Kick off the Vermont Economic Conference with a relaxed continental breakfast and meaningful networking. This opening hour is designed to bring together business leaders, policymakers, and partners from across the state for informal connection ahead of the day’s economic programming.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with peers, meet speakers and sponsors, and engage in early conversations about the economic forces shaping Vermont’s future. Coffee and light breakfast offerings will be available.

The Vermont Economic Conference will open with brief welcome remarks from Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and VermontBiz will present the Outstanding Business of the Year Award to Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, honoring more than a century of craftsmanship, leadership, and commitment to growing a nationally recognized business while staying deeply rooted in Vermont.

This recognition celebrates Birnn Chocolates’ four generation legacy, long tenured workforce, and intentional decision to manufacture every truffle in South Burlington while distributing to all 50 states. The award reflects the company’s enduring impact on Vermont’s economy and its example of how businesses can grow with purpose, invest in people, and strengthen communities.

Mat Barewicz will provide a comprehensive outlook on Vermont’s economy, offering data-driven insight into key trends, labor market conditions, and the forces shaping our state’s economic trajectory. As the Economic & Labor Market Information Chief at the Vermont Department of Labor, he will break down current challenges, highlight emerging opportunities, and help frame what Vermont’s economic future may hold.

An opportunity to step away from sessions, connect with peers, and engage in informal conversation with speakers and sponsors before the program continues.

Guided by Kevin Chu (Vermont Futures Project), this panel brings together respected leaders from economic and political research, housing, and healthcare: Professor Gary Winslett (Middlebury College), Maura Collins (Vermont Housing Finance Agency), and Dr. Stephen Leffler (UVM Health Network).

This panel discussion offers a data-informed view of Vermont’s economy, and a solutions-oriented conversation about decisions ahead. With Vermont Futures Project data as a backdrop, panelists will explore what happens if Vermont stays on its current path, the opportunity costs of inaction, and levers of influence for meaningful impact within our control in Vermont. The discussion will also look outward by exploring lessons from other states and envisioning the bold choices that could position Vermont for growth and opportunity over the next decade. 

This buffet lunch provides an opportunity to refuel and network with peers while continuing conversations sparked throughout the day.

In this highly anticipated session, Thomas Feltmate brings a big-picture perspective grounded in data, insight, and real-world implications for business leaders. Drawing on his work at TD Economics, where he has tracked shifts in growth, inflation, interest rates, and labor markets, Thomas will translate national economic conditions into clear and actionable takeaways for Vermont’s business community.

Attendees will walk away with a clear assessment of the United States growth trajectory, including potential headwinds and tailwinds that could influence business investment and consumer demand. Thomas will also provide insight into inflation trends and monetary policy, including how interest rates may evolve in the coming quarters. These dynamics are critical for understanding cost structures, borrowing, hiring, and long-term planning.

The session will include a strategic look at the labor market, including employment trends, wage pressures, and emerging workforce challenges, offering context for both immediate needs and future opportunities. Thomas will also provide a comparative lens to understand how national trends intersect with Vermont’s economic landscape, including our unique industry mix, workforce dynamics, and competitive advantages.

This year’s Vermont Economic Conference keynote brings together two voices who help people understand how the economy really works—one through public stewardship and state financial strategy, and the other through sharp, story-driven business news and commentary.

Treasurer Mike Pieciak will lead a fast-paced interview with Jack Crivici-Kramer, co-host of the nationally celebrated business podcast The Best One Yet. Known for translating complex market trends into engaging, digestible stories, Jack brings a unique narrative lens that resonates with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy thinkers alike.

The conversation will pair Jack’s signature clarity and energy with Mike’s deep understanding of Vermont’s fiscal landscape. Together, they will offer a compelling, accessible look at the forces shaping Vermont’s economic future. This is a session built for leaders who want context, clarity, and actionable insight.

The 2025 Business Climate Survey offers a clear view of how Vermont employers are experiencing today’s economy, reflecting concerns around workforce shortages, housing constraints, and the broader affordability pressures shaping competitiveness. In this session, Vermont Chamber of Commerce President Amy Spear will move beyond sentiment to strategy by connecting employer perspectives directly to the Chamber’s government affairs work and the Vermont Economic Action Plan.

Attendees will gain a sharper understanding of the policies, trends, and priorities shaping Vermont’s economic trajectory and will see how data-informed advocacy is transforming business feedback into actionable pathways for growth, resilience, and long-term prosperity. This session demonstrates the Chamber’s commitment to advancing the Vermont economy through advocacy, community, and resources while elevating the voice of businesses statewide.

Closing remarks from Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce