NEWSLETTERS

Members can stay informed about economic and business news and the latest from the Vermont Legislature. Our digital newsletters are a great way for businesses to engage with members statewide. Find out about sponsorship opportunities by clicking the sponsor button below.

Looking for information from a past newsletter? Archives of our Commerce Connection and State to Main are below.

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CONTACT US

Hazel Brewster
Public Relations Director

Note: As a result of a website migration, certain links contained in archived newsletters are no longer active. If you need details referenced in the archives, please contact Maggie Wilson (contact information above).

Commerce Connection

BROWSE COMMERCE CONNECTION ARCHIVES

SEPTEMBER 2023

  • An Evening With the Graffs
  • The Manufacturing Summit
  • Vermont Futures Project Begins Statewide Tour to Inform Economic Plan
READ THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

AUGUST 2023

  • Business Recovery
  • Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program
  • Businesses Need Immediate Financial Assistance, and Time, to Recover
READ THE AUGUST ISSUE

JULY 2023

  • Severe Weather – Business Recovery
  • Business Community Celebrates Senator Leahy for Career of Contributions to the Vermont Economy
  • Governor Phil Scott Connects with Business Leaders at The Wellspring Forum
READ THE JULY ISSUE

JUNE 2023

  • Economic Stewardship Must be Central to Veto Session Decisions
  • 31 Ways Legislative Action or Inaction Could Impact Businesses After This Session
  • Calculate the Payroll Tax Impact on Your Business
READ THE JUNE ISSUE

MAY 2023

  • Housing Heroes: The Rural Caucus Fights to Address the Housing Crisis
  • Vermont’s Signature Events
  • Your Voice Matters: Legislature Considering $461 Million of New Taxes and Fees
READ THE MAY ISSUE

APRIL 2023

  • Tourism Day at the State House Centers the Visitor Economy and Destination Stewardship
  • Rankings of Best Places to Work in Vermont 2023
  • 100 Vermont Cities and Towns Adopt a Declaration of Inclusion
  • U.S. Manufacturing and Service-Sector Data Beats Market’s Expectations in March
READ THE APRIL ISSUE

MARCH 2023

  • Vermont Chamber Convenes Economic Roundtable with Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  • Save the Date: Tourism Day at the State House
  • The Wellspring Forum Features Sen. Ann Cummings and Rep. Emily Long
  • 57 Businesses Named as Best Places to Work
READ THE MARCH ISSUE

FEBRUARY 2023

  • Last Chance: Annual Vermont Business Economic Survey
  • 2023 Vermont Economic Conference Provides Outlook for the Year Ahead
  • This Has to Stop
  • Save The Date: Tourism Day at the State House
  • Vermont Chamber on WDEV
READ THE FEBRUARY ISSUE

JANUARY 2023

  • Register For the Vermont Economic Conference – January 30, 2023
  • 2023 Legislative Session Priorities
  • Sen. Ram Hinsdale Supportive of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Efforts
  • Business Leaders Urged Action From Commissioners of Economic Development, Housing
  • Vermont Futures Project Op-Ed: An Unbalanced Equation
READ THE JANUARY ISSUE

DECEMBER 2022

  • Vermont Economic Conference
  • VT Restaurant Leaders Meet with Congressman Welch
  • Declaration of Inclusion Initiative Reaches Milestone
  • Attracting More Workers for a Successful Future
  • Promote Your Event to Vermonters and Visitors

READ THE DECEMBER ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2022

Learn about current state of the manufacturing industry, how rising costs are contributing to economic uncertainty, how Vermont can leverage its strengths to address our greatest economic challenges, and more. We also feature our sponsor, MVP Health Care.

READ THE NOVEMBER ISSUE

OCTOBER 2022

learn about the recent Vermont Chamber events, the current grant and assistance programs available to Vermont businesses, and more. We also feature member Open Approach, and our sponsor MVP Health Care.

