Flood clean up in Barre [Image: Terry J. Allen]
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER GOLDSTEIN
by Joan Goldstein, Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development
Following July's devastating floods, we once again find ourselves facing the immense challenge of rebuilding in communities across our state. With over 300 businesses reporting damage to 211, the Emergency Board has approved $7 million for rapid relief via the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP).
The BEGAP portal will reopen soon, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. An additional $5 million is also available for ongoing recovery from the 2023 floods. We will be reaching out separately about those supplemental funds.
More information on this is forthcoming, and we will be in touch as soon as an update is available. In the meantime, the Department of Economic Development team is here to help as best we can with the ongoing recovery in communities across Vermont. For information on flood recovery and support, please visit accd.vermont.gov/flood.
This week I was deeply honored to be selected for the CSG Henry Toll Fellowship and next month I will join the 37th Toll Fellowship class in Lexington, Kentucky for an intensive leadership boot camp. I look forward to bringing new insights back to Vermont to inform our economic development efforts to continue making a positive impact on our state.
Wishing you a safe and successful rest of the summer.
Sincerely,
Joan Goldstein
Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
[email protected]
Washington County “Capital for a Day”
Top: Plainfield Hardware and Co-Op, Bottom Left: Plainfield municipal meeting, Bottom Right: Namaste Indian-Nepali Kitchen in Montpelier [Images: Shannon Alexander]
DED went on the road for Governor Phil Scott’s “Capital for a Day” engaging with residents and businesses to discuss the pressing issues facing Washington County. Topics ranged from flood recovery to economic development initiatives. In Plainfield, there was a celebration of the Plainfield Co-Op’s purchase of the Plainfield Hardware Store. DED also participated with other state leaders in a municipal flood response discussion with town officials.
Commissioner Goldstein also toured downtown Montpelier businesses with the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. Namaste Indian-Nepali Kitchen, Enna, and Signature Styles each received 2023 BEGAP funding to aid their recovery following last year’s flood. They all have gone to great lengths to rebuild and remain committed to serving the local community, despite immense challenges.
Vermont Captive Insurance Awarded U.S. Domicile of the Year
Left: Francis McGill of the VCIA. Right: Brittany Nevins, Captive Insurance Economic Development Director, DED
More than 1,000 people gathered in Burlington this week for the largest captive insurance conference in the country. The 39th annual event featured a Captive Review awards ceremony, at which Vermont won recognition as the U.S. Domicile of the Year in the category of domiciles with over $5 Billion in gross premiums. This is the 11th time Vermont has won in the category and reflects a dedication to exceptional service.
Touring Vermont Businesses
Top: Members of the Johnson Woolen Mills team, Bottom: Governor Phil Scott, ANR Secretary Julie Moore (in yellow hard hat), and others in Lyndonville.
Commissioner Goldstein has been on the road throughout the summer meeting with businesses. In recent weeks she has traveled to Johnson Woolen Mills in Johnson and observed the remedial brownfield project progress at the former Vermont Tap & Die site in Lyndonville.
Talking Tech Hubs at the University of Vermont and OnLogic
Top: ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle, bottom: UVM Semiconductor Characterization Lab tour. [Images: Josh Defibaugh, UVM]
A U.S. Economic Development Administration delegation visited Vermont to learn more about the Vermont Gallium Nitride (V-GaN) Semiconductor Tech Hub. DED joined Governor Phil Scott, Senator Peter Welch, and business partners GlobalFoundries, Resonant Link, OnLogic, Green Mountain Semiconductor, and many more to elevate the importance of this work to Vermont.
International Trade and Business Recruitment
2024 Eastern Trade Council conference in Quebec City. Tim Tierney, Director of International Trade and Business Recruitment, is center in blue jacket.
Tim Tierney’s work as the Director of International Trade and Business Recruitment brought him throughout the Northeast this month to meet with key stakeholders.
Eastern Trade Council Conference in Quebec City:
- Tim was joined by trade directors from eight other states and met with officials and representatives from the Canada Global Affairs Agency, The Quebec Provincial Government and Consulate, Invest Quebec, The Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce, the U.S. Commercial Service in Canada, and the U.S. Consul General located in Quebec City. The discussion was focused on bilateral trade and direct investment, emerging markets and sector trends, trade policy, and opportunities to enhance communication and connections between our states and the largest trading partner of Canada.
Council of State Governments Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum in Baltimore, Maryland:
- Tim presented on the efforts of the Eastern Trade Council of which he is the chairperson. He also met with leaders from Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia including Canada Senator Rodger Cuzner. Several Vermont legislators were also in attendance.
Severe Storm Recovery Updates
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development continues to provide updates on flood recovery efforts via the Severe Storm Recovery Newsletter. Sign up to have these updates delivered directly to your inbox.
Disaster Recovery Guide for Businesses
The Vermont Small Business Development Center Disaster Recovery Guide for Business contains all the steps small business owners need to take, and all the information one would need to gather post-disaster to ensure the most successful and sustainable outcome.
Visiting Vermont – Road and Trail Conditions
The vast majority of Vermont is not impacted by recent severe weather, and businesses and attractions remain open to the public statewide. The Department of Tourism has compiled a resource hub for visitors and industry partners alike, dedicated to providing trail, swimming, and road conditions updates/resources.
Post Flooding Technical Assistance Toolkit for Agriculture
The technical assistance toolkit contains guidance, resources, and contact information to support agricultural recovery from flooding impacts.
Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Program Pre-Application
Considering applying for a grant from the NBRC? All NBRC programs require a pre-application through the Grants Management System. Prepare with virtual informational sessions and apply by September 6 for the NBRC's Catalyst, Forest Economy, or Timber for Transit programs.
We’re Hiring: Staff Attorney
DED is seeking applications for the position of Staff Attorney, a role responsible for a range of legal advice and services to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and staff.
USDARD Workshop
USDA Rural Development is hosting a workshop Thursday, August 22 for potential applicants and current grantees of Technical Assistance and Revolving Fund Grant programs. Learn about the application process, grantee responsibilities, environmental requirements, and more. Register here:
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
ClimateReadyVT
Applications are open for a free program to help small businesses prepare and adapt to climate-related disruptions. ClimateReadyVT is a Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) program in partnership with the Vermont Small Business Development Center and Vermont Small Business Law Center at Vermont Law and Graduate School. Apply before the August 23 deadline.
Manufacturing Day is October 4
The countdown to “MFG Day” is on! Just under 2 months to go—are you ready to showcase the future of modern manufacturing? It's not too late to join the excitement! Plan, host, or find an event in Vermont and inspire the next generation.
Commercial/ Industrial Site Locator
Vermont Job Opportunities 
Vermont Department of Economic Development
1 National Life Drive
Montpelier, VT 05620-5001
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