Vermont Futures Project Turns 5 Years Old

Vermont Futures Project Turns 5 Years Old and Welcomes New Board Members
 The Vermont Futures Project is pleased to welcome two new Board Members: James (Jim) A. Kisch and Janette Bombardier. Vermont Futures Project Board Member Kelly Krayewsky is also taking the reins as new Board Chair after William Shouldice’s five years of Board leadership.
Jim Kisch

Jim Kisch is a banking industry veteran serving as Passumpsic Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Northeast Home Loan. Prior to joining Passumpsic Bank, he was Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Continuity, a leading provider of Regulatory Technology solutions that automate compliance management for financial institutions across the U.S.

Kisch said, “I joined the Vermont Futures Board as a meaningful way of paying it forward to our State and its people for embracing my family and me. I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to help the Vermont Futures Project with its continuous, inventive long-range efforts to shape a thriving future ahead for all Vermonters. The Vermont Futures Project has the distinction of disciplined data driven and strategic leadership, which is a game changing domain I passionately believe in.”

Janette Bombardier

Janette Bombardier currently serves as Chief Operating Officer / Chief Technical Officer at Chroma Technology Corp and 89 North. She joined Chroma Technology in 2018. She is a University of Vermont graduate and held many engineering and leadership positions at IBM. As IBM’s senior location executive for the Vermont facility, she was a leader in the transition of the IBM operations to GlobalFoundries. She also previously served as Green Mountain Power’s Senior Vice President for industrial customer relations and continuous improvement projects.

Bombardier said, “The Vermont Futures Project is key to establishing important goals for Vermont to sustain and grow our economy. The data driven approach is critical to not only understanding the issues but also to measure the impact of the actions we take. It is critical that Vermont has an organization like The Vermont Futures Project that can sustain this work over a long period of time given the importance of the issues facing Vermont’s economic health.”

The Vermont Futures Project is also celebrating turning five years old this Fall, as it was formally launched by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce in 2016 as a research and education foundation to use data, benchmarks, and knowledge to stimulate conversation and prompt action, leading to economic prosperity for all Vermonters. A new video highlights the mission and values framework for the organization.

Kelly Krayewsky

Vermont Futures Project Board Member Kelly Krayewsky, who serves as Director of Brand Marketing and Government Affairs at Revision Military, is stepping into her new role as Board Chair. The role of Board Chair was previously held for five years by William (Bill) Shouldice, President and CEO at Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Shouldice states, “as the chair of the Vermont Futures Project for the past five years, I’ve seen this organization grow from a start-up to an independent and trusted source of information that current and future decision makers can rely on to shape the future direction of Vermont. As we transition to new leadership, I’m confident that we will continue to capture all voices from around the state to enrich the quality of our work which is powered by our dedicated staff and our consistent donor base. I am grateful for their ongoing support of our mission to secure a robust economy.”

Krayewsky said, “I have been compelled by the mission of The Vermont Futures Project since Bill first asked Revision to join as a supporter in 2017. I am honored to be chosen as the next Board Chair and am so excited for the next chapter of this great organization as we contribute to the economic prosperity of Vermont.”

The Vermont Futures Project Board of Directors reflects the organization’s commitment to representing diversity of age, race, industry, gender, and region across Vermont. Through leadership, research, and education, The Vermont Futures Project seeks to inform the conversation about Vermont’s economic future and demonstrate how a healthy economy contributes to Vermont’s vibrant communities and unique quality of life.

Investing in Vermont’s Future: Community Conversations

Investing in Vermont’s Future: Community Conversations

Thanks to remaining federal stimulus funds and a surge in state revenues, Vermont is currently in a position to make unprecedented investments in its economic future. The Legislature is gathering ideas at planned open discussions to inform policy and budgetary work related to these future investments.

This is an opportunity to meet with State House leaders and voice your concerns about the economic future of Vermont. Vermont is facing a housing crisis that continues to exacerbate the workforce shortages plaguing virtually every sector. These upcoming discussions with key leaders are your chance to share experiences and express your informed views about the future of local businesses in Vermont.

This could include discussing the impacts of increased taxation and regulation on business operations – particularly for small businesses, the ongoing challenges related to the workforce shortage crisis, and more.

These regional discussions will be held virtually. 

