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Vermont Technology Alliance Names New Executive Director
The Vermont Technology Alliance (VTTA) board of directors announces the appointment of Adam Locklin of Grand Isle Vermont as its new Executive Director. Adam will succeed Jeff Couture, who is stepping down in January after years of dedicated service.
Adam Locklin brings a vision and 20 years of experience to the VTTA, aiming to grow and support Vermont's technology businesses and organizations. With a focus on leadership and innovation, Adam is committed to strengthening the state’s tech ecosystem. Adam believes that technology represents Vermont’s greatest economic growth opportunity that will support our communities, while having the lowest impact on Vermont's natural resources.
Adam steps into this role following a distinguished career marked by leadership and innovation. He is a graduate of the Sustainable Innovation MBA at the Grossman School of Business at UVM. Adam has worked with some of the world’s largest financial institutions, including JP Morgan Chase and Nasdaq, launched technology initiatives at PwC, advanced open-source software solutions, and supported startups in creating transformative technologies. A passionate advocate for sustainable business practices, Adam consistently merges innovation with responsibility to deliver meaningful results.
Adam’s leadership journey began with his service in the United States Marine Corps, where he first embraced servant leadership. He has continued this commitment through mentoring veterans transitioning to civilian careers with American Corporate Partners and aiding disaster relief efforts with Team Rubicon. Adam’s ability to foster innovation and strengthen organizations makes him uniquely suited to lead VTTA into its next chapter.
Under the leadership of Jeff Couture, VTTA’s outgoing Executive Director, VTTA expanded its influence across the state, and became a leading advocate for Vermont's technology industry. Jeff’s dedication and vision helped establish VTTA as the voice of Vermont's technology sector, connecting businesses, professionals, and organizations to drive innovation and economic growth.
Jeff has been a tireless champion for public policy that supports technology and innovation, playing a pivotal role in advocating for initiatives that strengthen Vermont's tech ecosystem. His collaborative spirit and unwavering support for technology professionals and businesses have earned him countless friendships and the deep respect of the community. The organization thanks Jeff for his years of service, his commitment to making a difference, and the positive impact he has had on so many.
As Adam takes the helm, he is eager to build on Jeff’s accomplishments and chart a path toward further growth and innovation for Vermont’s technology sector.
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Female Founders Speakers Series: Economic Power
(January 13, 2025 – Hotel Vermont )
Season 9 of VCET’s Female Founders Speaker Series continues Monday, January 13, 5:30-7 p.m. at Hotel Vermont. A panel on economic power will teach women how to get it, grow it, and give it. The topic will be a conversation around how women create new income and wealth through entrepreneurship, and how they use this economic power to build up other women.
Find more here
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NERDIC Quarterly Ecosystem Meeting
(January 15, 2025 – Hula)
The third meeting of the New England Regional Defense Industry Collaboration (NERDIC) Ecosystem will be held in Vermont at Hula on Wednesday, January 15, from 8.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The theme of the meeting is “Getting Our New England Workforce Ready for the Future.” Speakers will consist of key members of the NERDIC network. Attendance is free.
Find more here.
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Webinar: Strategy Deployment – Engaging Everyone with Focus, Alignment and Swiftness
(January 24, 2025)
Join VMEC for a Noontime Knowledge webinar led by Otto Funke, GlobalFoundries Manufacturing Engineer. Otto will share effective practices he uses to Initiate strategy deployment, implement standard strategy deployment elements, sustain strategy deployment year-to-year and more.
Find more here.
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Vermont Economic Conference
(January 28, 2025 – UVM Davis Center)
The Vermont Economic Conference, presented by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, will bring together business leaders from across the state for an in-depth look at national, global, and state perspectives on the economy and what’s on the horizon. The conference features both National and Vermont Economic Outlooks, providing insights into the key macroeconomic trends driving national growth and how Vermont fits into the broader picture.
Find more here.
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Treasurer’s Office Analysis Shows Vermont Gained 7,500 New residents from Other States in 2023
(December 11 2024 – VermontBiz)
In 2023, Vermont experienced a net gain of 7,500 residents moving from other states, according to a Treasurer’s Office analysis of recent U.S. Census data. The report highlights Vermont’s strong appeal in the post-pandemic era.
In 2023, Vermont had the highest per capita net migration in New England and the third-highest per capita net migration of any U.S. state. Over the past three years net migration to Vermont has already significantly exceeded the net migration of the previous decade (+25,121 for 2021-23 vs. +16,067 for 2010-19).
Treasurer Mike Pieciak noted remote work flexibility and outdoor recreation opportunities have helped attract new Vermont residents—which has brought both opportunities and challenges.
Read more here.
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Air New Zealand Leases Beta Electric Aircraft Ahead of Planned 2026 Launch
(December 11 2024 – Flying )
Air New Zealand is firming up its commitment to add electric aircraft to its commercial fleet by 2026.
Last year, the New Zealand flag carrier purchased an electric Alia CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) aircraft from Vermont-based manufacturer Beta Technologies, reserving the option for two additional aircraft and the rights for a further 20.