READ THE OCTOBER ISSUE

SEPTEMBER 2022

Learn about solutions for recruiting and retaining workers, updates from the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery, The CHIPS Act, the Elevate Vermont Technical Assistance Grant, and more.

READ THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

AUGUST 2022

In this issue, learn about the our summer on the road, pandemic recovery initiatives for bars and restaurants, the VEDA Short Term Forgivable Loan Program, the State Small Business Credit Initiative, and more. We also spotlight our member, Wicked Good Ice.

READ THE AUGUST ISSUE

JULY 2022

Learn about the Chamber’s new Business Outreach Director, an update on the Declaration of Inclusion, workforce training grants, and more in July’s Commerce Connection. We also spotlight Darn Tough.

READ THE JULY ISSUE

JUNE 2022

Learn about our latest podcast episode, cross-border collaboration, the 2022 Vermont Community Leadership Summit, SBA’s Executive Entrepreneurship Training Class, and more in June’s Commerce Connection. We also feature Autumn Harp.

READ THE JUNE ISSUE

MAY 2022

Learn about The 2022 Manufacturing Summit, Vermont’s Declaration of Inclusion, Casella’s Sustainability Leadership Award Winners, Vermont’s 2022 Inclusion Week, and more in May’s Commerce Connection. We also feature Julie Martin of 89 North.

READ THE MAY ISSUE

APRIL 2022

Learn about the Chamber’s new podcast, an investment in Vermont’s GlobalFoundries facility, Vermont Business Magazine’s 2022 Best of Business Awards recipients, and more in April’s Commerce Connection. We also share a feature that spotlights our member Vermont Teddy Bear Company.

READ THE APRIL ISSUE

MARCH 2022

Learn about the importance of addressing housing for Vermont’s workforce, the results of the Vermont Economic Survey, the relocating and remoter worker grants, and more in March’s Commerce Connection. We also share a feature that spotlights our member West Hill House B&B.


READ THE MARCH ISSUE

FEBRUARY 2022

  • Vermont Economic Conference Focused on the Business Case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Vermont Chamber Announces New Hire, Public Relations Director
  • Help Your Town Adopt the Declaration of Inclusion
  • Chamber Response to State of the State and Budget Address

READ THE FEBRUARY ISSUE

JANUARY 2022

  • Attend Our Economic Conference
  • Vermont Chamber Focusing on Workforce Talent & Growth
  • Building Our Future Economy
  • Labor Shortage Impacting Vermont
READ THE JANUARY ISSUE

DECEMBER 2021

  • Vermont Chamber Expands Government Relations Division
  • Vermont Futures Project Welcomes New Executive Director
  • Equity is the Path to Economic Success
  • Aviation Tech Center is a Workforce Investment

READ THE DECEMBER ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2021

  • Submit Your 2022 Top 10 Event!
  • Advocacy Around Vaccine Mandate
  • Urge Congress to Replenish RRF
  • VFP Welcomes New Board Members & Turns 5 Years Old

READ THE NOVEMBER ISSUE

OCTOBER 2021

  • Feel Fall in Vermont
  • Chamber Welcomes Afghan Refugees
  • Welcoming New Board Members
  • Building Bridges Fund Contributors 

READ THE OCTOBER ISSUE

SEPTEMBER 2021

  • Introducing Our New Website
  • Chamber President Meets With Senator Sanders
  • 2 Questions in 2 Minutes – Vermont Futures Project
  • RRF Replenishment

READ THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

AUGUST 2021

  • Inspired Discussions About Vermont’s Economy 
  • 2 Questions in 2 Minutes: Economic Recovery Bridge
  • Vermont Chamber on NPR
  • Find & Grow Your Workforce at Our Annual Manufacturing Summit

READ THE AUGUST ISSUE

JULY 2021

  • Vermont Chamber Co-Presents Deane C. Davis Award 
  • Pushing for RRF Replenishment
  • 2 Questions in 2 Minutes – Business Recovery Needs
  • The Future of Electric Aviation

