Supplier registration is now open for the Virtual 2022 Manufacturing Summit (Sept 21-22), which will feature:

The Declaration of Inclusion (DOI) is integral to recruiting a new and diverse population to live and work in Vermont. Vermont Chamber President, Betsy Bishop, joined a recent Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility webinar promoting the DOI alongside initiative leader Al Wakefield, Milton Town Manager Don Turner, Vermont League of Cities and Towns Executive Director Ted Brady, and Abundant Sun Limited CEO Jude Smith.

The Declaration of Inclusion has the potential to put Vermont on the map as a national leader for inclusive communities.

Vermont Chamber of Commerce has launched a new policy-focused podcast series entitled, “State to Main,” complementing our widely-read weekly legislative newsletter of the same name.

Each episode features a unique pairing of a Vermont Chamber policy advocate and a business leader to discuss the impact of top issues on Vermont businesses. “State to Main” highlights the areas where businesses need policy support to achieve economic recovery. Episodes focus on the role of each issue in combatting the statewide workforce shortage and are analyzed in a pandemic recovery context.

“State to Main” is made possible by our sponsor, AT&T.

Al Wakefield and other Rutland-area community leaders are championing the ongoing effort to encourage towns across Vermont to adopt the Declaration of Inclusion (DOI), which was first adopted by the Town of Franklin in 2020. The DOI has become the centerpiece of a statewide effort that emphasizes why race, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are crucial to Vermont’s economic future.

In 2021, Governor Phil Scott proclaimed the second week of May Inclusion Week in Vermont, and established a Proclamation of Inclusion. The proclamations acknowledged equity efforts in state and local government as well as community groups across the state, while recognizing there is still more work to be done to address racism and systemic inequities.

May 8-14, 2022 will mark the second annual Inclusion Week in Vermont, providing an opportunity to learn about the Declaration of Inclusion, the current state of equity in Vermont, and more, with many events scheduled throughout the week. Join Abundant Sun for the following events:

Congratulations to KAD Models & Prototypes in East Randolph for being recognized by the SBA as 2022 Vermont Veteran-Owned Business of the Year!

Vermont's demographics are changing. One in four Vermonters are over the age of 60. The State of Vermont, AARP, COVE, V4A, and partners across Vermont are hoping to address these questions while working together to create EnVision Vermont: A 10-Year Action Plan for Aging Well.

In recognition of National Waitstaff Day, join Wage and Hour Division’s (WHD) Northeast Region on May 19 at 10 am for a free, virtual “Essential Workers, Essential Protections” training to employers, employees, and worker advocates in the food services industry. The presentation will discuss common FLSA minimum wage, overtime, tip rules, and child labor violations found in the restaurant industry and how to avoid them.

Casella Waste Systems recognized Vermont Chamber members Cabot Creamery and GlobalFoundries as winners of the 2022 Sustainability Leadership Award. The Casella Sustainability Leadership Awards represent a commitment to creating a better tomorrow and showcase the grit, drive, and determination that has led each award recipient down their own individual sustainability paths.

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 Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC) announced today the launch of their new survey to assess the needs of small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in Vermont.

The Manufacturing Institute has recognized Julie Martin of 89 North as an Honoree in their ninth annual STEP Ahead Awards, and will celebrate her achievements, along with other honorees, at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry. The award follows Julie’s recent promotion to Vice President.

89 North is Optical engineering firm that provides innovative tools for the fluorescence microscopy industry and a multitude of manufacturing industries.

This section features news about Vermont Chamber members and partners.

Email hbrewster@vtchamber.com with your news.