COMMERCE CONNECTION
October 2024
Vermont Chamber News
The 2024 Manufacturing Summit
Join the Vermont Chamber at the Manufacturing Summit on November 13-14, 2024, where Vermont's manufacturing sector takes center stage. Designed for businesses of all types and sizes within the manufacturing industry, this reimagined event offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, suppliers, and potential business partners from across Vermont, New England, and Canada. Discover actionable strategies and resources to enhance your business operations, explore new growth opportunities, and gain insights into the latest trends shaping the future of manufacturing. Don’t miss this chance to build a more resilient supply chain and drive your business forward.
How Do You Feel About Vermont’s Business Climate?
The Vermont Chamber continues to work diligently on behalf of the Vermont business community, even while the Legislature is not in session. As we speak with our members around the state, there is a troubling theme growing about the mounting challenges within Vermont’s business climate. We encourage you to take five minutes to complete our business survey to provide crucial insights for our advocacy team as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session.
Promote Your Event to Vermonters and Visitors
The Vermont Signature Events program is a partnership with the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The program offers an invaluable opportunity for events to garner widespread recognition. Signature events are awarded annually and showcase the rich variety of experiences that can be had in the Green Mountains. These top-rated events offer a true taste of all that is local, bringing visitors into the heart of our communities and serving as an important component in the Vermont visitor economy. The application deadline is Friday, December 1.
Solutions Summit Sparks Collaborative Efforts to Tackle Workforce Challenges
The Vermont Chamber’s Solutions Summit, Vermont’s workforce conference, was a day filled with valuable insights and solution-based conversation to address Vermont's workforce challenges. Stephen Moret, President of Strada, gave an eye-opening presentation on the State Opportunity Index, offering key recommendations to strengthen Vermont's pathways from education to employment.
Breakout sessions covered a range of timely topics, from leveraging AI to boosting employee resilience. The event provided a great opportunity for Vermont’s business and policy leaders to collaborate and exchange ideas to help build a stronger workforce for our state. The Vermont Chamber’s advocacy team will use these insights to shape an advocacy agenda that best serves our members in the 2025 legislative session.
Governor Phil Scott Connects with Business Leaders at The Wellspring Forum
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce convened Vermont business leaders and Governor Phil Scott last week at our most recent Wellspring Forum. In addition to ongoing workforce and housing concerns, businesses engaged with Governor Scott over continuing challenges with inflation, taxes, political discourse, and recent flooding. The Vermont Chamber’s Wellspring Forums gather stakeholders from all industries across the state with Vermont’s political leaders, to learn from each other, support each other, create solutions, and work together to build a stronger Vermont economy.
Legislative Internship Opportunity with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce
The Vermont Chamber is offering an exciting internship opportunity for undergraduate students to gain firsthand experience in policymaking. Ideal for those with a strong interest in politics, this position offers the chance to report on, witness, and learn about new policy initiatives as they move through the legislative process. Interns will support our advocacy staff by monitoring and summarizing committee hearings both virtually and in person at the Vermont State House. With a monetary stipend, the program also provides valuable networking opportunities with lawmakers, administration officials, lobbyists, and business leaders. Students must be able to travel to Montpelier at least once a week. Please reach out to Jeremy Little if your business is interested in sponsoring this program.
News You Need to Know
MFG Day 2024: Are You Ready?
MFG Day is fast approaching on Friday, October 4. It’s the perfect opportunity for manufacturers to showcase the industry and inspire the next generation of creators and innovators. By opening your doors and sharing the possibilities in manufacturing, you help build an early interest that strengthens your future talent pipeline.
- If your business is hosting an event, be sure to register it for free now to elevate your presence and gain exposure.
- For guidance on hosting an event, check out the free resources and webinar recordings available.
2024 Flood Resources
BEGAP Application Is Open
The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) application portal is now open. If your business or nonprofit property was damaged by the 2023 floods by the 2024 flooding, applications will be accepted until November 15.
SBA Loans for Businesses
U.S. Small Business Administration loans are being made available to Vermont companies and private non-profits for physical losses. The deadline is October 21. Check if your organization is eligible and learn more.
Employer-Assisted Housing Guide
The Vermont Housing Finance Agency released a new Employer-Assisted Housing (EAH) resource guide which outlines how employers can play a crucial role in addressing housing affordability through financing or development initiatives. EAH encompasses both renter and homeowner programs, with strategies ranging from direct financial assistance to partnerships with affordable housing organizations, developers, and municipalities.
Clean Heat Standard
The Clean Heat Standard, passed in 2023 as part of Vermont’s effort to meet emission reduction goals under the Global Warming Solutions Act, could impact more than200 Vermont businesses that import heating fuels. These companies may face new fees, which can be offset by earning Clean Heat Credits through measures like switching fuels, improving fuel efficiency, or implementing renewable energy. While Clean Heat Credits can be retroactively claimed from 2023, rules around credit ownership and value are still being determined. The manufacturing industry, in particular, faces unique challenges, and discussions around flexible implementation are ongoing as Vermont finalizes details.
DLL Customer Satisfaction Survey
If your business has a liquor license, we encourage you to take 10 minutes to complete the Dept. of Liquor and Lottery’s Customer Satisfaction Survey to help inform their efforts and provide effective resources to meet your needs.
Vermont Chamber in Action
My Champlain Valley: Senator Peter Welch Celebrates New Accessible Mountain Biking Trail
Colchester Sun: The Vermont Futures Project: Exploring Vermont’s Possible Futures and How We Get There
Bennington Banner: Talking 802 and Vermont’s Future With Kevin Chu
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.