READ THE JULY ISSUE

JUNE 2021

  • Investments in Economic Future, but Little Immediate Business Relief 
  • Tourism & Hospitality Worker Vaccine Clinics
  • 2 Questions in 2 Minutes – Alcohol To-Go
  • Vermont Futures Project Survey

READ THE JUNE ISSUE

MAY 2021

  • Senator Leahy Announces Earmarks at Chamber Event
  • 2 Questions in 2 Minutes – Manufacturing Tax Exemption
  • Act 250 & the Stifling of Economic Opportunity
  • Improving the Health of Vermont’s Housing

READ THE MAY ISSUE

APRIL 2021

  • Future of Remote Work in Vermont
  • UI Changes Would Harm Economic Recovery
  • Virtual Policy Series Recordings
  • Manufacturing Summit Registration Open for Suppliers

READ THE APRIL ISSUE

MARCH 2021

  • Launch of Our Second Virtual Policy Series
  • Vermont Employers Embracing Change
  • Racial Diversity and Equity Data Sets
  • Broadband Access and Needs

READ THE MARCH ISSUE

FEBRUARY 2021

  • Positive Steps for Vermont’s Aerospace Sector
  • Civility: Is it Too Much to Ask? Not in Vermont
  • Join Us at Our Vermont Economic Conference
  • Working Bridges Launches to Support Restaurant Workforce

READ THE FEBRUARY ISSUE

JANUARY 2021

  • 2021 Vermont Economic Conference
  • Business Not as Usual: 2021 Legislative Priorities
  • Annual Business Economic Survey
  • Tourism and Hospitality Roundtable

READ THE JANUARY ISSUE

DECEMBER 2020

  • Additional $75 Million for Vermont Businesses
  • December Events in Our Virtual Policy Series
  • Legislative Updates Across Vermont
  • Vermont Chamber Supporting Workforce

READ THE DECEMBER ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2020

  • Last Chance to Vote
  • Apply for Expanded Grants
  • Explore Vermont and Win
  • Pushing for More Relief for Businesses

READ THE NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE

OCTOBER 2020

  • Seal, Sign, and Send!
  • Vermont Chamber Cohosts Candidate Forums
  • Socially Distant Ways to Enjoy Vermont This Fall
  • Successful Opposition to U.S. Tariff on Canadian Aluminum

READ THE OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE

SEPTEMBER 2020

  • Seal, Sign, and Send!
  • Enroll Your Business in Gift Card Program
  • Our Tourism Team Launches Improved Directory
  • Virtual Manufacturing Summit
  • Vermont Could Lead Nation in Remote Work

READ THE SEPTEMBER 2020 ISSUE

AUGUST 2020

  • Vermont Chamber Hosting Legislative Webinars
  • Apply Now for Recovery Grants
  • Recovery Passport Continues Into August
  • Chris Carrigan Wins SBA Award

READ THE AUGUST 2020 ISSUE

JULY 2020

  • Forging a Way Forward
  • Chamber Strengthened Relief for Businesses
  • Vice President of Tourism on Mass Appeal
  • Vermont Chamber Joins U.S. Chamber Initiative

READ THE JULY 2020 ISSUE

JUNE 2020

  • The Way Through is Together
  • Our Advocacy Influenced Relief Package
  • Vermont Chamber President on VPR
  • Congressman Welch at Lodging Town Hall

READ THE JUNE 2020 ISSUE

MAY 2020

  • Over 40 Members Among 2020 Best of Business Recipients
  • Vermont Futures Project Recovery Dashboard
  • Vermont Chamber Readies Manufacturers for Reopening
  • Welcoming Three New Hires

READ THE MAY 2020 ISSUE

State to Main

BROWSE STATE TO MAIN 2023 SESSION ARCHIVES

2023 JULY EDITION

  • Businesses Need Immediate Financial Assistance, and Time, to Recover
  • Resiliency Must be Central to Housing Development Policy
  • $20 Million of State Grant Support Will Aid Business Recovery
State to Main – 2023 July Edition