Beta said the airline added an Alia CTOL demonstrator and charging systems to its order. The pre-certified demonstrator, on lease for six months starting early next year, will allow Air New Zealand to showcase all-electric flight to the public and give pilots hands-on training before rolling Alia out on commercial routes.
Read more here.
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Study Names 10 Smartest States in America;
Vermont is Ranked 4th
(December 11, 2024 – Newsweek)
If you often seem to find yourself surrounded by smart people in Vermont, there might be a reason for that. Newsweek reports on a study by Web3 platform Freename, which ranked the top 10 smartest states, and Vermont comes in at #4.
The study looked at business and professional indicators, educational attainment and achievement, IQ, lifelong learning and intellectual engagement, standardized test scores and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) focus and innovation.
The top brainiest states were the following:
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Washington
- Vermont
- Virginia
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- Maryland
- Colorado
- Minnesota
Read more here.
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Vermont Plans to Upgrade Aging State Computer Systems
(December 9, 2024 – WCAX)
What will it take to bring state computer systems up to snuff to better serve Vermonters? The state is embarking on a massive multi million-dollar overhaul of its IT systems aimed at making government more efficient.
For the last decade, Vermont has been building programs in decades-old state systems. But now, the government wants to turn a corner and launch a massive upgrade of state software for budgeting, finances, human resources, and the Department of Labor.
The plan would outsource IT onto the cloud through Workday with taxpayers paying for the subscription.
Read more here.
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GlobalFoundries' Vermont Facility Receives $9.5 Million in Federal Funding for GaN Chips
(December 4, 2024 – GlobalFoundries)
GlobalFoundries has received an additional $9.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. government to advance the manufacturing of GF’s gallium nitride (GaN) on silicon semiconductors at its facility in Essex Junction, Vermont. The funding moves GF closer to large-scale production of GaN chips. With the ability to handle high voltages and temperatures, GaN chip technology is essential for enabling higher performance and greater energy efficiency across a range applications including automobiles, datacenter, IoT, aerospace and defense.
GaN technology development is at the center of the Vermont GaN Tech Hub designation by the U.S. Economic Development Administration
With the award, GF will continue to add new tools, equipment, and prototyping capabilities as the company moves closer to full-scale manufacturing of its 200mm GaN chips in Vermont.
Read more here.
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Vermont Receives $5.3 Million in Federal Grants to Expand Internet Access in the State
(November 21 ,2024 – VTDigger )
Vermont has been awarded $5.3 million from the federal government to implement its Digital Equity Plan — which outlines how the state will provide individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service.
The grants awarded to Vermont are part of the federal government’s $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three grant programs through the Digital Equity Act — an initiative from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration that focuses on reducing digital disparities by providing resources and support to under-connected populations.
Read more here.
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Consolidated to be Acquired for $3.1 billion
(November 20, 2024 – Vermont Biz)
The Vermont Public Utility Commission approved the sale of the corporate parent of Vermont’s largest landline telecommunications provider, Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc (CNSL). This is one step in Consolidated being acquired by Searchlight Capital.
Consolidated, based in Mattoon, IL, will still need federal regulatory approval.
Consolidated, a VTTA member, is the legacy telephone company which has changed hands over the years, including by Verizon and most recently FairPoint in 2017 for $1.3 billion. Consolidated's Fidium brand provides fiber optic service within its 20-state coverage area, which includes Vermont.
Read more here.
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Northfield Savings Bank Partners with Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center to Launch Maker’s Fund for Vermont Manufacturers
(November 15, 2024 – VMEC)
Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) announced a partnership with Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) to support small and medium-sized manufacturers in Vermont. NSB will contribute $60,000 over a two-year period ($30,000 per year) to create a “Maker’s Fund” through VMEC. The fund will be used to provide a range of services, based on operational needs, to manufacturers with 20 or less employees to sustain and grow their businesses.
Read more here.
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Verde Technologies Expands to New Facility
(November 18, 2024 – Verde Technologies)
Verde Technologies hosted an open house event to mark the grand opening of its new research lab and pilot production facility in Waterbury Center, Vermont.
The new facility, located in the former Suss Microtec building, will be the site of Verde’s first pilot manufacturing line which will facilitate larger-scale production of thin-film solar cells. This expansion is crucial for the company’s upcoming commercial pilot projects with local and national partners to deploy their thin-film technology in the field with early customers.
Read more here.
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VCET Named Inc. Power Partner 2024
(October 22, 2024 – VCET)
The Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET), a VTTA member, was recognized by Inc.in its third annual Power Partner Awards.as one of the top organizations that help to make other companies great. The prestigious list honors B2B organizations across the country that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. Every company on the Inc. Power Partner award list received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups.
Read more here.
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Vermont Technology Alliance Membership Update
The Vermont Technology Alliance works on behalf of its members and can carry out its mission through the support of its membership.
New members include Sunburst Software Solutions and individuals John Lobdell, Matthew Lipschutz and Ron McDaniel.
Renewing members include Marvell Technology Group as Partner Member/Sponsor.The VTTA appreciates the support of our annual sponsors such as Marvell Technology.
