Vermont Lodging and Restaurant Association Merges with Vermont Chamber of Commerce

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to announce plans to merge the activities of the Vermont Lodging and Restaurant Association (VLRA) into the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
The Vermont Chamber was chosen by the VLRA Board of Directors through a competitive bid and interview process involving a number of candidate organizations.
Vermont Chamber Chairman of the Board Jim Pratt stated, This joining of forces is good for Vermont Chamber members, good for VLRA members, and good for Vermont business.
The merger presents many new opportunities including a stronger, more comprehensive front representing all hospitality business interests at the State House. Other new projects may include enhanced niche marketing specifically on behalf of the Vermont hospitality industry.
VLRA Board Chair Al Gobeille noted, VLRAs identity is an important aspect of this merger. It is our intention to maintain some of the most recognizable programs and have them continue, such as the affinity and educational programs, as well as celebrating our outstanding establishments and people in the industry with VLRAs annual awards such as the Borden Avery Innkeeper of the Year.
Member businesses from both the VLRA and the Vermont Chamber engaged in the travel and tourism industry will become part of the Vermont Hospitality Council, a newly created division of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The Council will oversee the programs and advocacy relating to the support of the travel and tourism industry in Vermont.
A transition team comprised of VLRA and Vermont Chamber board members is working to work out the final details of this important move for Vermonts tourism industry, which annually contributes $1.46 billion in direct spending to the State's economy.