In This Issue

Learn about our latest podcast episode, cross-border collaboration, the 2022 Vermont Community Leadership Summit, SBA's Executive Entrepreneurship Training Class, and more in June's Commerce Connection. We also feature Autumn Harp.

June 2022
A New Normal: The 2022 Legislative Session in Review
While there were many wins for the business community this session, the Legislature failed to deliver on key workforce recruitment efforts by not passing an allocation for relocation marketing or a full tax exemption on military retirement income. Even so, House and Senate leaders will head into the campaign season with a strong record of supporting the Vermont Chamber agenda and the Vermont business community.

"This legislative session, the Vermont Chamber once again set the tone for making Vermont a better, more vibrant place to live, work, and play."
"State to Main" Episode 5: Manufacturing Tax Exemption
“State to Main” is a policy-focused podcast series complementing the widely read weekly legislative newsletter of the same name.

The fifth episode of the series, “Manufacturing Tax Exemption,” features Chris Carrigan, Vice President of Business Development for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and Julia Birnn Fields, owner of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont. They discuss recent advocacy efforts on the manufacturing tax exemption.

Episodes are available to stream online via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and on the Vermont Chamber of Commerce website.

“State to Main” is made possible by our sponsor, AT&T.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
The Manufacturing Summit 2022
A Virtual Supply Chain Event for Advanced Manufacturing

Supplier registration is now open for the Virtual 2022 Manufacturing Summit (Sept 21-22), which will feature:
  • Career opportunities in manufacturing and workforce development.
  • Supply chain B2B meetings with OEMs, suppliers, and partners from the U.S. and Canada in the Aerospace, Aviation, Defense, Industrial, Naval, Marine, Medical Decide, and Space industries.
  • Insights into industry trends and developments.
Historic Investment to Support Vermont Communities
A historic level of investment in economic development, workforce, and housing was approved this legislative session to support communities to recover and grow, including those highlighted below:  

  • The Community Recovery and Revitalization Grant Program will provide up to $1,000,000 or 20% of the total project cost for capital investment projects and municipalities will be able to apply.  
  • The VEDA Short-Term Forgivable Loan Program will make up to $350,000 available to small businesses and non-profits continuing to face financial insecurity due to COVID-19.   
  • The State Brownfields Revitalization Fund received an additional $6,000,000 to assist in the clean-up of Brownfields sites.
  • New Relocating Employee Incentives will help offset up to $7,500 per household for costs associated with moving to Vermont to work.  
  • The Economic Empowerment Program will make business coaching and career support available to BIPOC business owners and workers operating in the private sector.  
Renewed Cross-Border Collaboration Underway
Vermont economic and trade representatives visited Montreal this month to reconnect with Canadian counterparts and strengthen cross-border relationships. Agency of Commerce and Community Development Deputy Secretary Tayt Brooks signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Québec President Michel Belval, setting an agreement for increased communication to encourage bilateral trade. As part of a larger effort to attract new foreign direct investment to the state, the group visited Vermont’s Canadian office co-located with in-market representative CIDEP, where they met with aerospace and specialty food businesses seeking to open a facility or establish a subsidiary in Vermont.
Economic Recovery Bridge Program Closes June 15
The Economic Recovery Bridge Program, a pandemic relief grant that opened in 2021 for businesses that suffered a tax loss due to COVID-19, will sunset as of June 15th. At that time, the application portal will no longer be accessible to new or returning users. Those who wish to complete active applications currently in progress should plan to work closely with the grant team to ensure they do not miss the closing deadline as no extensions will be made beyond June 15th. 

For support completing open applications, please contact accd.covid19@vermont.gov. Additional relief programs will be announced as they become available.

2022 Vermont Community Leadership Summit
The Vermont Council on Rural Development has announced their 2022 Vermont Community Leadership Summit. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Vermont Technical College in Randolph.

This event will be an all-inclusive summit aiming to bring new and established voices together from across Vermont. Anyone who is serving on local commissions, taking the lead or taking a stand in their community, or who is engaged in advancing a positive future for their town, city, or state is encouraged to join the conversation. Speakers and participants will represent the full diversity of Vermont community members and leaders including youth, municipal leaders, community organizers and volunteers, people with lived experience with critical challenges facing our communities, experts and technical assistance providers, regional leaders, and more.
SBA's Executive Entrepreneurship Training Class

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined is a 6-month intensive training program that helps CEOs and Executives get unstuck and take their business to the next level. Accelerate your leadership skills, learn an MBA-level curriculum, receive tailored business coaching, and build relationships with a community of business owners, advisors, and experts.
Vermont ATHENA Leadership Awards
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.
29 Vermont Chamber Members Honored for Worksite Wellness Efforts
Congratulations to the 29 Vermont Chamber members who received the 2022 Vermont Governor’s Award for Excellence in Worksite Wellness. This award recognizes businesses and organizations for their efforts to support the health of Vermonters and in making Vermont a great place to live and work.
Jules on the Green Awarded 2022 National Allergy Award
Congratulations to Chamber member JULES on the Green on being awarded the 2022 National Allergy Award from MenuTrinfo and AllerTrain as #1 Allergy Innovative Restaurant in the country!
Member Spotlight
Autumn Harp was featured on discovery+ and Magnolia Network's “Extraordinary Stories Behind Everyday Things” segment.

Autumn Harp is a premier contract manufacturing partner for natural cosmetics and personal products. They collaborate with major brands and retailers and share their expertise and resources to produce innovative, high-quality products.
Want great exposure for your business? Sponsoring the statewide Vermont Chamber newsletter is an affordable and effective way to reach your target customers. Email mbullard@vtchamber.com for pricing and information.