  • Washington County Conversation, Thursday, October 28th, 5:30 – 6:30. Register here.
  • Orange County Conversation, Tuesday, November 2th, 5:30 – 6:30. Register here.
  • Chittenden County Conversation, Thursday, November 4th, 5:30 – 6:30. Register here.
  • Orleans County Conversation, Monday, November 8th, 5:30-6:30. Register here.
  • Lamoille County Conversation, Wednesday, November 10th, 5:30 – 6:30. Register here.
  • Final conversation open to anyone across the state, Tuesday, November 16th. Register here.

To guide your remarks in advance of these conversations, consider:

  • How could the State use available funds in a manner that supported the existence and growth of Vermont’s business community?
  • How do the current high costs of business operations impact your ability to provide greater benefits to your employees?
  • How would additional regulatory burdens and taxation impact your business?
  • What barriers, regulatory or otherwise, are impacting the lack of housing in your community?
  • What additional actions could the State take to incentivize the in-migration of essential workers?
  • What specific investment could the State make to reduce your operating costs? For instance, the Unemployment Trust Fund was drawn down during the height of the pandemic and employers are obligated to refill the fund – would State investments that offset some of that obligation be meaningful to you?

Thank you for participating.

Highlights From Manufacturing Summit

Highlights From 2021 Manufacturing Summit
At the Vermont Chamber Virtual Manufacturing Summit last month, we hosted 250 B2B participants, 25 OEMs, Primes, and Government Agencies, hosted 400 B2B meetings (representing 100 hours of quality meeting time for buyers, suppliers, and partners), facilitated workforce development with University of Vermont and Vermont Technical College students for jobs and internships, expanded the Aerospace Trade Corridor to Ontario, welcomed international trade delegations from Québec, Ontario, and Canada, and much more
 
Please find additional highlights and results from the Summit below:
  • Expansion of Aerospace Trade Corridor to Ontario

In support of our work to inter-cluster our aerospace and defense industries and provide our participants with access to new markets, contacts, shared best practices, and supply chain innovation and transformation, the Vermont Chamber, in partnership with the Ontario Aerospace Council, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the recent 2021 Manufacturing Summit and officially expanded the Aerospace Trade Corridor to Ontario’s $6 billion aerospace and defense sector. The MOU will provide the additional framework going forward for collaboration and partnership, which will foster the development of new, cross-border contacts and business opportunities as we reconnect and rebuild our supply chains.

  • Gov. Scott & Sen. Leahy at Vermont Chamber Manufacturing Summit

Governor Phil Scott and Senator Patrick Leahy were featured speakers at our 2021 Manufacturing Summit. Governor Scott discussed challenges presented by the pandemic, how the Vermont Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit benefits participants, and the economic importance of Vermont’s manufacturing industry. Senator Leahy noted the unique and important opportunity that attendees of the Manufacturing Summit had to learn from industry experts, convene, and build their networks.

  • Watch Governor Scott here.
  • Watch Senator Leahy here.
  • Workforce Development with UVM and Vermont Technical College

At our 2021 Manufacturing Summit, we provided important workforce development through partnerships with the University of Vermont College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) and Vermont Technical College. The Vermont Chamber facilitated 20 interviews for students and soon-to-be graduates in STEM and advanced manufacturing with employer participants for jobs and internship opportunities.

  • Sponsor 2022 Manufacturing Summit

Our Annual 2022 Manufacturing Supply Chain Summit will be in held in September with a confirmed date to soon follow. To join us as a sponsor, please contact Chris Carrigan, (802) 223-0904, ccarrigan@vtchamber.com

Chamber Advocacy Around Employer Vaccine Mandate

Chamber Advocacy Around Employer Vaccine Mandate

This week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA sent its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on the vaccine mandate for large employers (those with 100 or more employees) to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. While the rule could go into effect after approval immediately, it may provide a period of time for employers to understand the rule and come into compliance. Since Vermont has a state plan, the Vermont Chamber is advocating for the following three requests:

  1. We encourage the Vermont Department of Labor’s VOSHA to take the full 30 days allowed to review the federal ETS which will also provide time for employers to understand the full scope of the rule and align resources to comply with the ETS.
  2. We urge VOSHA not to add any additional requirements or levels of compliance as we anticipate this change will be a significant challenge already.
  3. Allowing varied testing options for employers will be a key to compliance. The constricted availability of tests and slowed timeline for returning results will have a detrimental impact on an employer’s ability to facilitate this mandate. The recent news that the supply chain for tests will be adjusted to allow for greater access is certainly welcome. We hope that the federal ETS allows for rapid testing and we encourage VOSHA to endorse that direction if provided for in the federal rule.

