Vermont’s economic future depends on its people. As policymakers and business leaders advance the Vermont Economic Action Plan, the state faces a dual challenge: expanding its working-age population and increasing labor force participation. In this keynote, Stephen Moret will explore strategies to address those challenges. He will share new national and state-level insights into labor force participation and the interstate migration of college graduates, along with lessons from Strada’s research on education and employment outcomes. The session will highlight how Vermont can expand pathways to opportunity for individuals and strengthen talent pipelines for employers, positioning the state as both an attractive place to live and a competitive place to start and grow a business.

Are We Doing Enough? Removing Barriers to Workforce Participation

Designed for employers and workforce leaders, this session examines what systemic and internal barriers may prevent full workforce participation. Topics include childcare, transportation, reentry, mental health, and inclusive hiring.

Key Takeaways:

• Internal audit checklist for businesses
• Community partnership models
• Policy and practice alignment opportunities

Turning Ideas into Action: A Legislative Policy Roundtable on Vermont’s Economic Future

This interactive policy roundtable brings together business leaders, community stakeholders, and Vermont legislators for a forward-looking conversation on the state’s most pressing economic challenges, and the bold opportunities ahead. Grounded in the Vermont Economic Action Plan, the session will focus on turning innovative strategies into legislative action for the 2026 session.

Participants will engage in a collaborative discussion on practical, data-informed policy solutions to strengthen workforce development, expand housing, drive innovation, and ensure long-term economic vitality. With an emphasis on implementation, the roundtable will explore how the business community and lawmakers can work together to transform shared goals into actionable policy outcomes.

Facilitated by Megan Sullivan.

Aligning Education with Workforce Demand: Practical Strategies for Vermont Employers

How can Vermont employers actively shape and benefit from education and training systems that meet their workforce needs? This breakout session explores how employers, educators, and policy leaders can work together to close persistent workforce gaps by aligning programs with real-time labor market demand.

Public-Private Partnerships for Housing: A Local Implementation Toolkit 

This practical how-to session walks through the mechanics of starting and funding public/private partnerships build housing in your community. Hear from community leaders who have done it successfully.

In this fast-paced 10-minute talk, a subject matter expert from Google will share practical insights on how businesses of all sizes can leverage Google Ads to reach new customers, drive measurable results, and maximize return on investment.

You’ve probably seen, heard, or even unknowingly repeated persistent stories and sentiments such as: “Growth will turn Vermont into New Jersey”, “There aren’t enough jobs and Vermont’s wages are not competitive”, “Vermont doesn’t have the carrying capacity for more people”, “Development threatens our landscape and natural resources.”

When’s the last time you stopped to look at the data to fact check some of these statements? This interactive session will collide numbers with narrative to dispel some of the most common myths so that you can be a data-informed ambassador for growth.

Revitalization starts with the right people at the table. This session provides tools to identify local champions, anchor institutions, and civic groups in your community. Learn how to convene, engage, and mobilize them toward shared economic goals.

Moderated by Kevin Chu.

What’s Possible: Investing Now for Prosperous, Sustainable Neighborhoods

This keynote panel explores how Vermont can embrace economic growth while advancing climate resilience, affordability, and abundance. Moderated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and grounded in their publication What’s Possible, the conversation will feature voices from Vermont and beyond, highlighting how innovative cross-sector collaboration can drive sustainable development.

Attendees will gain insight into practical, forward-looking strategies and examples of success that align investment with impact. The takeaway is that economic development and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities and can be powerful complementary forces. Through real-world experience and cross-sector collaboration, panelists will share what’s working, and what’s scalable, and what solutions can come next as we collectively explore what’s possible for Vermont’s future.