Vermont Chamber News

Vermont Chamber Announces New Board Members and Leadership

Vermont Chamber Announces New Board Members and Leadership
New Vermont Chamber Board Members

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has welcomed two new Directors to the Board: William Cahill of Vermont Mutual Insurance Group and Dr. Elizabeth Mauch of Vermont State Colleges.

The Board also elected a new slate of officers, naming Sharon Rossi of FoodScience Corp. as Chair, Walter Frame of von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort as Vice Chair, Mike Hackett of Gallagher, Flynn & Company as Treasurer, and Thomas Dunn of VELCO as Past Chair. The Board also honored Pete McDougall of Paul, Frank + Collins for completing more than a decade of service, including a term as Chair. His leadership and commitment to the Vermont Chamber helped guide the organization through key milestones and strengthened its role as the state’s leading business advocate.

The Vermont Chamber Board of Directors is dedicated to shaping a more affordable, competitive, and abundant Vermont economy. Guided by the Chamber’s Strategic Plan, the Board brings together diverse business leaders whose lived experience ensures that our work is data-informed, inclusive, and reflective of the real challenges and opportunities facing Vermont’s economy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bill and Beth to the Vermont Chamber Board of Directors. Their leadership and experience reflect the values of collaboration and innovation that define our work. As the state’s largest business advocacy organization, the Chamber relies on the insight and engagement of leaders from every sector. Bill and Beth will bring invaluable perspectives as we continue to shape policy, strengthen connections, and ensure Vermont remains a place where businesses of all sizes can thrive,” said Board Chair Sharon Rossi of FoodScience Corp.

Vermont Chamber President Amy Spear added, “The Vermont Chamber is proud to carry forward the responsibility of strengthening our state’s economy, a role made possible by the trust of Vermont’s business community. Our impact is the result of bold, collaborative leadership that reflects the diversity of industries across Vermont. We are honored to welcome these business leaders, whose expertise and vision will further strengthen our collective work to ensure a vibrant future for Vermont.”

The following business leaders will continue to serve as members of the board: Alberto Aguilar of Carris Reels, Inc., Mané Alves of Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Company, Sue Bette of Bluebird Hospitality, Brendon Blood of Blood’s Catering & Party Rentals, Hillary Burrows of Autumn Harp, Willie Docto of Moose Meadow Lodge & Treehouse, Kim Donahue of DeJames Hospitality, Renée Grzankowski of Vermont Economic Development Authority, Shireen Hart of Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC, Chris Karr of The Karr Group, Kelly Krayewsky of Windows & Doors By Brownell, Leslee MacKenzie of Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman, Nick Managan of Cabot Creamery, Roger Nishi of Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom, Gary Scott of UVM Health Network, and Ian Sutherland of Acrisure.

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Job Opportunity: Director of Membership Engagement

September 29, 2025
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Transportation Fund in Disrepair

September 25, 2025
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Job Opportunity: Director of Membership Engagement

Job Opportunity: Director of Membership Engagement

Job Title: Director of Membership Engagement
Reports To: President
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Organization Overview: The Vermont Chamber of Commerce advances the Vermont economy through advocacy, community, and resources. As the state’s largest statewide business organization, we represent businesses of every size and in every industry. Trusted, connected, and determined, we prioritize collaboration and uphold the values that define Vermont while helping businesses succeed.

Position Overview: The Director of Membership Engagement leads the Chamber’s membership recruitment and retention strategy, ensuring that Vermont businesses understand the value of Chamber membership. This role strengthens Pinnacle Investor relationships and sponsorship engagement, while delivering high-touch service and cultivating long-term member loyalty. As a core contributor to the Chamber’s strategic plan, the Director of Membership Engagement sustains the Chamber’s economic engine by growing an engaged membership base that fuels advocacy, programs, and statewide impact.

This role will support the President of the Vermont Chamber in the following ways:

Membership Growth and Retention

  • Lead all recruitment, renewal, and upgrade efforts with personalized, sector-specific outreach.
  • Design and implement proactive retention.
  • Develop and oversee a welcoming, high-touch onboarding process that connects new members to the Chamber’s advocacy, events, and resources.
  • Track and evaluate member satisfaction.

Pinnacle Investors and Sponsorship

  • Support major donor engagement and renewals with a relationship-driven process.
  • Collaborate with staff to support sponsorship outreach and delivery, ensuring strong partner engagement across Chamber events and programs.

Member Engagement and Support

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for member inquiries, connections, and engagement opportunities.
  • Work across teams to integrate member perspectives into advocacy, programming, and communications.
  • Provide monthly membership reports to staff and leadership, with analysis on growth, retention, and revenue trends.