As information becomes available for the ETS and more specifically, VOSHA’s response, the Vermont Chamber will disseminate this information to employers to ensure strong compliance. We are proud of Vermont’s standing as a national leader in vaccination rates and will continue to do our part to maintain healthy and safe workplaces. If you have questions or further information for our team, please connect with our Membership Engagement Director Sophia Yager by email.

Thanking Our Building Bridges Fund Contributors

Thanking Our Building Bridges Fund Contributors

The Vermont Chamber’s Building Bridges Fund helps impacted businesses continue to participate in our advocacy, education, and marketing.

Contributions provide a dual benefit for small businesses and the Vermont Chamber, allowing them to participate in our programming and helping us maintain our powerful advocacy voice which is proven to help move all businesses toward economic recovery.​

The Vermont Chamber extends sincere thanks to all who have contributed our Building Bridges Fund.

Since we launched the fund in 2020, 40 impacted small businesses were helped, 34 Vermont Chamber members contributed, and together, we raised more than $20,000.

Learn more and make your contribution here.

Spotlighting Fothergill Segale & Valley, CPAs

Spotlighting Fothergill Segale & Valley, CPAs

This month, we are spotlighting Fothergill Segale & Valley, CPAs.

FSV began in the early 1970s and moved to its current location of 143 Barre Street, Montpelier Vermont in 1985. FSV offers tax preparation and planning, accounting services, and auditing services. Today the firm employs 17 staff which work with a variety of clients ranging from municipalities, individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits.
 
FSV provides a challenging team atmosphere for our professional and support staff that encourages productivity, personal advancement, use of technology, critical thinking, learning, and having fun at our jobs. The longevity of the firm is due to its commitment to building client relationships and high standards of quality. An interesting piece of firm history is that the tree outside of our Victorian building is one of the largest Gingko trees in Vermont.

Impact of “Build Back Better Act” on Restaurants

Impact of "Build Back Better Act" on Restaurants

The $3.5 trillion “Build Back Better Act” makes important investments in things that will benefit our country and the restaurant industry. But the bill does not replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and it raises taxes on small businesses at a time when the restaurant industry truly cannot bear more financial strain. Watch the NRA’s 5-minute explainer video to learn how the tax changes would affect your bottom line.

To compound this, a new NRA survey of the state of the industry highlights the outlook that a recovery from the pandemic could be prolonged well into 2022. The NRA released a letter to congressional leaders sharing the survey and their strong objections to the Build Back Better Act as written. 

Congress must hear from restaurants to ensure RRF receives more funding. Reach out directly to Senator Patrick Leahy and Senator Bernie Sanders and tell your story, or use this form to send a note to Vermont’s Congressional Delegation. Additionally, you can help bolster Vermont Independent Restaurants’ (VTIR) advocacy for the replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund by signing this petition.

Chamber Welcomes New Board Members

Vermont Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Board Members
Image of new Board Members
Board Members Teresa Kajenski, Kathy Austin, Mané Alves, Roger Nishi, and Keith Jones (Not pictured: Chiuho Sampson)

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce welcomed six new Directors to the Board: Mané Alves of Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Company, Kathy Austin of Community National Bank, Keith Jones of National Life, Teresa Kajenski of Fothergill Segale & Valley, Roger Nishi of Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom, and Chiuho Sampson of A Single Pebble. The Vermont Chamber also thanks continuing Board Members, who are listed on the organization’s Board of Directors page.

Collectively, the Board is committed to helping further the Vermont Chamber’s mission to ensure a thriving Vermont economy. In 2021, significant legislative priorities advanced that will help businesses recover from the pandemic. With continued challenges ahead, the Vermont Chamber is dedicated to ensuring businesses across the state recover and Vermont’s economic future is bright.

Incoming Chair of the Vermont Chamber Board Peter McDougall, President of Paul, Frank + Collins P.C., said, “Over the last decade, Vermont Chamber leaders have focused on diversifying the Board of Directors to reflect the state’s business makeup. In addition to ongoing efforts to diversify leadership, the Vermont Chamber will continue working towards meaningful change in support of equity and inclusion.”

The Vermont Chamber’s current Board of Directors consists of 48% women, 48% men, 4% gender nonbinary or gender nonconforming individuals, 17% BIPOC individuals, 17% immigrant, refugee, asylee, and/or foreign-born citizens, and 8% LGBTQIA+ individuals. Board members work in varied industries across 10 of Vermont’s 14 counties.

