Message From Acting Commissioner Tierney
Vermont Department of Economic Development A few weeks ago, we proudly welcomed a Canadian delegation to Newport for a special gathering on Lake Memphremagog: a boat ride that symbolized more than just crossing a maritime border. It was an opportunity to strengthen connections and celebrate the many ties we share.
The event brought together Canadian federal and provincial officials, including the Consul General of Canada in Boston, the Québec Delegate to Boston, the Mayor of Stanstead, and the Member of Parliament for Compton–Stanstead, along with Vermont and Canadian business and tourism leaders. As we cruised into international waters, we celebrated how intertwined Vermont and Canada are.
We share more than a border. Our economies, communities, and cultures are deeply intertwined, and travel reminds us of the power of coming together. We are grateful to our Canadian friends for making the trip to be with us.
These relationships matter now more than ever, and we remain committed to our programs and initiatives that support cross-border commerce and travel.
Sincerely, 
Tim Tierney
Acting Commissioner and Director of Business Recruitment, International Trade
Department News
Grand Isle County “Capital for a Day”
Left: Alburgh Family Clubhouse, Center: Muriel's of Vermont, Right: Island Auto Haven
The latest stop on Governor Phil Scott’s “Capital for a Day” initiative brought members of the team up to Grand Isle for a packed day. Highlights included: touring the Alburgh Family Clubhouse, a look inside Muriel's of Vermont, where advanced technology meets local craftsmanship, a small business roundtable with Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation, and a stop at Island Auto Haven, a key service provider for the islands.
From VT to NYC
Sec. Kurrle (third from right) and other state economic development leaders.
Secretary Kurrle joined economic development leaders from around the country at the State Economic Development Executives Meeting to exchange ideas and best practices.
One highlight was visiting Moynihan Train Hall, once the historic Farley Post Office and now a world-class transit hub fueling New York’s economic resurgence. Fun fact: Hop on Amtrak from Vermont and you’ll arrive right here!
International Trade and Business Recruitment
Global Leadership Program participants.
Acting Commissioner Tim Tierney recently hosted a delegation from nine countries participating in a Global Leadership Program in Vermont. Representatives came from Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Germany, Georgia, Sierra Leone, Romania, North Macedonia, and Tuvalu. The program is coordinated by the Vermont Council of World Affairs.
Tim also traveled to Reykjavik, Iceland, to focus on business recruitment in the tech sector. While there, he met with Business Iceland and a dozen companies exploring U.S. expansion. Tim also met with Jon Gnarr, former Mayor of Reykjavik and member of the Icelandic Parliament.
In the News
- Rutland TIF Bond Approved: City voters have overwhelmingly approved a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Bond. Nearly 85% of voters were in favor of the financing move, which will enable major infrastructure upgrades and revitalization in the Rutland TIF District.
- Needleman’s to Celebrate 100 Years of Business: Congratulations to Needleman’s Bridal and Formal! The family-run business first opened its doors in 1925 in Newport and has been helping generations of Vermonters look and feel their best for life’s most important occasions ever since.
Resources
The Manufacturing Collaborative
The fabrication and talent development center at the Vermont State University in Randolph serves as a hub for collaborating on real-world manufacturing challenges. This non-profit is available to empower U.S. manufacturers with industry solutions and to bring together renowned industry experts and leading-edge technologies. Learn more at hemfgcollaborative.com.
Executive Order Promoting Housing Construction and Rehabilitation
Governor Phil Scott's new executive order takes immediate steps to make building homes more affordable and faster. These changes will lower construction costs, cut red tape and speed up permitting, and expand the number of homes that can be built.
October is Manufacturing Month
This initiative helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors. It also empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive. Learn more at mfgday.com.
Opportunities
Free Webinar: Understanding IT, Cybersecurity, and Compliance
The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center and Norwich University Applied Research Institutes are presenting strategies for developing a cybersecurity program over time to help you strengthen security, maintain compliance, and create a resilient IT environment.
Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit
November 13 is the Vermont outdoor industry’s signature gathering of the year!
Speakers and workshops will put a spotlight on data, trends, practices, and initiatives that continue to drive Vermont’s $2.1 billion outdoor economy.
Cannabis Education Workshops
ACCD, Vermont State University (VTSU), and the Cannabis Control Board are coordinating workshops December 5-6 at VTSU Johnson to help cannabis license applicants build business, compliance, and cultivation skills.
Public Comment: Clean Water Budget
How should approximately $45 million in clean water funding be budgeted to support municipalities, farmers, and other stakeholders to enhance Vermont’s water quality?
Visit the Clean Water Board webpage to learn more and share your input.
OUR PROGRAMS
Brownfields Revitalization Fund (BRF)
International Trade Assistance (STEP)
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI)
Vermont Training Program (VTP)
10.20.2025. Vermont Department of Economic Development
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