Data and Operations

  • Maintain accuracy and integrity of membership data in the CRM.
  • Support automation of renewals, onboarding, and event registrations to improve the member experience.
  • Track and report on membership KPIs including dues revenue, retention rate, major donor participation, and engagement benchmarks.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in membership management, donor relations, sales, or business development.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a member-first, customer-service mindset.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate ROI and member value.
  • Experience with CRM or membership database systems preferred.
  • Willingness to travel to member meetings and events across Vermont.

Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $60,000–$75,000 per year, commensurate with experience, with potential sales incentive opportunities. This position includes the full benefits package available to full-time employees of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Work Environment and Application: This position is hybrid-remote with at least one day a week at the Berlin, VT office. This position requires some in-state travel and may occasionally require work outside of traditional office hours. Interested candidates should submit a resume to jobs@vtchamber.com along with a cover letter that demonstrates how your knowledge and experience align with this position. If you reside outside of Vermont, please include in your cover letter why you are interested in relocating.

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Vermont Chamber Announces New Board Members and Leadership

September 30, 2025
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Transportation Fund in Disrepair

September 25, 2025
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Transportation Fund in Disrepair

Transportation Fund in Disrepair

Last week, the Joint Transportation Oversight Committee met to confront sobering projections for Vermont’s Transportation Fund and a recission plan for current reduced FY26 estimates. The fund is facing a widening deficit that may require cuts to core programs and critical maintenance, with consequences for road quality, safety, and the economy.

 

According to the Joint Fiscal Office, transportation revenues are projected to grow at just 1.6% in FY26, well below the projected rate of inflation. Structural challenges drive this stagnation: fuel taxes are tied to consumption, and greater vehicle efficiency and electric vehicle adoption exacerbate this decline in revenue. Tariffs on steel and other construction materials are also inflating costs, and a projected $33.4 million shortfall by FY27 for federal matches could put an additional $163 million in federal dollars at risk.

 

On the current trajectory, the state could see 60% of roads in poor or very poor condition by the end of the decade. Paving, which is the most reactive to swings in funding, already fell to a historic low of 135 miles in FY25, far short of the 300 needed yearly to maintain system health and the 243 miles per year average for the past five years.

 

This issue affects far more than just drivers. Poor road conditions hurt Vermont’s visitor economy and increase costs for manufacturers dependent on reliable shipping.

 

The Transportation Fund challenge is a stark example of the reality every agency will face in the near term if Vermont does not change its long-term projections. With resources tightening and Vermonters already struggling with affordability, higher taxes are not a viable solution. Instead of cycling between program cuts and tax increases, Vermont can pursue a more sustainable path: growing opportunity and revenue through economic vitality. The Vermont Futures Project’s Economic Action Plan provides a roadmap to expand the economy, strengthen the workforce, and ensure long-term sustainability.

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Governor Scott Streamlines Housing Regulations

Governor Scott Streamlines Housing Regulations

Governor Scott issued an Executive Order last week taking meaningful steps to address Vermont’s housing shortage by targeting regulatory and permitting challenges slowing development and driving up costs.

The Governor’s Order will:

  • Allow builders to comply with 2020 or 2024 Residential Building Energy Standards.
  • Halve discretionary permit review timelines for qualifying housing projects.
  • Grant priority to residential, multi-family, mobile home, and shelter projects in the permitting process
  • Grant automatic permit approval if agencies miss statutory or regulatory deadlines.
  • Allow developers to pursue concurrent permitting across state agencies.
  • Defer permit fee payments and reduce fees applicable to affordable housing units.
  • Pre-map Class II wetlands in growth areas and reduce associated buffer zones.
  • Assign teams to coordinate review of multi-family and mixed-use housing projects.
  • Establish an inventory of underutilized state-owned land for housing development.
  • Extend the Brownfield Economic Revitalization Alliance program to support housing redevelopment.

It will now be incumbent upon the agencies historically charged with regulating these processes to implement the Governor’s directives with consistency, transparency, and a commitment to meaningful progress. While legislative action remains essential, this Executive Order reinforces a message the Vermont Chamber has long championed: Vermont cannot address its housing crisis without thoughtful regulatory reform at all levels of government. Permitting delays, inconsistent timelines, and an unpredictable process constrain housing creation, limiting Vermont’s ability to meet workforce housing needs. Allowing developers to deliver projects more predictably without sacrificing environmental or safety protections will make building housing easier, faster, and more affordable.

