Vermont Chamber of Commerce
STATE TO MAIN
July 28, 2023
The Vermont Chamber is steadfast in helping businesses recover from recent flooding. Businesses are already facing severe economic challenges with workforce shortages, ongoing pandemic recovery, and inflationary pressures. Right now, many business owners are being forced to consider if they can afford to reopen. Our sincere hope is that state and federal funding resources will be allocated with urgency to allow Vermont businesses to continue to be the cornerstones of their communities.
We are proud to be hosting a U.S. Small Business Administration Recovery Center and FEMA at our office in Berlin, and we encourage businesses to visit our website for additional flood recovery resources. Our experienced and trusted Vermont Chamber team is on hand to assist with business recovery efforts statewide. Please tell us what you’ll need to recover so we can connect you with flood recovery resources and communicate needs with state and federal agencies: [email protected]
Sincerely,
Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs
Businesses Need Immediate Financial Assistance, and Time, to Recover
The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee and the Senate Economic Development Committee held a joint hearing on flood recovery and relief. In testimony, the Vermont Chamber urged legislators to consider that this climate disaster comes on the heels of years of economic disaster for businesses. Our team is encouraging legislators to consider a grant push now and additional funding when they return to the State House in January. We are also advocating for time. Time to recover from all the chaos in the last several years. Policymakers will need to be committed to business recovery for the long haul. Looking ahead to January, they must remember these hearings and hold the anxiety of these businesses in their deliberations.
Resiliency Must be Central to Housing Development Policy
With Act 250 modernization on the table this upcoming legislative session, the Vermont Chamber is advocating for smart growth housing development in Vermont to have an emphasis on climate resiliency. Specifically, on the need to include resiliency efforts in downtown and village center development. Smart growth also needs to expand beyond existing high-density locations to include areas that are safe from floodplains and other high-risk land.
$20 Million of State Grant Support Will Aid Business Recovery
The Department of Economic Development is standing up a business emergency grant program to provide supplemental support for physical damage to businesses. The Business Emergency Grant Assistance Program application is expected to open next week, and eligible businesses can receive up to $20,000 based on an evaluation of documented damage. In the interest of urgency, funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve, basis so impacted businesses are encouraged to apply early.
Megan Sullivan Appointed to Stakeholder Steering Committee for Act 250
The committee has been established to facilitate stakeholder input and consensus building for necessary updates to the Act 250 program. Sullivan brings a wealth of economic development experience and knowledge to the table and her work will ensure that the needs of Vermont businesses will be considered in the process. The primary goal of the committee is to facilitate conversations, debates, and consensus-building to advise the NRB on a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the Act 250 program update report.
Vermont Strong: Flood Recovery Resources for Businesses
There are several opportunities to donate to, and benefit from, flood recovery funding efforts. Business assistance grant applications and are now open for the Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund and the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The Small Business Association is also offering low-interest loans to Vermonters for physical and economic damage. The Main Street Flood Recovery Fund, the Restaurant & Industry Support for Economic Sustainability (RISE) Fund, and more are accepting contributions. We encourage those that are able to support these initiatives.
Vermont Needs a New Migration Story
During the pandemic, there was a national migration trend from large cities to smaller cities. This was due, in part, to the ability of high-income earners to work remotely. In Vermont, there’s a perception that we’ve had a lot of migration to the state and are experiencing this. However, when you look at the data it shows a different picture.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: What Businesses Need to Know
A new federal law, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, took effect on June 27. The bipartisan law requires employers with more than 15 employees to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers, ensuring their health and safety while promoting increased women's labor force participation. This legislation prompts employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees, such as light-duty work, extra breaks, and time off for doctor visits and necessary health issues related to pregnancy.
Chamber News
Save the Date: An Evening with the Graffs
Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from expert Vermonters, Chris Graff and Garrett Graff. Join us at The Flynn Space on September 28th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM for an engaging evening that will empower you to re-engage with politics and be a skeptical, informed, consumer.
RSVP to Receive Event Information and Registration Updates
Interview: Vermont Viewpoint
Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs, discussed the conclusion of the legislative session and reflects on the outcomes of the veto session.
Interview: Common Sense Radio
President of the Vermont Chamber, Betsy Bishop, discussed the crushing impact of flooding on businesses, and several of the recovery efforts underway.
Intern Spotlights: Maeve Nolan & Patrick Connolly
Two Middlebury College students have joined the Vermont Chamber team this summer through the MiddWorks for Vermont summer internship fellows program. Maeve and Patrick have embodied our mission of advancing the Vermont economy, and we encourage you to learn more about them.
As the preeminent not-for-profit business organization in Vermont, we advocate, build community, and provide resources statewide. Trusted by the businesses that make living, working, and thriving in Vermont possible, we prioritize collaboration and uphold the core values that define our state. Your business can support our work by joining the Vermont Chamber community, today. Have questions? Contact Doug Corman, Business Development Manager.
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