Senator Peter Welch addressed the Vermont Chamber Board of Directors and other Vermont business leaders at the Wellspring Forum series which was held at KORE Power in Waterbury. The event series, hosted by the Vermont Chamber, regularly brings together top Vermont business and policy leaders for robust economic discussions. Each event takes place at a unique Vermont business and is moderated by Vermont Chamber President, Betsy Bishop.

“The Vermont Chamber is proud to build on our record of advancing the Vermont economy by connecting Vermont business leaders with Senator Welch and facilitating an opportunity for robust policy discussions,” stated Bishop. “We remain grateful for Senator Welch’s willingness to meet businesses where they are, and for taking their concerns back with him to Washington D.C.”

Senator Welch was in person at the facilities of KORE Power to answer audience questions and address employer concerns. Business leaders asked the Senator to speak to opportunities for federal solutions on middle-income workforce housing, affordability, immigration, and other national economic stability concerns. The Senator also applauded the leadership of Vermont businesses on climate security and innovation.

“The Vermont Chamber’s Wellspring Forum provided the opportunity to hear directly from business owners about so many issues that are directly impacting Vermont’s business community. We discussed the importance of providing targeted disaster relief to businesses impacted by the brutal flooding this summer, efforts to strengthen our workforce, our continued fight to combat climate change, and federal actions to expand access to health care and childcare,” said Senator Welch. “I will continue to bring the voices and concerns of Vermonters with me to Washington and keep working to level the playing field here in the Green Mountain State.”

Following the forum, business leaders from across Vermont toured the KORE Power facility to learn more about the leading U.S.-based developer of battery cell technology and integrated solution manufacturer for the energy storage and e-mobility sectors.

“As New Englanders, we’re particularly proud to engineer solutions that advance energy independence and reliability,” said KORE Power President Jay Bellows. “With Senator Welch’s support of federal policies like the IRA, solutions built by our team here in Vermont that deliver those benefits are in demand across the nation.”

The event title is inspired by Governor James H. Douglas’ quote; “I am often reminded that the wellspring of Vermont liberty flows from Main Street, not State Street.”