As Vermont businesses continue to face workforce shortages and recruitment difficulties driven by limited housing availability, the Vermont Chamber remains focused on advancing policy and regulatory changes that remove barriers and accelerate smart, community-centered housing development.

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Solutions Summit Calls Stakeholders to Action

Solutions Summit Calls Stakeholders to Action

At this year’s Solutions Summit, legislative, business, and community leaders came together for interactive policy breakout sessions focused on turning strategy into action. Guided by the Vermont Economic Action Plan, discussions centered on three critical policy areas: Housing and Population Growth, Economic Development and Business Climate, and Workforce Development and Breaking Down Barriers.

 

Participants focused on actionable steps legislators can take in the 2026 session to strengthen Vermont’s economy. Each group identified practical policy solutions aimed at improving the business climate, supporting economic vitality, and making Vermont more affordable for both families and employers. Key proposals included encouraging regional cooperation, streamlining and simplifying permitting processes, expanding education around programs and policies, and expanding career pathways through apprenticeships, work-based learning, and stackable credentials.

 

The collaborative exchange highlighted the need to align state policy with the data-informed priorities of the Economic Action Plan. As funding challenges persist, open dialogue and a focus on efficiency and affordability are more important than ever. By fostering dialogue between policymakers and the business community, the breakouts helped create a roadmap for action that will directly inform advocacy in Montpelier this session.

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Vermont Chamber to Launch Inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Vermont Awards

Vermont Chamber to Launch Inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Vermont Awards

Montpelier, VT (September 11, 2025) – The Vermont Chamber has opened nominations for the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Vermont Awards. This new program celebrates the innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship that set Vermont apart.


Products can be entered in three categories:

  • Coolest Thing Made in Vermont
  • Coolest Thing Made by a Neighbor: Celebrating the aerospace corridor and the connections that drive manufacturing
  • Coolest Thing Made by a Career Technical Education (CTE) or Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) program

Nominations are open through October 1. Finalists and award recipients will be recognized at the Vermont Chamber Manufacturing Summit Awards Dinner on November 19.

 

“Manufacturing sustains almost 30,000 Vermont jobs and exports over $2 billion in goods earch year. Behind those numbers are stories of creativity, resilience, and community. The Coolest Thing Made in Vermont Awards celebrate that innovation and craftsmanship while shining a light on the people and products driving our economy forward,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

 

Now in its 12th year, the Vermont Manufacturing Summit brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and experts from across Vermont, New England, and beyond to tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges, from navigating regulatory changes and strengthening supply chains to embracing innovation and developing the workforce of tomorrow. A hallmark of the Summit is the opportunity for manufacturers to build meaningful connections through scheduled meetings and networking, helping companies source locally, form partnerships, and strengthen Vermont’s manufacturing ecosystem.

 

If you make something remarkable, or know someone who does, we encourage you to submit a nomination by October 1. Help us highlight the products and people driving Vermont’s manufacturing excellence.

 

Click here for more information or to submit a nomination.

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Coolest Thing Made in Vermont Awards

Job Opportunity: Tourism Marketing & Sales Manager

Job Opportunity: Tourism Marketing and Sales Manager

Job Title: Tourism Marketing and Sales Manager
Reports To: Senior Director of Programming 
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Organization Overview: The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is Vermont’s leading not-for-profit business organization dedicated to advancing our state’s economy. We advocate for businesses, build community, and provide valuable resources statewide. Our enterprise includes the Vermont Chamber of Commerce 501(c)(6) and the Vermont Chamber Foundation 501(c)(3), doing business as The Vermont Futures Project.

Position Overview: The Vermont Chamber of Commerce seeks a Tourism Marketing and Sales Manager to help promote Vermont as a top destination and support the growth of the state’s visitor economy. This role focuses on building relationships, generating advertising sales, and supporting marketing efforts that showcase Vermont’s tourism industry. 

The Manager guides the advertising sales strategy for the Tourism Marketing Program, Stay & Play Directory, Vermont Vacation Guides, and Road Map & Guide, while also providing support for the Vermont Attractions Association and Vermont Tourism Network. The position will encompass project management duties, including attention to production timelines, vendor relationships, and content strategy across digital and print platforms, including VermontVacation.com, ensuring consistency with Chamber brand standards. 

The ideal candidate is a motivated professional with strong communication and organizational skills who enjoys working with businesses, partners, and stakeholders to create successful marketing programs. We are looking for a team player who can manage multiple programs and projects simultaneously and understands that a successful business community is important to the economic health of Vermont.  

