Events

Barre, VT (June 30, 2025)—Last Wednesday, June 25, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Vermont State Civics Bee at the historic Barre Opera House. The National Civics Bee, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is a nationwide competition designed to encourage young Americans to engage in civics and deepen their understanding of the U.S. government, Constitution, and civic responsibilities. Open to middle school students, the Bee challenges participants through a series of local, state, and national competitions that include essay writing and live quizzes. By fostering civic knowledge and participation, the National Civics Bee aims to inspire the next generation of informed, responsible citizens and leaders.

“Our communities are built on the foundations of civics. By hosting the first ever Vermont State Civics Bee, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce wants to help students in our state appreciate the importance of civics in our everyday lives,” said Vermont Chamber president, Amy Spear.

“We are facing a civics crisis in America. Surveys show that 70% of adults cannot pass a basic civics quiz, and 79% of 8th graders fall below proficiency in civics. This threatens the strength, prosperity, and resilience of our nation. The National Civics Bee is dedicated to enhancing civics knowledge, skills, and disposition among young people and adults alike, inspiring the next generation to make a positive impact in their communities.” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

After a distinguished panel of national judges reviewed the essays, the top essay finalists from the first-round civics essay competition were selected to advance to the local competition, with the top ten students invited to compete at Wednesday’s statewide competition. The live event, emceed by WCAX’s Darren Perron, featured two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. Marshall M. from Burke Town School took first place, followed by William B. of Christ the King School, Taylor P. of Miller’s Run School and Damien S. of Burke Town School for second, third, and fourth places, respectively. The judges for this year’s competition were: Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Robyn Palmer, Director of Civic and Voter Engagement for the Office of Vermont Secretary of State, and Martha Deiss, the Agency of Education’s Global Citizenship Specialist, overseeing K-12 Social Studies, World Language, and Financial Literacy.

The finalists impressed the judges with their eloquence and critical thinking, their ability to identify problems in their communities and identify solutions, and their commitment to improving the nation’s future alongside other bright and engaged youth.

First place winner Marshall explained: “I am so happy to be getting my message across and be getting out into the world…I am a proud Vermonter and an ashamed American, and I want to make sure America is not straying away from its core beliefs.” His essay topic focused on voter representation and the electoral college system.

The finalists and top winners received various prizes, including $1,000 cash for the first-place winner. The first-place winner of the Vermont competition also earned a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship later this fall. Prizes at the National Championship include a grand prize of a $100,000 529 plan for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.

For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit: National Civics Bee – The Civic Trust®.

First photo below (left to write): William B., Damien S., Marshall M., and Taylor P.

Barre, VT (June 18, 2025) – On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce will host the 2025 National Civics Bee® Vermont State Finals at the Barre Opera House. Ten middle school finalists will demonstrate their knowledge of civics through quiz rounds and a live Q&A, as part of a nationwide effort to inspire civic engagement among young Americans.

Presented in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Northeast Kingdom Chamber, the event celebrates students who have proposed solutions to improve their communities. The state champion will advance to the National Civics Bee® Championship in Washington, D.C., with a chance to win college savings prizes of $100,000, $25,000, or $15,000.

“Civic knowledge and engagement are foundational to a vibrant democracy,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “This contest offers an outstanding opportunity to spotlight remarkable young Vermonters and inspire broader enthusiasm for civic life—an essential part of building strong communities and a resilient Vermont economy.”

Thanks to a partnership with the Barre Partnership, the first 75 attendees will receive a $10 food truck voucher redeemable in nearby Currier Park, turning the evening into a true community celebration. Admission is free and open to the public.

To learn more and register to attend, visit vtchamber.com/national-civics-bee-vermont-2025/.

Stowe, VT (May 23, 2025) – On May 21, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce celebrated Major General Gregory Knight, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, as the 2025 Citizen of the Year at an event in his honor. Colleagues, friends, and family members gathered at the historic von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort to recognize Major General Knight’s outstanding contributions to Vermont.

The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually by the Vermont Chamber to an individual who has made significant contributions to the betterment of Vermont, distinguished through exceptional service to their community and region, and epitomizes the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice that defines Vermont citizenship. Major General Knight has exemplified these qualities through his proactive leadership, workforce development initiatives, and dedication to ensuring every soldier and airman feels valued.

“When I look around Vermont in my role as the Adjutant General, I realize Vermont is a very special place. We need more believers in Vermont, and we need to bring more believers—and their talent and experience—here,” said Major General Knight.  “I am convinced more than ever of two things: the excellence of our people and the importance of relationships.”

Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, also shared her thoughts on the occasion, saying, “Those who know General Knight speak of his humility, his accessibility, and his unwavering care for the people he serves— whether they wear the uniform or not. His leadership is rooted in humanity, and it has left an indelible mark not just on the Vermont Guard, but on our entire state.”

Remarks celebrating General Knight were delivered by Kristina von Trapp Frame, von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, Greg Maguire, Liquid Measurement Systems, Brigadier General Hank Harder, Deputy Adjutant General of the National Guard Association of Vermont, and the Vermont National Guard and Veterans Affairs Legislative Caucus.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has been honoring outstanding Vermonters with the Citizen of the Year award since 1964. Previous recipients include Tom Dee, Senator Patrick Leahy, Barbara Snelling, Antonio Pomerleau, and Ken Squier. This year’s celebration was a testament to Major General Knight’s remarkable contributions and his enduring legacy in Vermont. This event was supported by these generous sponsors: von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort, Casella, Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation, Farrell Distributing, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Vermont Department of Labor.