Community Connection

Hi, Friends!

My colleagues and I are BUSY here at Old Mill Road Media!

The Summer/Fall issue of Manchester Life Magazine can now be found throughout the Shires. Stratton Magazine Summer arrived this week. And Vermont Magazine Summer/Fall will be arriving in people’s mailboxes this week, as well. The July issue of Berkshire Magazine is currently in the works. (The May/June issue, already out, is an incredible look at the cultural season ahead. On the cover is Bonnie Raitt!)

We love highlighting our region each season, and now is the time when all that seasonal work is coming to fruition. As local journalists, we are honored to share community stories … your stories … with our readers.

That’s why I am so thrilled to announce that our own Stratton Magazine is a Presenting Sponsor for the inaugural Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce Symposium: Civic Discourse and Journalism. The event is on June 24 from 10am to 12pm at Stratton Mountain Resort.

There is no time like the present to bring together journalists, editors, scholars, and civic leaders for a timely conversation about the current state of journalism, media’s impact on politics and public trust, and the future of civic dialogue in local communities. Our CEO/Publisher, Dr. Joshua Sherman, is committed to local journalism and community news, and he will be sharing a few thoughts before the panel begins. The public is invited to join in on this important conversation.

Photo of Dr. Joshua Sherman by Lyle Lovett

~Megan Demarest

Southwestern VT Chamber and Stratton Magazine Partner 

to Launch Bold Conversation on Journalism and Civic Discourse

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Stratton Magazine as the Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural Chamber Symposium: Civic Discourse and Journalism, taking place on June 24 from 10am to 12pm at Stratton Mountain Resort.

This first-of-its-kind event will bring together journalists, editors, scholars, and civic leaders for a timely conversation about the current state of journalism, media’s impact on politics and public trust, and the future of civic dialogue in local communities.

Panelists include:

Judy Patrick – Panelist on WAMC’s The Roundtable and Media Project; VP of Editorial Development at the New York Press Association

Mike Albans – Journalist at the Bennington Banner (Vermont News and Media)

Dr. Kerri Nicoll – Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, & Social Work at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)

Casey Seiler – Vice President and Editor in Chief at the Albany Times Union

Joe Sexton – Contributor at SevenDays; Formerly with The New York Times and ProPublica

The Chamber Symposium invites the public to explore the vital intersection of media, democracy, and community leadership. “Stratton Magazine has long served as a trusted storyteller for our region,” said Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to partner with this prestigious publication to bring such a timely and relevant conversation to the mountain. This partnership reflects our shared belief in the power of journalism, civic engagement, and regional collaboration—key components of our Vision 2027 to foster a thriving, inclusive economy across Southern Vermont.”

“We are thrilled to join the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce in presenting this much-needed dialogue,” said Dr. Joshua Sherman, C.E.O. of Old Mill Road Media, Publisher of Stratton Magazine, Vermont Magazine, Manchester Life Magazine, Berkshire Magazine, The Guide, and Music in the Berkshires. “Media is a very powerful tool. I look forward to hearing this impressive panel speak on the opportunities that they feel can be created to better our communities via the media.”

The event will also include an audience Q&A session, encouraging direct community engagement and thoughtful exchange among attendees and panelists. To learn more or reserve a ticket, visit here.