2023 VETO SESSION

  • Working Vermonters to Pay First-Ever State Payroll Tax
  • Committee Will Continue Work on Data Privacy Throughout Summer
State to Main – 2023 Veto Session

2023 WEEK 20

  • Economic Stewardship Must be Central to Veto Session Decisions
  • Calculate the Payroll Tax Impact on Your Business
  • Vermont Chamber Answers Questions on Housing, Wastewater Infrastructure, DMV Fees, Fuel Costs, and More
State to Main – 2023 Week 20

2023 WEEK 19

  • 31 Ways Legislative Action or Inaction Could Impact Businesses After This Session
State to Main – 2023 Week 19

2023 WEEK 18

  • Legislature Levies an $80 Million Payroll Tax on Vermont Businesses and Employees
  • Vermont Chamber Secures Extension for Vermont’s Only Business Incentive Program
State to Main – 2023 Week 18

2023 WEEK 17

  • House Leadership Restores Essential Provisions in “HOME” Bill
  • Concerns Remain That Childcare Bill Will Not Meet Workforce Needs
State to Main – 2023 Week 17

2023 WEEK 16

  • House and Senate Conflict on Major Spending Initiatives, Budget Poised for Veto
  • Legislators Continue to Increase Tax Proposals with Only Weeks Left in the Session
  • Will The House Deliver on Speaker’s Commitment to “Housing, Housing, Housing”?
State to Main – 2023 Week 16

2023 WEEK 15

  • Housing Heroes: The Rural Caucus Fights to Address the Housing Crisis
  • Liquor Liability Legislation Needs Urgent Action
  • Tax Hikes to Fund Childcare and Paid Family and Medical Leave Include Corporate Income, Personal Income, and Payroll
State to Main – 2023 Week 15

2023 WEEK 14

  • Your Voice Matters: Legislature Considering $461 Million of New Taxes and Fees
  • Childcare Solutions Must Address Availability, Dependability, and Affordability
  • Conflict Between Policy and Politics Continues to Obstruct Meaningful Housing Legislation

State to Main – 2023 Week 14

2023 WEEK 13

  • Will the House Make Meaningful Progress on Housing Legislation?
  • Data Privacy Bill Requires Further Research to Understand Impact on Businesses
  • Legislature Makes Progress on Liquor Law Modernization
State to Main – 2023 Week 13

2023 WEEK 12

  • Politics Upstages Good Policy, Housing Bill Falls Short
  • House Commerce Bill Bolsters Workforce and Economic Development
  • A Rare “Win-Win” For Small Businesses, State, and Vermonters
State to Main – 2023 Week 12

2023 WEEK 11

  • Chittenden Amendment To “HOME” Bill Would Help Legislation Live Up to Its Name Again
  • Vermont Chamber Helps to Repurpose ARPA Dollars From Embattled COVID Paid Leave Program to Workforce Development
  • How Will S.56 Achieve Legislative Intent of Addressing the Workforce Needs of Employers?
  • House Passes Massive $120 Million Payroll Tax Increase to Create Largest Paid Family Leave Program in Nation
State to Main – 2023 Week 11

2023 WEEK 10

  • Paid Family and Medical Leave Proposal Not Rooted in Economic Reality
  • Childcare Revenue Source Remains Unclear, Only One Week Until Deadline
  • Rushed Legislation Makes Significant Changes to Labor Laws
  • “HOME” Bill Fractures Amid Senate Natural Resource Committee Amendments, Will Require Senators to Reaffirm Commitment to Issue
State to Main – 2023 Week 10

2023 WEEK 9

  • The Wellspring Forum Features Sen. Ann Cummings and Rep. Emily Long
  • Cost of Childcare is Still Unknown, and Questions Remain Unanswered
  • Amid Severe Workforce Shortage, Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Would Raise Taxes and Further Constrict Workforce Retention
  • Essential Solutions at Risk of Being Stripped from Housing Bill
State to Main – 2023 Week 9

