In This Issue

***
The Way Through is Together
Chamber Advocacy Influenced Relief Package
Chamber President on VPR
Congressman Welch At Lodging Town Hall
Chamber Staff on CAT-TV
North American Rebound
Vermont Businesses Helping Communities
Steps to Take When Reopening 
For Manufacturers, An Evolving New Normal
Member Spotlight 
Welcome New Chamber Members
Save the Date
#VermontStrong 
In Other News

June 2020
Chamber Advocacy Influenced Relief Package

Governor Scott introduced a substantial economic relief package that touches businesses in every industry. The relief package addresses much of the need highlighted during Vermont Chamber advocacy. The proposal still requires legislative approval. The Vermont Chamber is pushing for several changes and is also urging legislative leaders to swiftly advance the relief funds.

Chamber President on VPR
Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop joined Vermont Public Radio for a conversation on telecommuting during the pandemic and the future of remote work. Work- and learn-from-home obligations brought on by the pandemic have prompted a broader sense of public urgency around broadband access in Vermont. The Vermont Chamber is working with state officials and the congressional delegation to advocate for the funding necessary to even broadband access across the state.


Congressman Welch At Lodging Town Hall

The Vermont Chamber recently hosted a virtual Town Hall with Congressman Peter Welch for the state's lodging industry. More than 80 Vermont lodging proprietors raised legislative priorities, including desired changes to the Paycheck Protection Program and unemployment insurance.

Chamber Staff on CAT-TV

Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop, ​Government Affairs Director Charles Martin, and ​Vice President of Tourism Amy Spear joined CAT-TV in Bennington to talk legislative, business, and tourism updates.

North American Rebound

The Vermont Chamber joined the Canadian American Business Council in calling for continued strong cross-border cooperation by signing the North American Rebound. Vermont Chamber Vice President of Business Development Chris Carrigan said, "Now, more than ever, and in the aftermath of this crisis, we will be relying on our strong regional, international, cross-border supply-chain."

Vermont Businesses Helping Communities 

The Vermont Chamber has been adding content each week to our page, How Vermont Businesses Are Helping Our Communities.


Steps to Take When Reopening 

Below are important steps, outlined by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, for businesses to follow when reopening.

  1. Read this memo to determine if you can reopen.
  2. Follow the health and safety protocols included in the memo.
  3. Train your employees using VOSHA online training.
  4. Create a health screening tool using the state’s pre-screening procedures and pre-screening health survey as a model.
  5. Post signage around your workplace to remind employees and visitors to practice proper hygiene and screen themselves.
  6. Be ready for a case of COVID-19 at your workplace by preparing to respond.
  7. Adopt or create a sector-specific reopening and training plan.

For Manufacturers, An Evolving New Normal

Vermont Digger featured Vermont manufacturing businesses, including Chamber members Vermont Precision Tools and Darn Tough, in their recent report on the new normal for the industry. Vermont is currently following a 3-phased reopening plan for manufacturing, fulfillment, and distribution enterprises.

Member Spotlight

This month’s Member Spotlight is Manufacturing Solutions Inc., a Morrisville-based manufacturer that is an ISO 9001:2015, lean manufacturer, providing electrical and mechanical assembly and sub-assembly production. CAD-based precision material and fabric cutting, and complete fulfillment services including picking, kitting, packing, and shipping.

MSI partners with its clients to transform product ideas into reality, and components into high-quality products, delivered directly to the designated end user.

Visit the Vermont Chamber membership page for benefits and staff contacts.
Save the Date

The Vermont Chamber is pleased to announce our upcoming “Passport to Recovery: Forging a Way Forward” portal, which will launch in June. This new virtual resource will be dedicated to the Vermont community and host timely webinars to help businesses, employers, and employees across the state. If you have a recorded webinar for us to consider including, please send it to [email protected].
#VermontStrong




T his section is currently featuring news about Vermont Chamber members helping communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Email  [email protected]  with your good news
This Edition Sponsored By FirstLight
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 more information.