Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Inc.

“The finance committee of the leahy center for lake champlain performs a detailed review of a draft of the 990 with the preparer, and then makes a recommendation to the full board to accept the draft and move forward with filing. In addition, the 990 is made available for all board members to review prior to filing.”

“The conflict of interest policy is given to each new responsible person and is required to acknowledge in writing that he or she has received a copy of this policy. Each responsible person must annually complete an information form regarding the conflict of interest policy. The policy shall be reviewed annually and any changes to the policy must be communicated to all responsible persons.”

“The compensation of echo's executive director is defined in a contractual agreement between the leahy center for lake champlain, inc. And the executive director. The compensation is negotiated and reflects what the board perceives is the necessary and appropriate compensation to obtain and retain a qualified executive director in the burlington market. Any bonus compensation for the executive director is goal based. Annual goals are mutually established and the executive director's success in meeting these annual goals is assessed by the board. The board of directors reviews the executive director's performance each fiscal year and determines whether bonus compensation is appropriate.”

“Directors are brought in at around 60,000 with a typical 3% cpi anually depending on cash flow. If there are financial contraints during the year, in lieu of permanent salary adjustments, smaller bonuses may be paid.”

“Copies are made available upon request.”

“CHAMPLAIN”

“Echo strives to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of lake champlain. With more than 100 interactive exhibits, 70 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians, classrooms, cutting-edge media suite, and a stunning lakeside event hall, echo encourages visitors to see themselves as investigators and stewards of the natural environment. Since opening in 2003, echo has welcomed more than 167,000 visitors each year into its 34,500 square foot facility, the first in vermont to be leed-certified. It is also home to the only theater of this kind in the region. The nonprofit is governed by a 16-member board of directors that retains responsibility for defining echo's overall direction and functions necessary to ensure the organization remains on track and achieves its goals. The primary responsibilities of the board fall in the areas of finance, fundraising, strategy and policy. As a general matter, directors are not directly involved in echo's daily operations, which are the responsibility of management. Board members sit on the policy and governance committee, planning and finance committee, or the stewardship committee - meeting four times annually. The entire board meets quarterly within the fiscal year, including a two day strategy and appreciative inquiry board advance. Echo at a glance saving threatened turtles - 500 and growing echo is celebrating its 11th anniversary partnering with vermont fish and wildlife in the spiny softshell turtle headstart program. Neonates collected by staff from nests dug up by predators in late september are brought to echo for overwintering. They are released the following june by staff, volunteers, and members. Echo encourages workforce development annually, 100+ student interns attending university of vermont, champlain college, saint michael's college and regional middle and high schools gain hands-on career relevant experience assisting every department at echo from animal care and education to information technology and guest services. Interns receive training in their area of focus, working closely with a staff mentor to further their individual career goals. Supporting our adult community with new career skills echo works with multiple community organizations and statewide departments to support career development, re-training, and build skills for future placements. Additionally, twice a year, some candidates work with a peer, case worker or mentor to do 2 to 4 hours of service in animal care and facilities department. Service agencies include howard center, reach up, department of labor, transitional services, and vermont associates, to name a few. Lifelong learning is reinforced daily the education and animal care staff is augmented by 150 volunteers - ranging from age 14 - 84 - in addition to about 75 interns, and the e-team, a unique teen leadership opportunity that instills in diverse young leaders a sense of responsibility in a professional, fun, and engaging setting. Every year, the science center opens to kids and their mentors for community science night, an opportunity for mentor pairs from northwest vermont to explore the exhibits and become involved with hands-on demonstrations guided by our e-team. Curriculum at echo focuses heavily on stem education and early science learning initiatives, supporting young minds as they explore and make rich connections with the world around them. Forwarding early science learning -early childhood initiative: a multi-year partnership between echo and 30 family service agencies, preschools, university of vermont, champlain college, and early childhood experts to improve quality and access to programs in early science learning. The project addresses the needs of 1500 early learners and 100 preschool educators by creating high quality curricula, materials, and training to support early science readiness across the state of vermont. -in partnership with let's grow kids, we launched champ lane exhib”