2023 WEEK 8

  • Significant Solutions Proposed in Housing Omnibus Bill to Address Business Concerns
  • Business Leaders Testify on Liquor Liability Insurance Concerns
  • Following Supreme Court Decision, S.9 Would Grant Unprecedented Expansion of Power to State Auditor
  • New VEGI Bill Considered Following Vermont Chamber Testimony for Balanced Modernization
State to Main – 2023 Week 8

2023 WEEK 7

  • Collective Impact of Major Proposals Must be Central to Funding Discussions
  • Elevating Vermont’s Achievements to Recruit and Retain Talent
  • Funding Secured for Housing in Budget Adjustment
  • 12 Weeks Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill Voted Out of Committee With 100% Wage Replacement Mandated for All Businesses
State to Main – 2023 Week 7

2023 WEEK 6

  • Paid Leave Fast-Tracked With 13 Weeks Leave and 100% Wage Replacement
  • Vermont’s Only Business Incentive Program at Risk
  • Economic Recovery Program Championed by Vermont Chamber Reaches Successful Conclusion
  • Immediate Action on Housing Required for Workforce Growth
State to Main – 2023 Week 6

2023 WEEK 5

  • Immense Number of Tax Proposals in Discussion
  • Money Alone Cannot Fix Vermont’s Housing Problem
  • Childcare Bill Takes Different Approach from RAND Report
  • Budget Adjustment Act Passes the House

State to Main – 2023 Week 5

2023 WEEK 4

  • Workforce Housing Bill Introduced
  • Budget Adjustment Act Approaches Finish Line
  • Two Opposing Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Plans
  • Rural Omnibus Bill Takes Shape
State to Main – 2023 Week 4

2023 WEEK 3

  • “Invest Versus Spend” – Governor Scott Delivers His 7th Budget Address
  • Childcare Report Released, Questions on Availability Remain
  • Housing Solutions Gain Momentum
  • The Cloud Tax Conversation
State to Main – 2023 Week 3

2023 WEEK 2

  • This Has to Stop
  • Governor Proposes Greater Infrastructure Investments
  • Proposed Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill Funded by Payroll Tax
  • Vermont’s Congressional Delegation Takes Office 

State to Main – 2023 Week 2

2023 WEEK 1

  • Governor Scott Echoes the Vermont Chamber’s Commitment to the Economy
  • Legislature Must Balance Economic Conditions with Priorities
  • Chairs Take the Helm in Key Committees
  • State House Shakeup: Committee Assignments

State to Main – 2023 Week 1

BROWSE STATE TO MAIN 2022 SESSION ARCHIVES

2022 DECEMBER EDITION

  • 2023 Legislative Session Priorities
  • Vermont Chamber Hosts Business Roundtable with Sen. Ram Hinsdale
  • The Wellspring Forum Featured Commissioners of Economic Development, Housing
  • Restaurant Leaders Meet with Senator-Elect Welch to Urge Continued Industry Support
State to Main – 2022 December Edition

2022 NOVEMBER EDITION

  • 2022 General Election Results
  • Attracting More Workers for a Successful Future
  • Healthcare Roundup
  • Declaration of Inclusion Initiative Reaches Milestone
State to Main – 2022 November Edition

2022 OCTOBER EDITION

  • Accumulating Costs Add to Economic Uncertainty
  • Tax Revenues Strong, But Can We Afford More Spending?
  • Election Day
  • Vermont Futures Project: 2022 Top States for Business – The Rise of Vermont
State to Main – 2022 October Edition

2022 SEPTEMBER EDITION

  • Rising Business Costs Inform Policy Agenda
  • The Wellspring Forum with Balint and Pieciak
  • Delegation Champions Collaboration at Aerospace Innovation Forum
  • Vermont Futures Project Data Dive
State to Main – 2022 September Edition

2022 AUGUST EDITION

  • Political Intrigue in Federal Races Drives High Voter Turnout, Upsets
  • Surprises and Fresh Faces in Down Ballot Races
  • Looking Ahead to the General Election
  • Opportunity to Weigh in on Hospital Budget Increases
State to Main – 2022 August Edition

