Vermont Chamber of Commerce hosts 11th Annual Manufacturing Summit

Vermont Chamber of Commerce hosts 11th Annual Manufacturing Summit

Panel presentation Scaling Sustainability: Workforce Development Solutions for Manufacturers of all sizes with Dave Castle (Mechanical Advantage), Cindy Robillard (Vermont Department of Labor, Workforce Development), Jen O’Neill (OnLogic), and moderated by Alison Conant (AK Consulting)

Vermont Business Magazine For over a decade, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce has brought together industry peers to facilitate sourcing and procurement opportunities at the Manufacturing Summit. This year, 130 industry leaders and manufacturing professionals from across Vermont, New England, and Canada convened to collaborate, share insights, and explore solutions to the sector’s most pressing challenges. Held on November 13-14 at the recently renovated Hotel Champlain in Burlington, the event included an in-person networking reception followed by a robust day of programming designed to strengthen connections and spark collaboration. 

As global markets and regulations shift, manufacturers must adapt to maintain competitive advantages and ensure long-term success. With the theme of "Resilience by Design," this year’s Manufacturing Summit brought together experts to discuss strategies for building resilient supply chains, leveraging technology for greater adaptability, and navigating an evolving regulatory landscape. A key feature of the conference was the Business-to-Business (B2B) Matchmaking Program, designed to connect manufacturers with potential partners, suppliers, and clients.  

The summit focused on key issues facing the manufacturing sector, including workforce development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and supply chain strategies. Attendees included representatives from a wide range of industries, including precision manufacturing, food production, construction, and clean energy.   

B2B Networking sponsored by Apex Accelerator and Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center at the Vermont Manufacturing Summit

“Since 2013, the Vermont Chamber has built a legacy of strengthening the manufacturing industry through policy and programming efforts to give Vermont manufacturers a competitive edge. This year’s Manufacturing Summit provided invaluable insights for manufacturers across the region," said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. "As manufacturing, a leading contributor to Vermont’s GDP, continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to foster collaboration and equip businesses with the connections and resources they need to be successful." 

This year’s summit was generously supported by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s Department of Economic Development, G.S. Precision, Manufacturing Solutions Inc., Collins Aerospace, GE Aerospace, VT Apex Accelerator, the University of Vermont CEMS, KAMAN Composites Vermont, and the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center. Plans for next year’s event are already underway, and the Chamber looks forward to building on this year's success to continue advancing Vermont’s manufacturing sector. 

Attendees listen to a session at the Vermont Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit.

Attendees listen to a session at the Vermont Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit.

About the Vermont Chamber of Commerce 

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the Vermont economy. 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. As the preeminent not-for-profit business organization, we advocate, build community, and provide resources for businesses statewide. 

Source: Montpelier, VT (December 6, 2024) – Vermont Chamber of Commerce

To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!

www.vermontbiz.com