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The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has selected Major General Gregory Knight, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, as the 2025 Citizen of the Year. He was selected for the award for his outstanding contributions to Vermont’s safety, economy, and military readiness. Through his proactive leadership, workforce development initiatives, and dedication to ensuring every soldier and airman feels valued, he has truly exemplified the spirit of service and self-sacrifice that this award honors. The award will be presented at a celebratory event on Wednesday, May 21, at Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe.

The award is presented annually by the Vermont Chamber to honor an outstanding Vermonter who has
made major contributions to the betterment of Vermont; has been distinguished through outstanding
service to their community and region; and typifies the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice in
representing the finest ideals of Vermont citizenship.

“I am honored and humbled to be named as the Vermont Chamber of Commerce 2025 Citizen of the Year. It has been an absolute privilege to lead the men and women of the Vermont National Guard for the last six years,” said Major General Knight. “This recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication, responding to the needs of our fellow citizens in Vermont and throughout the Nation. They embody the best of this great state. It is on their behalf that I accept this award.”

“General Knight ‘s work has strengthened Vermont’s safety, economy, and military readiness. Major General Knight exemplifies the spirit of service, making Vermont stronger through his leadership and unwavering commitment to its people. His dedication to Vermont’s future, both in times of crisis and in everyday work, makes him an outstanding candidate for this honor,” said Rep. Laura Sibilia, Rep. Lisa Hango, Rep. Mary Katherine Stone, and Rep. Sandy Pinsonault of the Vermont National Guard and Veterans Affairs Legislative Caucus.

“This award celebrates a Vermonter whose extraordinary contributions have elevated our communities, and Major General Knight’s record speaks for itself,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber. “He is a foundational figure and an outstanding leader in our Vermont community.”

A lifelong Huntington resident, Major General Knight has dedicated over 40 years to uniformed
service—starting in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving in law enforcement, and committing 27 years as a
commissioned officer in the Vermont Air and Army National Guards. His leadership has been pivotal,
from his deployment to Iraq and earning commendations like the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service
Medal, to his critical role as Vermont’s Adjutant General. Under his guidance, the National Guard has
responded to historic floods, supported Vermont communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and
fostered an environment that emphasizes inclusivity and personal connection.

His work extends far beyond disaster response; through his proactive leadership, workforce
development initiatives, and dedication to ensuring every soldier and airman feels valued, he has truly
exemplified the spirit of service and self-sacrifice that this award honors.

The award dates back to 1964 and previous recipients include Tom Dee, Senator Patrick Leahy, Barbara
Snelling, Antonio Pomerleau, and Ken Squier. Registration to attend the celebration is now open. To
register to attend or for more information, visit the Citizen of the Year event landing page.

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. 

“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.