2022 JULY EDITION

  • Don’t Forget to Vote!
  • Our Members Are at the Center of All We Do
  • Thanking All-Star Legislators
  • Retirements Mark the End of an Era, and the Start of a New Chapter
State to Main – 2022 July Edition

2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN REVIEW

  • 2022 Legislative Wins
  • With Compromise, State Appropriations Reflect Shared Goals
  • Retirements and Candidates Seeking Higher Office Spell State House Shakeup
State to Main – 2022 Legislative Session Review

2022 WEEK 18

  • Vermont Chamber Investment in Advocacy Pays off for Businesses
  • As Session Winds Down, Vetoes Increase
  • Economic and Workforce Development Bill Passes Despite Veto Concerns
  • Omnibus Housing Bill Passes

State to Main – 2022 Week 18

2022 WEEK 17

  • Omnibus Economic and Workforce Development Bill in Final Negotiations
  • Act 250 Bill Passes House With Poison Pill
  • Legislature on Track to Extend Health Insurance Savings for Small Businesses
State to Main – 2022 Week 17

2022 WEEK 16

  • Labor Shortage Data Shows 10% Decline in More Than Half the State
  • Governor Signals Displeasure With Legislature’s Direction on Workforce and Economic Development
  • Workforce and Economic Development Bills Combined, With Revisions, as Adjournment Looms
  • Community Partnership for Neighborhood Development Program

State to Main – 2022 Week 16

2022 WEEK 15

  • The Adult in the Room
  • Senate Passes $8 Billion Budget, Governor Raises the Prospect of a Veto
  • Economic Development Bill Advances to the House
  • Comprehensive Act 250 Bill Passes House Committee
State to Main – 2022 Week 15

2022 WEEK 14

  • Vermont Chamber Advocates for Business Relief and Workforce Growth
  • Workforce Development Initiatives Aim to Retain and Upskill Workers
  • Senate Committee Creates Tax Relief Package Without Raising New Taxes
  • Missing Middle Housing Proposal Advances
State to Main – 2022 Week 14

2022 WEEK 13

  • Priorities for Business Relief in the Final Stretch
  • Workforce and Economic Development Bills Progress as Appropriations Questions Loom
  • Vermont Chamber Testifies on Proposed Cloud Tax
  • Ensuring a Safe Environment for Vermont Visitors

State to Main – 2022 Week 13

2022 WEEK 12

  • House Commerce’s Workforce Field Hearing
  • Cloud Tax Is Back on the Table
  • Housing Proposals Taken up in the House
  • Health Insurance Cost Pressures Rising
State to Main – 2022 Week 12

2022 WEEK 11

  • Legislature Adds to Business Costs Amid Struggle to Recover
  • Fix for Business Grants Advances
  • Liquor Law Modernization Clears House
  • The House Budget Sets the Stage for a Challenge of Priorities
State to Main – 2022 Week 11

2022 WEEK 10

  • New Economic Development Bill Introduces a Host of New Problems
  • Business Grants Get Thrown a Curveball with New Bill
  • Workforce Development Bill Draws Out Crossover
  • A Housing Vacancy Problem vs. A Housing Availability Crisis
State to Main – 2022 Week 10

2022 WEEK 9

  • Workforce Development Bill May Still Need Additional Cuts
  • Economic Development Bill Nearing Completion
  • Fix for Business Grants Hits a Road Bump
  • Housing Legislation on the Move
State to Main – 2022 Week 9

2022 WEEK 8

  • Committees Make Progress on Workforce Bills as Crossover Nears
  • Vermont Chamber Supports Workforce Housing Solutions
  • Advocating for Business Relief
  • House Appropriations Committee Reviews Grants, Broadband, and Housing
State to Main – 2022 Week 8

2022 WEEK 7

  • Workforce Investments Take Shape in Economic Development Bills
  • Negotiations Continue on Business Grants
  • Urgency Needed to Address Housing Crisis
  • Formalizing and Funding Relocation Marketing
State to Main – 2022 Week 7

2022 WEEK 6

  • Committees Work to Solve Labor Shortage
  • Senate Releases the Omnibus Housing Bill
  • Proposed Road Rule Would Expand Act 250 Jurisdiction
  • Early Win Possible on Business Recovery Grants

State to Main – 2022 Week 6

2022 WEEK 5

  • Vermont Chamber Advocates Formula Fix for Business Recovery Grants
  • Attracting New Workers to Move to Vermont
  • Military Pension Tax Exemption for Workforce Recruitment
  • Accessory Dwelling Units See Funding Moved
State to Main – 2022 Week 5

2022 WEEK 4

  • Businesses Still Need Grant Funds to Help With Long-Term Recovery
  • UI Benefits Increase Will Do Little to Provide Financial Relief
  • Bringing More Vermonters Into the Workforce
  • Creating the Omnibus Economic Development Bill

State to Main – 2022 Week 4

2022 WEEK 3

  • Governor’s Plan to Rebuild the Workforce Outlined in Annual Budget Address
  • Legislative Solution to Workforce Shortage Elusive
  • Governor’s Budget Proposes Significant Investments in Child Care
  • Removing the Tax on Military Pensions Could Help Recruit More Workers

State to Main – 2022 Week 3

2022 WEEK 2

  • Vermont Chamber Pushes Legislature to Ease Restrictions for Business Recovery Grants
  • Can There Be Compromise on a Rental Registry?
  • Vermont Chamber Advocates for Act 250 Modernization
  • Vermont Chamber Housing Priorities Under Discussion
State to Main – 2022 Week 2

2022 WEEK 1

  • Governor’s State of the State Aligns with Vermont Chamber Priorities
  • Increasing Funds for Housing and Workforce
  • Business Grant Program may be Re-Tooled to Better Meet Need
  • Capital Investment Grant Program Needs More Funds
State to Main – 2022 Week 1

2022 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW

  • In 2022, Money and Politics Combine for a Packed Legislative Session
  • Is There a Fix for the Workforce Shortage?
  • Getting Creative to Move the Needle on Housing
  • Proposed Actions from Climate Council Report to be Addressed
State to Main – 2022 Legislative Preview

BROWSE STATE TO MAIN 2021 SESSION ARCHIVES

VETO SESSION

  • Legislature Sends Lodging Bill to Governor

State to Main – Veto Session

ADJOURNMENT

  • Legislature Adjourns After Passing Several Vermont Chamber Priorities
  • Budget Makes Meaningful Investment in Vermont Economy
  • Budget Includes $15 Million for Utility Customer Relief
  • Legislature Invests $150 Million in Rural Broadband Buildouts

State to Main – Adjournment

WEEK 18

  • Legislature Proposes $100 Million Tax on Employers to Fund UI Benefits Increase
  • Tourism and Hospitality Worker Vaccine Clinics Announced
  • Eligible Organizations Can Submit Earmark Proposals Through May 21
  • Committee Finalizes Economic Bill with Inadequate Business Reliefs

State to Main – Week 18

WEEK 17

  • House Committee Advances Unemployment Insurance Fix
  • S.88 Will Result in Significant Savings on Health Care Premiums for Small Businesses
  • Funding for Montreal Trade Office Advances
  • Vermont Chamber Urges Congressional Delegation To Expedite J1 Visa Process

    State to Main – Week 17

 

WEEK 16

  • Vermont Chamber Supporting Bill to Expand Workforce
  • Businesses Need More Relief Grants
  • Work Search Requirement Returning for UI Claimants
  • Vermont’s Workforce Shortage Could Benefit from Expediting J-1 Visa Applications

State to Main – Week 16

WEEK 15

  • Vermont Chamber Testifies on UI Changes
  • Businesses Weigh In on PPP Taxability
  • Senate Hears Testimony on BIPOC-Owned Business Provisions
  • Senate Committee Aims to Create Equity for Vermont Distillers

