Treasurer Mike Pieciak connected with Vermont business leaders at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport for the latest installment of the Wellspring Forum series on March 22, 2024. Each event in the series has convened top business and policy leaders at a unique business and is moderated by Vermont Chamber President, Betsy Bishop.

“Connecting business and policy leaders for robust conversations is essential to our mission of advancing the Vermont economy,” stated Bishop. “Treasurer Pieciak was featured at our very first Wellspring Forum in 2022 when he was on the campaign trail, and it’s only fitting that we had him back in his official capacity to delve into the economic issues that are on the top of mind for Vermont businesses.”

Treasurer Pieciak took audience questions and addressed employer concerns, including struggles with the scale of financing important services in Vermont such as education, health care, and technology, along with ongoing affordability and workforce woes. The Treasurer also spoke about his work on VT Saves, Baby Bonds, and promoting housing growth in Vermont through recent substantial investments.

“Vermont continues to be a desirable location for people seeking a high quality of life,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “People want to live here, and our businesses want to expand, but we don’t have the workforce because we don’t have the housing. That’s why our Office has prioritized supporting new housing by investing over $60 million in low-interest loans in the last year alone. These funds are expected to support the development of over 1,100 new units of housing to help address our changing demographics, grow our economy, and support a more prosperous future for all Vermonters.”

Business leaders from across Vermont toured the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport following the forum, receiving a first-hand account of the new development project, “Project NexT” which will create a new terminal building to advance efficiency, safety, traveler amenities, and partner accommodations.

“It was a privilege to welcome Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s Wellspring Forum last week,” said Nic Longo, Director of Aviation at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. “As we prepare for Project NexT, the latest and largest sustainable infrastructure project at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, we are committed to opening our airport to not just passengers but to the general public at future events.”

The event 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,” and was made possible by the sponsorship of AT&T, The National Life Group, NBT Bank, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont.