The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has announced the keynote presentations for the 2024 Solutions Summit, Vermont’s premier workforce development conference, taking place on September 25, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Burlington. This year’s event will bring together business leaders, educators, and policymakers to address the pressing challenges of the modern job market with actionable and scalable solutions.

Presentations at the Solutions Summit will provide solutions-driven insights designed to harness innovative ideas and cutting-edge technology to tackle the most significant workforce issues facing Vermont businesses today. Attendees will explore critical topics such as strengthening the connection between education and employment, improving employee retention and recruitment, leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, and understanding Vermont’s legislative landscape as it pertains to workforce development. Keynote presentations include:

• The State Opportunity Index: Strengthening the Link Between Education and Opportunity in Vermont, Stephen Moret, President, Strada
  • The inaugural State Opportunity Index is a groundbreaking resource designed to help states enhance the pathway from education to opportunity. It profiles each state across five key dimensions—Clear Outcomes, Quality Coaching, Affordability, Work-Based Learning, and Employer Alignment—offering a comprehensive framework for improving employment outcomes. Stephen Moret will present new findings specific to Vermont and the nation, providing valuable insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, education leaders, and the business community.
• Building Vermont’s Workforce: The People Paradigm, Amy Spear, President, Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and Kevin Chu, Executive Director, Vermont Futures Project
  • Vermont faces the critical challenge of needing 13,500 new workforce entrants annually. This session, led by Amy Spear and Kevin Chu, will delve into “The People Paradigm,” a key component of Vermont’s forthcoming Economic Action Plan. Through a data-driven presentation, they will explore strategies to enhance workforce efficiency, attract and retain talent, and establish a foundation for long-term economic growth. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the workforce dynamics shaping Vermont’s future.
• Workforce Policy Insights: Legislative and Administrative Perspectives, Alison Clarkson; Fauna Hurley (Office of Sen. Peter Welch); Jay Ramsay (Vermont Department of Labor); Moderated by Peter Hirschfeld, Vermont Public
  • This session will equip business leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively engage with Vermont lawmakers on workforce policy challenges. Participants will gain a better understanding of the legislative process, recent efforts to address workforce issues, and future policy directions that support Vermont’s labor market needs. This interactive session will provide an opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers and discuss the policies impacting Vermont businesses.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is committed to advancing the Vermont economy and shaping the future of work in Vermont, ensuring our state remains competitive in an ever-evolving economic landscape. The Solutions Summit is sponsored by Green Mountain Power, O’Brien Brothers, PC Construction, University of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education, VELCO, and Vermont Federal Credit Union. Registration for the Solutions Summit is currently open; visit vtchamber.com/workforce-solutions-summit for registration and additional information.