State to Main – Week 15

WEEK 14

  • Opposition to Paycheck Protection Program Tax Continues
  • House Advances Cloud Tax
  • Business Groups Call for Increased Relief Grant Funding
  • Small Businesses Will Save on Health Care Costs in 2022

State to Main – Week 14

WEEK 13

  • Future of Remote Work in Vermont
  • UI Changes Would Harm Economic Recovery
  • Virtual Policy Series Recordings
  • Manufacturing Summit Registration Open for Suppliers

State to Main – Week 13

WEEK 12

  • VT Chamber Priority Short-Term Rental Registry Clears Senate
  • Unemployment Insurance Changes Narrowly Advance
  • Changes to Gap Recovery Grants for Businesses
  • Child Care Investments at the State or Federal Level?

State to Main – Week 12

WEEK 11

  • $2.5 Million Tourism Marketing Boost in Economic Bill
  • Senate Delays Vote on Unemployment Insurance Bill
  • Bill Would Impose New Property Tax, Expand Manufacturing Credit and Exemption
  • House Passes Fiscal Year 2022 Budget

State to Main – Week 11

WEEK 10

  • Senate Delays $50 Million UI Tax Increase Proposal
  • Senate Advances Changes to Relief Grant Proposal
  • Economic Bill Advances
  • Speaker and Treasurer Prioritize Pension Reform

State to Main – Week 10

WEEK 9

  • Increased Tourism Funding Receives Unanimous Support
  • Senate Committee Advances $50 Million in UI Benefits Increases
  • Rental Registry Advances
  • New Act 250 Bill Includes Widely Agreed Upon Modernization

State to Main – Week 9

WEEK 8

  • Business Grants Included in COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Package
  • Tech Industry Representatives Rally to Oppose Cloud Tax
  • Vermont Chamber Testifies on Unemployment Insurance Proposal
  • Vermont Chamber Briefs Caucus on Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption Proposal

State to Main – Week 8

WEEK 7

  • House Committee Advances Economic Relief Grants
  • Senate Considers House-Approved Brownfield Funds
  • Scott Administration Proposal Would Prevent Unemployment Insurance Cost Hike
  • Tourism Marketing Funds Advance

State to Main – Week 7

WEEK 6

  • Business Organizations Call for Additional Economic Recovery Grants
  • Expanding Manufacturing Tax Exemption Vital to Economic Development
  • Marketing Proposal Would Boost Economic Recovery
  • House Considers Exempting Military Retirement Pay from Personal Income Tax

State to Main – Week 6

WEEK 5

  • Vermont Chamber Advocates for Additional Business Grants
  • House Committee Briefed on State of Vermont Manufacturing
  • Temporary Workers’ Compensation Changes Extended
  • Expansion of Manufacturing Tax Exemption Essential for Economic Development

State to Main – Week 5

WEEK 4

  • Governor Offers Good News for Economic Recovery
  • New Business Grant Proposal Essential to Recovery
  • Unemployment Insurance Changes Considered in Senate
  • Vermont Chamber Shares Tourism & Hospitality Priorities with Tourism Caucus

State to Main – Week 4

WEEK 3

  • Scott Administration Provides Details on Latest Grant Proposal
  • Emergency Board Receives Mixed Prognosis from State Economists
  • Legislature Reviews Latest Act 250 Executive Order
  • Vermont Chamber Requests Caution in Public Comment to Tax Structure Commission

State to Main – Week 3

WEEK 2

  • Vermont Chamber Hosts Virtual Roundtable with Congressman Welch
  • Vermont Chamber Shares Business Priorities with House Legislators
  • Senate Committee Advances Extension of Workers’ Compensation Changes
  • Department of Labor Recommends Implementing Application Process for UI Rate Relief

State to Main – Week 2

WEEK 1

  • Civility: Is it Too Much to Ask? Not in Vermont
  • State of the State Address Includes Focus on Economic Recovery
  • Legislature Formalizes New Leadership
  • Little Change in Committee Chair Assignments

State to Main – Week 1