The Vermont Chamber of Commerce launched a new policy-focused podcast series entitled, “State to Main.” The series complements the widely read weekly legislative newsletter of the same name.

In the months ahead, “State to Main” will cover several topics important to the Vermont business community, including housing, the workforce shortage, and career and technical education. Each episode features a unique pairing of a Vermont Chamber policy advocate and a business leader to discuss the impact of these issues on Vermont businesses. Episodes will focus on the role of each issue in combatting the statewide workforce shortage and are analyzed in a pandemic recovery context.

“Vermont’s economic success depends on the innovation of our businesses and strength of our workforce,” said Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop. “The intent of this series is to highlight areas where businesses need policy support to achieve economic recovery.”

The pilot episode, “Workforce Housing,” features Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs for the Vermont Chamber, and Annemarie Todd, VP of Human Resources for Sugarbush Resort. Sullivan and Todd address the impact of the current housing market on employee recruitment and retention efforts, and the heightened responsibility felt by employers to facilitate suitable accommodations for their workforce. Policy opportunities are identified to address the immediate need for middle-income housing.

Episodes are available to stream online via  Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and on the Vermont Chamber of Commerce website.

“State to Main” is made possible by our sponsor, AT&T.