Other renewing members include Center on Rural Innovation, Tech Vault, FreshTracks Capital, Northern Digital Inc (NDI), Paul, Frank & Collins, Red Barn Media Group, VC3, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL),
Not a VTTA member yet? Then why not join now? Find more information and register here. You can also contact us at admin@vtta.org.
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Featured Member – Vermont Technology Council | |
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The Vermont Technology Council serves as a catalyst for the creation of science and technology-based businesses in Vermont. The Council is fiscally supported by the University of Vermont and is administered by the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET).
The Council is focused on advancing high-quality research opportunities at Vermont’s universities and colleges. It believes that scientific discovery and the technological innovations derived from basic research serve as a foundation for dynamic state, regional, and national economies.
The Council supports and works closely with organizations such as the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, The Vermont Academy of Scientists and Engineers (VASE), The Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies, the UVM ARC program, The Vermont Technology Alliance, and others.
Find more at https://www.vermonttechnologycouncil.com/
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MindEdge and VTTA Professional Development Offering | |
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The VTTA has partnered with MindEdge to offer courses to VTTA members and the broader tech and business community that provide an easy-to-access, affordable option to gain essential and in-demand skills on your own time, at your own pace, and from any location.
VTTA members receive 10% off on all offerings.
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Cybersecurity Certificate
Cybersecurity is the protection of data and personally identifiable information from malicious attacks. Organizations and governments are constantly monitoring and fending off cyber-attacks to varying degrees of success. Failure to uphold and strengthen cybersecurity policies has resulted in significant visibility and negative publicity. As organizations increasingly store data digitally, the need for cybersecurity professionals is greater than ever.
What Will I Learn?
- Understand the key principles and terminology of information security governance and risk management
- Describe the role of policy and procedure documents in information security
- Identify common information security risks and threats
- Prepare a business continuity plan and disaster recovery plan
- Create substitution ciphers and encode and decode cleartext and ciphertext
- Identify common protocols and differentiate between network, routing, and data link protocols
- Compare different security controls, explain how they work, and apply them to underlying vulnerabilities
- Describe different application and operating environments
- Learn about data and information privacy and how to protect privacy
- Compare different data retention and destruction methods
Safeguard your job and organization with a Cybersecurity Certificate.
See more details and register here.
See all VTTA MindEdge course offerings here.
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Useful Information & Links | |
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VITL issues RFI for AWS and Azure Cloud Infrastructure and Network Management Services
Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL) is seeking to identify qualified managed services providers capable of delivering end-to-end cloud and network management solutions, including infrastructure management, network configuration, security, monitoring, and cost optimization across its AWS and Azure environments. The selected provider will play a critical role, working directly with VITL’s information technology team, to enhance the performance, reliability, and scalability of its cloud infrastructure and network operations.
For additional information, including submission requirements and templates, please review the complete RFI here.
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Generator Accepting Applications for JumpStart Business Bootcamp
The JumpStart program, presented by the Generator makerspace in Burlington, is a free 12-week entrepreneurial bootcamp for product-based startups that offers a specialized group coaching experience to guide budding product-based business owners step-by-step from prototype to launch.
Find more and register here.
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DeltaClimeVT Climate Economy Accelerator Seeks Entrepreneurs for Energy 2025 Cohort
The DeltaClimeVT climate economy business accelerator is seeking start-up and seed stage ventures offering innovative products and services aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience, to help Vermont meet its climate goals.
Entrepreneurs will work directly with Vermont utilities to contribute to Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan (90% renewables/efficiency by 2050), Vermont’s Climate Action Plan, and Burlington’s Net Zero by 2030 goals.
Find more and register here.
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VEDA Marks 50 Years, Releases Annual Report
The Vermont Economic Development Authority, or VEDA, marked its 50th anniversary in the state through the release of its annual report during its annual meeting at the Essex Resort.
The extensive, nearly 50-page detailed annual report examines VEDA's work during the last fiscal year and looks at the world in which the states' diverse business landscape has endured, survived, and thrived over the five-decade period.
Read the report here.
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AI Literacy Guide for Decision Makers
Dave Gibson, owner of VTTA member Propeller Media Works, has been exploring AI and it’s uses, and recently posted a helpful blog post for those new to or discovering AI and its potential uses. As Dave says: “Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a department head, or the leader of a grand business, I write this to encourage the curiosity of leaders to envision how these tools can improve productivity and quality while opening new doors for businesses and individuals.”
Find it here.
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“That's Not What I Heard” – Using External Memories to Bridge Team Perception Gaps
How many times have you ended a meeting feeling that much was accomplished and that the group left with strong agreement about the issues and actions discussed? But the next day you initiate a conversation with one of the participants about one of the items discussed and get the response: “That’s not what I heard!”
Bill Haynes of VTTA Member Marlborough Street Partners, offers some techniques to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Read the post here.
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VTTA Career Center
Vermont Technology Alliance member companies are hiring, and when you visit the Career Center on the Vermont Technology Alliance website you can browse and search for these job openings and subscribe to updates. The Career Center on average features
200+ tech and non-tech jobs with Vermont Technology Alliance member businesses. Jobs available from vtTA members are listed at no charge in the Career Center as a member benefit.
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The VTTA Thanks Its Member/Sponsors
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