This role will support the Senior Director of Programming in the following ways:  

  • Build and maintain relationships with tourism businesses and partners 
  • Manage digital and print advertising sales and meet annual revenue goals 
  • Support the development of tourism marketing materials in both print and digital formats 
  • Coordinate projects and vendors to ensure timely, high-quality results 
  • Contribute to programs that strengthen Vermont’s tourism brand and visitor experience.

Qualifications: 

  • 3–5 years of experience in sales, marketing, communications, or a related field 
  • Proven ability to meet sales or revenue goals 
  • Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills 
  • Ability to collaborate with partners and manage multiple projects 

Compensation and Benefits: Salary range: $55,000–$70,000 per year, commensurate with experience, with potential sales incentive opportunities. This position includes the full benefits package available to full-time employees of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. 

Work Environment and Application: This position is hybrid-remote with at least one day a week at the Berlin, VT office. This position requires some in-state travel and may occasionally require work outside of traditional office hours. Interested candidates should submit a resume to jobs@vtchamber.com along with a cover letter that demonstrates how your knowledge and experience align with this position. If you reside outside of Vermont, please include in your cover letter why you are interested in relocating. 

Mission Statement: 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. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Belief Statement: The Vermont Chamber of Commerce believes in supporting a vibrant economy through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers, promoting acceptance, and ensuring a welcoming business environment. Vermont’s economic growth and prosperity depend on our ability to embrace all people, regardless of race, religion, national origin, geographic location, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. 

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Vermont Chamber Announces New Board Members and Leadership

September 30, 2025
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Job Opportunity: Director of Membership Engagement

September 29, 2025
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Solutions Summit Brings Leaders Together to Turn Strategy Into Action

Solutions Summit Brings Leaders Together to Turn Strategy Into Action

Keynotes from national and state leaders highlight Vermont’s path to affordability and abundance.

Montpelier, VT (September 3, 2025) – The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has announced the keynote presentations for the 2025 Solutions Summit. Grounded in the Vermont Economic Action Plan, this event focuses on solutions for workforce growth, housing expansion, and community revitalization. Held on September 18, 2025, at Hotel Champlain in Burlington, this year’s event will bring together business, state, and municipal leaders to translate strategy into action.

 

Attendees will explore the foundations of the Economic Action Plan and hear from other communities and businesses at various stages of implementation. Through expert insights and break-out sessions, attendees will develop scalable, actionable strategies to build a more affordable, prosperous Vermont. Keynote presentations include:

 

  • Building Vermont’s Talent Advantage, Stephen Moret, President & CEO, Strada Foundation
    • Vermont’s economic future depends on people. As policymakers and business leaders advance the Vermont Economic Action Plan, the state faces a dual challenge: expanding its working-age population and increasing labor force participation. In this keynote, Stephen Moret will share national and Vermont-specific insights on labor force participation and interstate migration of college graduates, along with lessons from Strada’s research on education and employment outcomes. The session will highlight how Vermont can expand opportunities for individuals and strengthen talent pipelines for employers, positioning the state as both an attractive place to live and a competitive place to grow a business.
  • MythBusters: Addressing Pushback and Building Buy-In, Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project
    • Myths about growth in Vermont are widespread — from “growth will turn Vermont into New Jersey” to “there aren’t enough jobs” to “Vermont doesn’t have the capacity for more people.” In this interactive session, Kevin Chu will combine numbers and narrative to dispel common misperceptions, preparing attendees to leave as data-informed ambassadors for growth.
  • What’s Possible: Investing Now for Prosperous, Sustainable Neighborhoods, Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak; Maggie Super Church (Massachusetts Community Climate Bank); Evan Langfeldt (O’Brien Brothers); Mari McClure (Green Mountain Power); Moderated by Javier Silva (Federal Reserve Bank of New York)
    • This keynote panel explores how Vermont can embrace economic growth while advancing climate resilience, affordability, and abundance. Moderated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and grounded in their publication What’s Possible: Investing Now for Prosperous, Sustainable Neighborhoods, the conversation will feature voices from Vermont and beyond, highlighting how innovative cross-sector collaboration can drive sustainable development.

 

Attendees will gain insight into practical, forward-looking strategies and examples of success that align investment with impact. The takeaway: economic development and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities but complementary forces. Through real-world experience and cross-sector collaboration, panelists will share what’s working, and what’s scalable, and what solutions can come next as we collectively explore what’s possible for Vermont’s future. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of What’s Possible.

