In This Issue

Find inspiration for your workplace from 2021's Best Places to Work, learn what Vermont businesses still need to recover from the pandemic, and more in our July Commerce Connection. We also spotlight our member HEB Manufacturing.

July 2021
Vermont Chamber Co-Presents Deane C. Davis Award 

Congratulations to Lawson's Finest Liquids on winning the prestigious Deane C. Davis Award, and special recognition to finalists Healthy Living Market and Café and Union Mutual. Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray and leaders from the Vermont Chamber and Vermont Business Magazine helped celebrate the winner and finalists.

[Finalist Union Mutual]
Pushing for RRF Replenishment

The Vermont Chamber is calling on Vermont's congressional delegation to support the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Replenishment Act. Advancing this legislation will keep Vermont’s restaurants open and ensure our workers stay employed, while also protecting the vibrancy of our downtowns. At a recent meeting, Vermont Chamber leaders joined Lt. Gov. Molly Gray and leaders from Honey Road Restaurant, Bluebird Barbecue, and Vermont Independent Restaurants to discuss pandemic-related challenges and what restaurants need to recover, including RRF replenishment.
2 Questions in 2 Minutes

Take two minutes to learn about how Vermont businesses are doing now that pandemic restrictions are lifted, and what they still need to recover.

The Future of Electric Aviation

Learn about the future of electric aviation and how it will transform delivery and travel. At our 2021 Manufacturing Summit, Kyle Clark, founder of Vermont’s Beta Technologies, will present on how Beta is changing the way we deliver goods and travel regionally, while also greening aviation to help address climate change. Register today for this seminar and more.
Vermont Futures Project Launches Economy Talks Campaign

The Vermont Futures Project introduces The Vermont Economy Talks, an economic knowledge campaign created to inspire and engage Vermonters in the conversation about Vermont’s economy. It will personalize and simplify complex economic topics and foster a sense of urgency and passion around Vermont’s growing economy and the work underway to create a resilient and thriving future. Watch a video here and engage with the Vermont Economy Talks Summer Series here.

What Makes a Best Place to Work in 2021? 

In June, the Vermont Chamber partnered with Vermont Business Magazine and Best Companies Group to honor Vermont's Best Places to Work. We collected enlightening statistics and fun ideas from the winning organizations and hope they inspire you in your own workplace.
Hiring Bonuses and Inflation Update

PCE inflation was 3.9 percent in May on an annual basis, according to the U.S. Chamber. This is the highest level since the summer of 2008. The worry is if it takes off to a higher level for a sustained period. Additionally, polling data recently released from the U.S. Chamber reveals hiring bonuses are an effective instrument to encourage more unemployed Americans to return to work.
Economic Recovery Bridge Program

The Economic Recovery Bridge Program provides $30 million in funding to businesses who can show a net loss on their 2020 federal tax returns. The application portal is now live. Watch a video tutorial on how to apply.
HoneyRoad Brought Takeout to a New Level

"Honey Road took everything to a whole new level," praised one Seven Days reader. "They really were thoughtful right away about what on their menu would travel well." Our member Honey Road was featured in a special report in Seven Days.
Member Spotlight

This month, we are spotlighting member HEB Manufacturing. They specialize in custom Fourslide Wireforms, Press Stamping Components, and Services. Incorporated in 1957 and employing 35 people, they are small enough to maintain a personal relationship with their customers but provide the flexibility of a small business, as well as the equipment, experience, and ability of larger corporations in meeting their customers’ individual requirements. They have a modern plant of 35,000 square feet and have an ISO 9001 quality certification as well as WBENC certification.
Want great exposure for your business? Sponsoring the statewide Vermont Chamber newsletter is an affordable and effective way to reach your target customers. Email [email protected] for pricing and information.