Pictured: Shires Young Professionals Treasurer Franklin Cody (left) with Chamber and SYP members
Vermont Business Magazine Promoted as the “Biggest Business Night of the Year,” the Southwestern Vermont Chamber's 2025 Annual Membership Meeting took place on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Kimpton Taconic in Manchester, Vermont. This year's event highlighted the Chamber’s Vision 2027, a forward-thinking initiative that aims to cultivate a vibrant regional economy driven by innovation and collaboration where commerce thrives in harmony with the stunning natural landscapes and welcoming, diverse communities.
The event, attended by over 115 Chamber members, commenced at 4:00 PM with a dedicated Business Hour which included a welcome from Presenting Sponsor of the meeting Heritage Family Credit Union, a thank you from Chamber Board President Shannon McLenithan, and the presentation of new board directors which included Ahmad Yassir of Vermont News and Media. Additionally, the business portion had a presentation and vote for the annual operational budget of the organization. The budget was approved for the 2025 year by the membership. The high point of the business hour focused on executive director Matt Harrington’s presentation of Vision 2027.
Pictured: Some of the 2025 Board of Directors of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber.
Since its founding in 1911 as the Bennington Board of Trade, the Chamber has evolved to meet the changing needs of the region. From becoming an official Chamber of Commerce in 1925 to its expansion into a regional organization representing the 17 communities of Bennington County in 2020, the Chamber has continuously worked to advance economic opportunities and support businesses of all sizes. Vision 2027 builds on the Chamber’s 2020 Vision to become a regional chamber by embracing what Harrington calls, “Regionalism 2.0,” an approach that doubles down on collaboration across industries and communities to create a more prosperous future for the region.
At the core of Vision 2027 is a commitment to cultivating a vibrant regional economy driven by innovation and collaboration. The Chamber envisions a future where commerce thrives in harmony with the region’s stunning natural landscapes and welcoming, diverse communities.
The plan is structured around three main strategic pillars, which guide the Chamber’s efforts to serve its members and achieve long-term goals:
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Promoting – Attracting and retaining people to the region through marketing and relocation efforts.
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Collaborating – Convening and cultivating connections within the region to strengthen economic and social networks.
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Empowering – Informing, educating, and activating members and organizations to foster a thriving local ecosystem.
To bring Vision 2027 to life, the Chamber has identified three key areas of focus:
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Workforce Development: Creating top-tier talent through relocation, retention, and professional development initiatives.
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Business Development: Equipping businesses with best practices for long-term success and sustainability.
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Community Development: Enhancing the region’s quality of life by fostering inclusive and welcoming communities.
Harrington went on to share a plethora of new programming to meet the needs of the members including a “Leadership Institute” focused on enhancing the business workforce through a series of workshops for first-time managers, as well as a “Start Up Academy” which will be a 5-night intensive program designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to launch successful shops, stores, and businesses in The Shires.
Additionally, the Chamber team will be adding “Membership After Hours,” “Deep Dive workshops,” “Expert Power Hours,” “F.O.C.U.S. Roundtables” and “The Symposium of Southwestern Vermont” which will be a two-hour mini-conference designed to bring together thought leaders to discuss the current state of news, politics, and the future of America.
Erika Floriani, the Chamber’s Membership Manager commented, “We are incredibly excited about the 2027 Vision of the Chamber and even more thrilled about the fantastic programming we have lined up for our members! The programs we are introducing this year are a direct reflection of valuable feedback from our Membership Survey. This year's offerings are not only the biggest but also the most ambitious we've undertaken since I joined in 2019. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community!"
Pictured: Membership Manager Erika Floriani (right) networking with members
"Much like a skilled gardener tending to a diverse and ever-growing landscape, the Chamber’s Vision 2027 is about cultivating a thriving ecosystem where businesses, workers, and the community each find their place to flourish,” replied Harrington. “Through our new initiatives — whether it’s the Leadership Institute sowing the seeds of future managers, the Start Up Academy nurturing bold entrepreneurs, or the Symposium fostering the roots of smart and measured civil discourse — we are not just growing an economy; we are restoring balance, calm, and a renewed sense of maturity to our community. Each initiative is a carefully placed stone in the foundation of a stronger, more united region.”
