COMMERCE CONNECTION
August 2022
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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.
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The Vermont Primary Election is August 9, but early voting has already started. You can check your voter registration, find your polling place, request an absentee ballot, see sample ballots, and more, online.
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We Don’t Take the Summer Off |
Legislators have returned home to their districts for the summer, but that doesn’t mean the Vermont Chamber advocacy team’s work is done. This summer, we’re hitting the road to visit businesses and learn more about the top issues they’re facing. This is crucial to developing our legislative agenda for the 2023 session. We’re excited about the impact that this work will have on our lobbying efforts long-term.
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Kevin Chu, Executive Director for our partner, the Vermont Futures Project, recently released an op-ed highlighting the workforce and housing crises Vermont currently faces.
"We need more people – especially younger people and people from diverse backgrounds – to create an economically-secure, sustainable, and equitable future for Vermont."
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VTIR Information Meeting with DLL |
The Chamber and VTIR successfully advocated for pandemic recovery initiatives for bars and restaurants. You are invited to join an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 23, 10-11am, with the Department of Liquor and Lottery, to discuss:
- On-Premise Sales Program logistics
- Credit/debit card usage for purchases at 802Spirits stores
- DLL Licensing Portal details
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Seven Chamber Members Awarded CIP Grants |
Two rounds of Capital Investment Program (CIP) funding has been approved and seven Vermont Chamber members have been awarded grants. Funding will support the education, outdoor recreation, childcare, healthcare, arts and culture, and housing sectors by reversing the harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Registration is Open for the 2022 Manufacturing Summit |
The Vermont Chamber has reinvented and reimagined the format of the agenda to offer an engaging, interactive, and content rich virtual edition with a theme of “Rebuilding Supply Chains and Workforce through Content, Collaboration, and Contacts.”
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2022 Annual Meeting Notice |
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In accordance with the bylaws, this shall serve as notification of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting, which shall take place in-person on September 7, 8:30-9:15am. The slate of nominees to the 2023 Board of Directors will be presented and voted on at the Annual Meeting. Contact events@vtchamber.com for more information.
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VEDA Short Term Forgivable Loan Program |
To address the continued need for investment in projects that support community recovery and growth, Vermont’s lawmakers dedicated millions of state and federal dollars to fund economic activity in all regions of the state. The VEDA Loan Program will provide financial assistance to businesses that continue to demonstrate economic harm due to the COVID pandemic. VEDA will begin accepting applicants from priority sectors (arts and culture, travel, lodging, tourism, agriculture, and childcare) in early August. Applicants from all sectors will be able to apply starting October 3rd.
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Venture Capital and Small Business Loans Announced |
Vermont received approval from the US Treasury to deploy $57.9 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to launch the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This program will provide access to capital for entrepreneurs and small business startups at a level never seen before in the state.
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2022 Vermont Community Leadership Summit |
The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is inviting Vermonters of all backgrounds who are working with a goal of improving life in their community to attend the 2022 Community Leadership Summit on Wednesday, August 10, at Vermont Technical College. The Summit agenda will include skills workshops, networking opportunities, community project panels, and forum discussions.
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Senator Patrick Leahy Cyber Symposium |
Join Vermont’s U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy; Dr. Mark Anarumo, President, Norwich University; distinguished experts and special guests on Thursday, August 16 for a day-long discussion on the latest innovations in cybersecurity and the importance of cyber education and workforce development in Vermont.
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No Cost Trainings for Vermonters |
The Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program is back, and course registration is open for all eligible Vermonters. If you meet eligibility requirements, you can get two free courses through UVM Professional and Continuing Education. Courses and certificates offered include:
- Digital Marketing
- Health and Wellness
- Cybersecurity
- Project Management
- Business of Craft Beer
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2023 Norwich University Colby Award |
Norwich University has opened submissions for the 2023 Colby Award. Award recipients receive a $5,000 author honorarium provided through the generosity of the Chicago-based Pritzker Military Foundation, on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.
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Dolly Shaw Vermont Human Resources Professional of the Year Award |
The Dolly Shaw Vermont Human Resources Professional of the Year Award recognizes exceptional performance and outstanding achievement by a professional in the field of human resource management. This award is given annually to a person exemplifying Dolly’s deep commitment to the HR profession, the HR community, continuous learning, and mentorship. Nominations must be received no later than Friday, August 12, 2022.
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Wicked Good Ice is a premier ice sculpting company. Murray Long, owner/sculptor creates beauty and function out of ice. He won first place at the 2022 Stowe Winter Festival with his piece, "In Search of a Direct Connection" as the competition was Valentine's themed. He recently participated in events at Smuggler's Notch, Montpelier's Art Fest with his sculpture of Ceres, St. Albans Rec with interactive carving with families and children, Dartmouth's Winter Festival and the Tuck School of Business's Winter Festival at Whaleback Mountain. He is high energy entertainment, interactive and fun. He creates large outdoor installations to table top ice bars for weddings, corporate functions, team building events and any occasion where magic is required.
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This section features news about Vermont Chamber members and partners. Email Hazel Brewster with your news.
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Vermont Chamber in Action |
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This section highlights articles featuring the Vermont Chamber's advocacy work. View more here.
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Want great exposure for your business? By sponsoring a Vermont Chamber newsletter, you can reach a target audience of over 1,800 people. Email Megan Bullard for more information on our affordable pricing opportunities.
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