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Submitted by tim on

Vermont Business Magazine With COVID-19 travel restrictions and capacity limits in place, the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing continues to encourage businesses to consider the Paycheck Protection Program, Shuttered Venue Operators Grants, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the US Small Business Association. The Vermont District Office of the SBA holds twice weekly webinars for businesses navigating these programs.

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) also holds weekly business support webinars each Wednesday in conjunction with the Department of Health. Archived webinars can be found at the ACCD Business Recovery Resource Center. Due to scheduling conflicts there is no webinar this week, but ACCD is seeking input on topics businesses would like to see covered in the weeks ahead. Please take this quick ACCD webinar survey to submit topics and questions.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES UPDATE
Governor Scott’s recommended budget for FY22 currently being considered by the Legislature includes several promising investments for tourism and hospitality.The Governor has proposed the creation of a dedicated Tourism Marketing Promotion Fund to supplement VDTM’s budget when rooms and meals tax receipts exceed annual revenue targets, including an initial $1M appropriation to address the immediate needs of the sector to re-establish visitation and visitor spending. An additional $10M is also proposed to fund outdoor recreation infrastructure and community grants, as well as $1M in consumer stimulus funds to boost local spending at restaurants, retail stores and attractions in our designated downtowns and village centers.
VERMONT TOURISM SUMMIT UPDATE
The annual Vermont Tourism Summit that typically takes place in April has been moved to December 2021. The Vermont Tourism Summit will hold a series of virtual Resilience Exchange webinars over the next few months, the first of which is Wednesday, February 10th at noon. This first virtual event will focus on lodging and events, discussing best practices and new strategies for operating during the pandemic.
Two people snowshoeing on a vermont mountain with a mountain view
HOW CAN WE BEST SUPPORT YOU?
VDTM made multiple messaging and tactical pivots in 2020 to respond to COVID-19. This included brand awareness campaigns, educational safe travel campaigns, and marketing Vermont to Vermonters. As we look to the Spring and Summer ahead, the Department would like to provide an opportunity for the industry to provide input on the types of marketing support that would be most impactful for your business or organization at this time. Please take this quick survey to share your thoughts.
AGRITOURISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE CONVERSATION

UVM Extension is hosting a virtual gathering on February 17th to discuss the role of agritourism within the racial justice movement in the United States. Panelists from both urban and rural perspectives will discuss the potential for farm-based education and sales of local products to serve as tools in the pursuit of racial equity and social justice in food systems.

Source: Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing 2.9.2021