Harrington continued, “At the regional Chamber, we believe our role as leaders in the community is to help usher these developments along, guiding growth with intention and fostering an environment where progress and civility coexist."
Harrington also highlighted key initiatives for 2025, such as the continuation of the G.R.O.W. Relocation & Retention Program to help new working families move to Southwestern Vermont, The Shires DMO $85,000 marketing campaign, the Shires Young Professionals efforts around retention, leadership development and volunteerism, and of course, the much anticipated 30th Anniversary of Garlic Fest.
“So, the big question is how to fund all of these efforts,” remarked Harrington at the meeting. “Over the next fifteen months, we will be undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of our membership structure to better align with the diverse needs and ambitions of our members. Moving forward, we recognize that our members engage with the Chamber in different ways—some of you are business builders, focused on growth and networking, while others are business investors, seeking strategic impact. Some of you are community builders, dedicated to collaboration and civic engagement, while others are community investors, committed to shaping the region’s future.
Pictured: Matt Harrington, executive director of the Chamber, overseeing his tenth annual membership meeting
To better serve this spectrum of engagement, we will be introducing a ‘Value-Based Membership Model’ featuring a tiered structure that ensures members receive the right level of benefits at the right time in their business and professional journey. For some, Chamber membership is about access to networking and foundational support. Others will seek deeper engagement through education, workshops, and leadership development. And for those who see the broader vision and wish to invest in the future of our region, we will offer high-level partnership opportunities, providing exclusive, concierge-level benefits in return for major financial commitments.
By tailoring our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our members and creating a sustainable pathway for revenue growth, we can ensure the long-term success of our Vision 2027 initiatives—fueling economic vitality, strengthening our workforce, and fostering a more vibrant and connected community.”
At 5:00 PM, the evening transitioned from business hour to an hour of celebration honoring the achievements of local businesses and community leaders.
Pictured: Over 115 members of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber attended their annual membership meeting on January 31st. Photos courtesy of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber and Maxwell Ward Photography
In addition to unveiling the Chamber’s Vision 2027 framework, the event handed out awards for outstanding contributions from the business and nonprofit community. This year's award recipients include:
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New Member of the Year - awarded to a new member who joined the Chamber this past year and who has grown their business, customers, community and chamber interaction this past year: The Shaftsbury Country Store and owners Joseph and Brenna Massaro
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Member of the Year - awarded to a chamber member who has gone above and beyond in their business, interaction with their community, and engagement with the Chamber of Commerce this past year: Comprehensive Computing and owner Byrom Jomaa
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Regional Visionary Award - awarded to two organizations who have made significant contributions to the improvement of the business environment and quality of life for The Shires of Southwestern Vermont region as a whole: GNAT-TV and CAT-TV
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Lifetime Achievement Award - a special award that is awarded by The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce to an individual or business who, during their lifetime, has made creative contributions of outstanding business leadership and community development to the region: Jay and Joan Zwynenburg of Jay's Art Shop & Frame Gallery
Attendees also enjoyed a signature sparkling toast upon arrival, passed hors d'oeuvres, and live entertainment, making it a night to remember.
The Chamber extends a special thank you to Kimpton Taconic for hosting this year's event and to our partners for their continued support in shaping the future of Southwestern Vermont.
This event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including:
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Presenting Sponsor: Heritage Family Credit Union
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Award Sponsor: Union South
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Toast Sponsor: Hoffman Car Wash
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Bar Sponsor: Maple Leaf Realty
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Media Sponsor: The Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal
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Entertainment Sponsor: Oliver Ford of Bennington and Oliver Subaru of Rutland
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2027 Vision Leaders: Southwestern Vermont Health Care and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region
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2027 Vision Champions: The Gamer's Grotto & Berkshire Bank
A special thank you to GNAT-TV, CAT-TV, The Gift Garden, Equinox Audio, Maxwell Ward Photography, and musician Joe Frey.
Pictured: Members of the Chamber enjoying a complimentary sparkling beverage to kick the night off
Source: (Southwestern Vermont) – Southwestern Vermont Chamber www.swvtchamber.com
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