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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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Note: As a result of a website migration, certain links contained in archived newsletters are no longer active.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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
JANUARY 2022
- Attend Our Economic Conference
- Vermont Chamber Focusing on Workforce Talent & Growth
- Building Our Future Economy
- Labor Shortage Impacting Vermont
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
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
OCTOBER 2021
- Feel Fall in Vermont
- Chamber Welcomes Afghan Refugees
- Welcoming New Board Members
- Building Bridges Fund Contributors
SEPTEMBER 2021
- Introducing Our New Website
- Chamber President Meets With Senator Sanders
- 2 Questions in 2 Minutes - Vermont Futures Project
- RRF Replenishment
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
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
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
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
APRIL 2021
- Future of Remote Work in Vermont
- UI Changes Would Harm Economic Recovery
- Virtual Policy Series Recordings
- Manufacturing Summit Registration Open for Suppliers
MARCH 2021
- Launch of Our Second Virtual Policy Series
- Vermont Employers Embracing Change
- Racial Diversity and Equity Data Sets
- Broadband Access and Needs
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
JANUARY 2021
- 2021 Vermont Economic Conference
- Business Not as Usual: 2021 Legislative Priorities
- Annual Business Economic Survey
- Tourism and Hospitality Roundtable
DECEMBER 2020
- Additional $75 Million for Vermont Businesses
- December Events in Our Virtual Policy Series
- Legislative Updates Across Vermont
- Vermont Chamber Supporting Workforce
NOVEMBER 2020
- Last Chance to Vote
- Apply for Expanded Grants
- Explore Vermont and Win
- Pushing for More Relief for Businesses
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
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
AUGUST 2020
- Vermont Chamber Hosting Legislative Webinars
- Apply Now for Recovery Grants
- Recovery Passport Continues Into August
- Chris Carrigan Wins SBA Award
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
JUNE 2020
- The Way Through is Together
- Our Advocacy Influenced Relief Package
- Vermont Chamber President on VPR
- Congressman Welch at Lodging Town Hall
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
State to Main
BROWSE STATE TO MAIN 2023 SESSION ARCHIVES
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
2022 NOVEMBER EDITION
- 2022 General Election Results
- Attracting More Workers for a Successful Future
- Healthcare Roundup
- Declaration of Inclusion Initiative Reaches Milestone
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
BROWSE STATE TO MAIN 2021 SESSION ARCHIVES
VETO SESSION
- Legislature Sends Lodging Bill to Governor
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
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
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
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
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
WEEK 13
- Future of Remote Work in Vermont
- UI Changes Would Harm Economic Recovery
- Virtual Policy Series Recordings
- Manufacturing Summit Registration Open for Suppliers
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