Vermont Chamber of Commerce President Betsy Bishop said, “It is important that all Vermont businesses see themselves and their needs reflected in our leadership and work. We welcome and thank all our Board Members who will help us strengthen Vermont’s economy and be committed to our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.” 

Chair of the Vermont Chamber’s DEI Task Force Willie Docto, Co-Owner of Moose Meadow Lodge, said, “The Board is committed to integrating DEI programming into the Vermont Chamber’s work for sustainable, collective impact. We are creating an action plan and will partner with others to further this work.”

Vermont Chamber Membership Engagement Director Sophia Yager is leading the outreach effort with an intentional focus on BIPOC businesses to gather a greater understanding of needs so the Vermont Chamber can organize resources to support all businesses. You can connect with Sophia Yager by email to learn more and get involved.

Feel Fall in Vermont

Feel Fall in Vermont

By Vermont Chamber Vice President of Tourism Amy Spear

Have you ever picked crisp apples fresh from an orchard, been surrounded by bright red and orange mountains, or hiked through a towering corn maze?

In Vermont, you can do all that and more on an ordinary fall day. This year, visitors can enjoy the season in a distinctly Vermont way – with activities and attractions that draw in people from around the globe.

Our state has options everyone will love.

  • Delicious food and drink

After shopping and cider sampling at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, enjoy a meal at Apple Core Luncheonette & Brew, which offers homemade breakfast and lunch seven days a week.

Stop by Citizen Cider’s Tasting Room in Burlington for flagship hard ciders and seasonal limited releases, all made from apples sourced locally. The full food menu has something for everyone, featuring items made with their infamous cider.

  • Stay somewhere serene

The Essex Resort & Spa, a centrally located luxury resort, is the perfect home-base for exploring Vermont in the fall from north to south. End the day at on-site restaurants or spend an afternoon unwinding at the spa.

Or stay at Manchester’s Equinox Golf Resort & Spa. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, this iconic resort is steeped in history. Surrounded by natural landscapes, this destination is beautiful in every season, but is especially stunning during fall.

  • Get active in fresh air

Featuring one of the best corn mazes in the state, kids and adults of all ages enjoy hiking through the towering corn at Hathaway Farm in Rutland and the challenge of solving a maze.

Shelburne Orchards

Enjoy apple picking and cider donuts while taking in the view of Lake Champlain on Shelburne Orchards’ 60-acre family owned and operated apple orchard.

You can also use our trip planning tool at VermontVacation.com to narrow your search and discover unique accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and recreation.

If you’re traveling, why not visit the most vaccinated state in the country?

Last month, Vermont had the highest vaccination rate in the country. If you’re going to travel this fall, why not come to one of the safest states in the nation?

Vermont has a tradition of welcoming visitors to our state. In the wake of Covid-19, the state continues to offer safe travel guidance to visitors and Vermonters. Before you come, take a few minutes to learn what our state leaders are recommending regarding masking and physical distancing.

Community care is at the heart of Vermont life. When you visit, we know you’ll feel the Vermonter spirit in our safety measures and in every smile and wave.

While you stay, play with us by sharing on social media with hashtags #ThisIsVT and #VermontFall.

We would love to see and share your photos this fall. The Vermont Chamber of Commerce tourism team will share your Instagram posts in our stories from our Visit Vermont account.

We’ll also be creating an album with your photos on our Facebook page.

Every year, Vermont sees more than 13 million visitors to the state.

As you plan your visit, be sure to check your plans carefully by reading updates on lodging and business websites. Due to staffing shortages, their hours of operation and policies may have changed.

We are so excited to welcome you to Vermont.

Amy Spear, of Killington, is the Vice President of Tourism at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, whose mission is focused on creating an economic climate conducive to business growth while enhancing Vermont’s quality of life.

Vermont Receiving up to 100 Afghan Refugees

Chamber Statement on Vermont Receiving up to 100 Afghan Refugees

Today, Governor Phil Scott announced that the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) was approved by the U.S. Department of State to welcome up to 100 Afghans in Vermont in the weeks ahead.

Responding to the announcement, Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop said, “We are proud that Vermont was approved to welcome up to 100 Afghan refugees to our state. For years, the Vermont Chamber has supported additional funding for refugee resettlement in Vermont. Welcoming these refugees to our state is part of the Vermonter spirit, helps our economy, and grows our workforce when we need it most.”

Learn more about the resettlement plans in a VTDigger report by Fred Thys.