. The successes of these businesses did not come without challenges and difficulties, but their successes showcase the power of bold ideas, commitment, dedication, and, ultimately, community. In 2007, Kim thought Revolution would have to close its doors, until she found the backing of a local mother and daughter that allowed her to stay open. Catherine Doherty, the producing director of White River's Northern Stage theatre company, credits the community's support for keeping the company alive through challenging times.…
Share
More from Patrick Leahy
I rise today to celebrate the incredible institutions of higher education in my home State. Like many Vermonters, I was the first in my family to attend college--I chose a small, liberal arts, Catholic college--Saint Michael's College in…
I rise today to celebrate the 90th anniversary of World Learning, a nonprofit organization based in Brattleboro, VT, that is dedicated to building stronger human connections through people-to-people exchanges, international education, and…
today marks the 1-year anniversary of the election of Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, the first woman to hold the office of President of Honduras. She succeeded Juan Orlando Hernandez who had discredited the office of the Presidency by colluding…
listening to Senator Wyden and Senator Brown about Social Security, I would tell my colleagues that the first recipient of Social Security was a Vermonter. And Vermonters at that time, I believe, were the most Republican State in the…





