The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has hired Emma Henderson as the organization’s Business Outreach Director. In this role, Emma will engage with businesses statewide, directing programs for membership recruitment and retention efforts and managing membership education and benefit programs. She will also serve as the liaison for businesses to the Vermont Chamber’s five-person lobbying team.

To date 58 municipalities, home to 40% of Vermonters, have adopted a Declaration of Inclusion. The Vermont Chamber is dedicated to the ongoing effort to reach the goal of a Declaration of Inclusion being adopted and implemented by each of Vermont’s 246 towns and cities. The Vermont Chamber is amplifying this message because building equitable and inclusive communities and telling our story beyond our borders is the best way to attract diversity and encourage new people to live and work in Vermont.

Connect with OEMs, Primes, Government Agencies, buyers, suppliers, and partners from the U.S. and Canada, and workforce in a timely and cost-effective way.

Take the uncertainty out of networking and meet key decision makers and peers with pre-scheduled B2B meetings. 

Build a quality network and expand your regional and international reach from the comfort and safety of your home or office.

As a proud supporter of local small businesses, Vermont Chamber members have access to special partner discounts every time they shop in Staples stores, perfect for refreshing your marketing materials and restocking your workspace.

Vermont has the 2nd most small businesses facing hiring struggles, according to a new report from HelpAdvisor.com. The study found that 44% of small businesses in Vermont had trouble hiring new employees in April, and 41% of small businesses believe it will take at least 6 months until operations are back to normal, if at all. Only Missouri had a higher percentage.

This fall, join the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, in partnership with Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and organizations from all across the state, to help visitors and Vermonters alike discover new ways to enjoy Vermont’s sweetest treat. The Maple 100 is a month-long, annual promotion highlighting the hundreds of maple activities, adventures, and maple-inspired products available across Vermont.

Farms, food businesses, sugar makers, restaurants, lodging establishments, producer associations, food system organizations, recreation businesses, tourism partners, and other businesses across the state are invited to participate in this special celebration of all things maple from September 15 - October 15, 2022. Promote a special maple-inspired product, host an event, or serve a Maple 100 special at your restaurant. Each activity will be featured on VermontVacation.com.

Need inspiration? See some past highlights. The application closes July 30. Contact Kristen Wirkkala with any questions.

The Vermont Department of Labor recently reported that the seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment rate for May was 2.3 percent, according to household data. This reflects a decrease of two-tenths of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate.

The civilian labor force participation rate rose to 61.5 percent in May, as all three major metrics showed improvement. The labor force increased, the number of employed grew and the number of unemployed fell.

Upskill Vermont is here to provide real-world training to Vermonters ready for the next chapter in their career story. Vermont residents can take charge of their career path by taking up to two professional development courses for free. Developing professional skills through education and training strengthens our state, communities, and families. View the full listing of courses available for the Upskill Scholarship. Explore professional certificates and courses resulting in college credit designed to help eligible Vermonters keep learning, progressing, and growing.

Join SHRM Vermont State Council and HR State Council of New Hampshire on Friday, July 22 for The Business of People: A Leadership Summit in the Age of Challenge. All local business leaders seeking an engaging one-day educational and networking opportunity are encouraged to attend. Sessions include the top 10 employment regulatory issues, the current Labor Market picture, a panel of the top female c-suite executives in our states discussing today’s people challenges, and more.

The Vermont Training Program (VTP) helps fund innovative solutions to today’s workforce challenges. VTP grants may cover up to 50% of expenses related to training and up-skilling staff, including employee wages for time spent training on the job. Training can be on-site or through an outside provider and funds can even be used to establish an in-house training or apprenticeship program. Learn how VHV utilized the Vermont Training Program to establish a nationally accredited construction apprenticeship program and certify its first graduates this year.

VTP grants are available to businesses from all sectors to help Vermont employers create and maintain the skilled workforce needed in order to compete and grow. Visit the VTP webpage for more information and contact John Young to start your application. 

Nominations are now open for the Vermont ATHENA Leadership Awards. The ATHENA Leadership Award® is a prestigious recognition presented to a person who provides significant mentoring and direction to women professionals. The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® honors emerging women leaders who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession.

Completed nomination forms must be submitted to Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce by 5 pm on September 1, 2022.

As part of their new initiative Knit to Give, Darn Tough will be releasing an exclusive new sock every three months, with all profits supporting the Vermont Foodbank and Vermonters in need. The socks will be created with overstock yarn, giving new life to recycled materials. Barnyard is the first Knit to Give sock, which is a nod to a future where food insecurity is a lesson of the past.

This section features news about Vermont Chamber members and partners. Email hbrewster@vtchamber.com with your news.