LEARN | CONNECT | CREATE
History
The Lightning Jar is a collaboration of business, non-profit, community, and government leaders from Bennington and across Vermont.
The major sponsor for The Lightning Jar is VSECU, a not for profit banking alternative for all Vermonters offering a full range of affordable financial products and services to its member owners. VSECU is collaborating with The Lightning Jar to host the coworking space within VSECU's Bennington retail branch that will forward our shared principles of membership participation, autonomy, independence, education, cooperation, and community sustainability.
The major sponsor for The Lightning Jar is VSECU, a not for profit banking alternative for all Vermonters offering a full range of affordable financial products and services to its member owners. VSECU is collaborating with The Lightning Jar to host the coworking space within VSECU's Bennington retail branch that will forward our shared principles of membership participation, autonomy, independence, education, cooperation, and community sustainability.
What's With the Name?
The Lighting jar is located at 194 North St. in Bennington. Historically, this was the home of Henry W. Putnam, one of Vermont’s greatest entrepreneurs. Putnam used his success in business to build up those around him, leaving lasting marks on the Bennington community, including: the local hospital, the public water system, and some of the area’s most iconic buildings.
Much of Putnam’s business success came from manufacturing, particularly one product - a small mason jar with a easy-to-close lid that used a clasp which Putnam had patented early in his career.
He called the product: The Lightning Jar.
Much of Putnam’s business success came from manufacturing, particularly one product - a small mason jar with a easy-to-close lid that used a clasp which Putnam had patented early in his career.
He called the product: The Lightning Jar.
"I'm excited that The Lightning Jar and other efforts will bring an awareness that it is possible to thrive in Bennington.
The Lightning Jar allows a perfect location to be able to telecommute on any level. Being able to live in Vermont,
only 41 miles away from an international airport, rail, and the thruway system is an attractive position for people that do what I do."
- Darrin Smith, National Account Executive Automotive Services at SGS
The Lightning Jar allows a perfect location to be able to telecommute on any level. Being able to live in Vermont,
only 41 miles away from an international airport, rail, and the thruway system is an attractive position for people that do what I do."
- Darrin Smith, National Account Executive Automotive Services at SGS
Corporate Sponsors and Supporting Organizations
Benefactors
Sponsors
D.B. McKenna
Bennington Industrial Corporation
Bennington County Regional Commission
Town of Bennington
Bennington Industrial Corporation
Bennington County Regional Commission
Town of Bennington