Monthly Archives: October 2014

Ignite Burlington 2014 – Emcee Spotlight | John Jones

Emcee Spotlight - John JonesIgnite Burlington 2014 Emcee – John Jones (Johnny Utah)
Radio Personality and Founder of DJ For Your Day

Johnny Utah has been a staple radio personality in Burlington Vermont since 2002.  A Maine native, Utah moved to Burlington to attend Champlain College in 2001 where he graduated with a degree in Public Relations and Media Communications in 2004.  His passion for the Burlington community and his role as a local personality shines through not just on his radio show on 99.9 The Buzz, but also in his company, DJ For Your Day which is focused on strengthening communities through music.

You can learn more about John and his business by visiting DJForYourDay.com

Email:  john@djforyourday.com
Phone:  802.233.2386
Website:  www.djforyourday.com

Reserve your Ignite tickets here.
Ignite Burlington info:  www.hergenrotherfoundation.org/events  

Ignite Burlington 2014 | Speaker Spotlight – Taraleigh Weathers

Speaker Spotlight - Taraleigh Weathers

Presentation:  How to Rock Your Life After Loss

Taraleigh Weathers guides people who are in love with live music who want to bring the authentic expression of themselves that they let out at music festivals and shows into their everyday lives. She is a published best selling author and retreat and event producer. Basically Taraleigh loves rocking people’s lives!

“How to Become a Joy Addict: The 12 Step Program” is Taraleigh’s next highly anticipated book and is slated for release early 2015. In the meantime you can enjoy reading Taraleigh’s words in her column Music Turns Me On for the The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen and on her blog www.taraleighlovesyou.com

Get your own all-access pass to a joyful and abundant life by going to www.taraleighlovesyou.com and put yourself on the list.

Email:  taraleigh@taraleighlovesyou.com
Twitter:  taraleighlove
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/taraleighlovesyou
Instagram:  taraleighlove
Youtube:  www.youtube.com/taraleighlove 

Reserve your Ignite tickets here.
Ignite Burlington info:  www.hergenrotherfoundation.org/events  

Ignite Burlington 2014 | Speaker Spotlight – Mike Smith

Speaker Spotlight - Mike Smith

Presentation:  How Navy SEAL Training Turned My Life Around

Until just recently, Mike Smith was the Vermont State President of FairPoint Communications. Mike led the company’s successful regulatory reform efforts in Vermont, which enabled the company to compete on a more level playing field and respond to the needs of the customers. He provided focused leadership to the Vermont operations, from the company’s reorganization to the nearly $80 million in broadband build out across the state that has connected 90 percent of FairPoint’s Vermont markets with high-speed internet.  Mike also led the company’s national corporate communications efforts.

“Mike’s efforts have been instrumental in transforming FairPoint into a leading communications provider in Vermont,” said CEO Paul Sunu. “He has helped the company adapt and excel with his determination, leadership, and commitment to being the best.”

Mike’s career spans more than 30 years with experience in executive leadership positions in both the public and private sector.

He began his career serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, first with Underwater Demolition Team 21 and then as a member of SEAL Team Two.

Mike was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives and served on the House Natural Resources Committee from 1977-1978. He was the town manager of Hardwick and then spent five years in Boston working for the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) and ultimately as a partner of the MMA Consulting Group in Boston.

As the general manager of the Public Employer Risk Management Association (PERMA), he assisted in the revitalization of an insurance company for local governments in New York.

Mike was appointed deputy state treasurer for the State of Vermont under Treasurer James H. Douglas, serving from 1995-1999.

In 1999, he was named Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Yankee Captive Management, a captive insurance management firm, and a partner at the insurance firm of Hackett, Valine and MacDonald in South Burlington, Vermont.  Governor James H. Douglas appointed him Secretary of Administration in 2003. In 2005, Mike was appointed Secretary of Human Services and then reappointed Secretary of Administration by Governor Douglas in 2006.

He is a native Vermonter, born in Rutland.  He is a graduate of the University of Vermont in Burlington, from which he earned a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

Mike recently served as a member of the Vermont Pension Investment Committee and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce.  He is a current board member of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, The Flynn Center for Performing Arts, and Spectrum Youth & Family Services.

He lives in Westford Vermont with his wife, Mary.  They have two grown daughters.

Email: michael-smith@msn.com

Reserve your Ignite tickets here.
Ignite Burlington info:  www.hergenrotherfoundation.org/events