MRV Chamber hosts Stand Up for Safety workshopsThe Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of Stand Up for Safety workshops aimed at helping hospitality workers recognize and respond to situations that may threaten their safety and well-being as well as that of their co-workers or guests.
The workshops, which begin January 22, are designed for frontline staff across the region’s hospitality sector, including restaurants, lodging, retail shops and recreation businesses. Chamber leaders say the initiative reflects a community-wide commitment to keeping the Mad River Valley safe and welcoming for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
“In the Mad River Valley, hospitality is central to both the local economy and the region’s identity. The Stand Up for Safety workshops are intended to provide practical, hands-on training rooted in real-world hospitality settings, equipping employees with tools they can apply on the job,” explained chamber executive director Eric Friedman.
At the workshops participants will learn how to recognize signs of harm, harassment, or exploitation; how to respond appropriately and safely when concerns arise; and how to connect individuals in need with local and national support services. The curriculum is still being finalized, but the overall goal is to strengthen awareness, confidence, and preparedness among frontline workers.
“Hospitality is the backbone of the Mad River Valley’s economy and culture,” said Friedman. “By giving our frontline staff the tools and confidence to recognize and respond to difficult situations, we’re not just protecting individuals – we’re strengthening the fabric of our community and ensuring The Valley remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone.”
All upcoming workshops will be held at the MRV Chamber Welcome Center. The first session, scheduled for January 22 from 10 to 11 a.m., will focus on understanding domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking. Participants will explore how to identify and respond to these issues when they involve customers or co-workers, and will learn about available resources that can provide support.
Additional workshops are planned throughout the year. On April 7, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a session will focus on recognizing early warning signs of sexual assault, responding to disclosures, and connecting survivors with appropriate resources and support. On August 5, a workshop on workplace culture will address ways to build supportive environments where employees feel safe and valued, using stories, exercises and practical leadership strategies.
The Stand Up for Safety initiative builds on previous efforts in the community. In October, the chamber offered a gender-based violence bystander training that introduced participants to the basics of prevention, including the “4 D’s” of bystander intervention, and emphasized empowering individuals to take action when they see concerning behavior.
The workshop series is organized and facilitated by Anna Nassset Consulting and is a collaboration among local businesses, resorts and organizations committed to addressing gender-based violence and fostering a culture of care in the Mad River Valley.
Chamber officials encourage employers whose staff interact regularly with the public to consider the workshops an opportunity to build a stronger culture of safety and awareness within their organizations. While the sessions are geared toward hospitality workers, the chamber notes that the principles of recognizing risk, responding thoughtfully, and connecting people with help are relevant across many workplace settings.
Registration is now open for the January 22 workshop. More information about Stand Up for Safety, including how businesses can get involved, is available through the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce at
Together, organizers say, the workshops aim to reinforce a shared responsibility to ensure the Mad River Valley remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
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