By Ryan Long

Driving through the center of town and looking at the number of empty storefronts, it is clear that much of Bennington has become a ghost of its former self. Carmody’s Irish Pub, a staple of downtown Bennington for nearly 14 years, closed its doors in January after months of financial struggles. Merchant’s Bank has also confirmed that it will close its Main Street location. Many other local businesses, including The Flowerworks, Bennington Cinema 7, and Fiddlehead at Four Corners are for sale.

Despite the economic slump and the generally pessimistic outlook of many residents, Southern Vermont College philanthropy students see opportunities for growth and are taking action and making changes in the community in collaboration
with the Bennington County Regional Commission.

BCRC, a planning and development agency that is seeking to make the area more attractive to businesses and young professionals, leads the revitalization effort. BCRC has worked with many companies, organizations, and local government to develop a plan that promotes economic development in the region. The class, titled “Philanthropy – Investing in the Community,” is working with BCRC steering committee members Bill Colvin, Jim Trimarchi, Dan Monks, and Veronica Ariel to evaluate the Commission’s existing objectives from a young adult perspective. The students were also able to provide input by suggesting new strategies that could help bring young people downtown, which has proved to be a difficult task in recent years.

With two four-year residential colleges in town, the population of young people is certainly present. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18 to 25-year-olds represent more than 10 percent of Bennington residents. But keeping them in the area after graduation and taking full advantage of their potential as economic drivers has been a formidable endeavor. Few town board and committee members
are under the age of 35, so the opportunity to understand what young people are looking for is important.

Professor Jeb Gorham, who teaches the philanthropy class, explains that he became involved with the project through SVC Athletic Director Michael McDonough, who is involved in local town planning and development. Gorham said, “The BCRC learned of the work I was doing with my students through several Bennington Banner articles regarding my students and the course work focused on integrating with the local community. They inquired with Coach McDonough about the potential of involving some students.” Gorham felt that this would be a great opportunity for the class to provide “intellectual philanthropy” — giving back by sharing ideas, time, and effort.

The project has also provided benefits to the students, who learned about the expectations of business professionals and formulated ideas through research, creativity, insight and collaboration. Gorham explains, “It is important for students to become involved in ‘real world,’ meaningful work that contributes to the learning experience.”

Nicole Peterson, a student in the class who is continuing her involvement in the project through a separate independent study, says, “It gives students a sense of importance to know that they can make a difference and that people in the professional world value their input.”

Student suggestions for potential initiatives included a community bike path, an alternative energy plan, and a workforce development project. With some of the proposed strategies expected to be implemented in the next year, local college students, business owners and the BCRC look forward to propelling downtown Bennington into a new era of revitalization and growth.