 

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is committed to advancing the Vermont economy and shaping solutions for workforce growth, housing expansion and community revitalization, ensuring our state remains competitive in an ever-evolving economic landscape. The Solutions Summit is sponsored by Google, Delta Dental, UVM Health Network, Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development/Department of Labor, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group, Acrisure, Carris Reels, Front Porch Forum, Green Mountain Power, O’Brien Brothers, VELCO, Vermont Federal Credit Union, and Vermont Saves. Registration for the Solutions Summit is currently open; visit vtchamber.com/vermont-solutions-summit/ for registration and additional information.

 

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Navigating Federal Tax Reform: Impacts for Vermont Businesses

Navigating Federal Tax Reform: Impacts for Vermont Businesses

In a sweeping move with far-reaching implications, the Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4. The federal budget bill introduces significant reforms to business taxation, reshaping how employers plan investments, manage cash flow, and support their workforce.

 

Recognizing both the complexity and opportunity in these changes, the Vermont Chamber has partnered with Gallagher, Flynn & Company (GFC) to launch the Tax Insights & Business Intelligence series. The July 29 webinar, Big Bill, Big Impact: What Vermont Businesses Need to Know About Federal Tax Changes, served as the kickoff session, giving Vermont employers a practical breakdown of the most consequential provisions of the new law.

 

Key provisions include:

 

100% Bonus Depreciation: Restores 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets placed in service 2025–2029, letting businesses fully write off investments immediately. This will boost cash flow and encourage companies to move forward with major capital investments sooner.

 

Section 179 Expensing Increase: Raises the Section 179 expensing limit from $1M to $2.5M with a higher phase-out threshold, allowing more purchases to be deducted right away. This benefits businesses by helping them recover costs faster and improve their financial flexibility.

 

Instant R&D Write-Off: Ends the requirement to amortize domestic R&D costs over five years and allows certain small businesses to apply this retroactively to 2022–2024. This change will free up cash sooner for innovation, product development, and expansion plans.

 

Easier Interest Deduction: Changes the interest deduction limit calculation from EBIT back to EBITDA, expanding allowable deductions. This will ease the tax burden for capital-intensive businesses that rely on financing to grow.

 

Permanent 20% Pass-Through Deduction: Makes the 20% pass-through deduction permanent beyond 2025. This will provide long-term tax relief for S-corps, partnerships, and sole proprietors, improving competitiveness with larger corporations.

 

Bigger Employer Child Care Credit: Increases the employer-provided childcare credit rate, raises the cap, and expands eligible arrangements. This will create financial incentives for companies to offer childcare support, helping them attract and retain skilled workers.

 

Rollback of 1099-K Reporting: Rolls back the 1099-K reporting threshold from $600 to $20,000/200 transactions. This reduces compliance headaches and paperwork for small sellers, gig workers, and businesses using online payment processors.

 

These reforms are intended to spark investment and innovation, but the complexity of implementation means Vermont businesses will need timely guidance to capture the benefits and avoid pitfalls.

 

The Tax Insights & Business Intelligence series will build on this first webinar with brief video explainers, downloadable issue briefs, and additional programming aimed at supporting informed decision making. The Vermont Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that protect competitiveness while ensuring Vermont employers have the resources they need to thrive in a shifting federal and state landscape.

 

Watch the webinar and download presentation slides.

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Joint Fiscal Committee Receives Update on the State of the Economy

Joint Fiscal Committee Receives Update on the State of the Economy

In the July revenue report to the State Emergency Board and Joint Fiscal Committee, state economists projected a slowdown in Vermont’s economic growth, despite the General Fund outperforming expectations, driven largely by personal and corporate income taxes. Revenues from these sources are expected to cool, stabilizing at an annual growth rate of just 1–2%. The presentation also flagged risks from federal policy changes that could affect the state’s economic outlook.

 

While the Transportation Fund met forecasts this year despite operating at a deficit, economists cautioned that rising tariffs and a slowing economy are likely to worsen the shortfall in the near term. As a result, next year’s legislative session will likely involve proposals intended to reduce the widening gap.

 

Among the proposals on the table is a retail delivery fee, which would be charged to customers for delivered goods. Retailers would be required to collect and remit the fee to the state, creating new bureaucracy and adding costs for delivery services essential in this rural state. This proposal and others are likely to resurface next year, even though the Transportation Fund already transfers tens of millions of dollars annually to the Education Fund, a practice that obscures the true cost of Vermont’s education system.

 

After years of challenging tax increases passed during economic growth periods, taxpayers now have little capacity to raise new revenue without worsening affordability. In the upcoming session, the Vermont Chamber will push for practical reforms that reduce costs without placing additional pressure on businesses.

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