Amy Spear, Author at Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Vermont Chamber Expands Government Affairs Division with Two New Hires

November 18, 2021November 17, 2021

Vermont Chamber Expands Government Affairs Division with Two New Hires

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has hired Megan Sullivan as our Vice President of Government Affairs and Amelia Seman as our Government Affairs Specialist. The two new staff members will join the Vermont Chamber in December to grow our government affairs division at an important time. Across the state, businesses have been challenged by the pandemic, and Vermont Chamber advocacy has been crucial to the survival of Vermont’s diverse business community.

Megan Sullivan will lead the Vermont Chamber’s five-person advocacy team which is also supported by a robust intern program that provides meaningful paid work to college students from the University of Vermont and Norwich University.

Megan comes to the Vermont Chamber from her position as Executive Director of the Vermont Economic Progress Council. She previously worked for U.S. Congressman Peter Welch and the Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center. Megan serves on the Board of Advisors for the Center for Women and Enterprise and recently completed a Fellowship with the Council for Development Finance Agencies for women leading in development finance. Born in Vermont, Megan is a graduate of the University of Vermont and lives in Jericho with her husband and two children.

Megan Sullivan said, “I’m excited to take on this new challenge and lead the policy team for the state’s largest business group. This is a tremendous opportunity to join an organization that provides a voice for all businesses in its advocacy.”

Amelia Seman will advocate for policy that grows Vermont’s economy and provide support to the Vermont Chamber’s advocacy team. Amelia previously worked in Senator Patrick Leahy’s Washington, D.C., office as a legislative correspondent and as a legal assistant for DRM. She has also worked in the Vermont Tax Department and the Vermont Department of Labor. She grew up in Vermont, graduated from St. Michael’s College, and is eager to move back to Vermont with her future wife.

Amelia Seman said, “I’m looking forward to returning to Vermont to work with the statewide Chamber supporting economic development and advocating for policies that help all Vermonters thrive.”

Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop said, “We have been growing our government affairs division over the last few years to ensure a broad representation of businesses. Our goal is to be a strong voice for all Vermont businesses, and Megan and Amelia will help us achieve this. They both have proven expertise in policy and strong relationships to advance the needs of businesses. They will continue the Vermont Chamber approach of collaborating to find solutions that strengthen Vermont while supporting businesses and their communities.”

The Vermont Chamber is increasing resources in policy advocacy as businesses continue to navigate the challenging economic environment. During the pandemic, the Vermont Chamber opened its programming and resources to all businesses without regard to membership, mirroring the organization’s commitment to belonging and inclusion. Simultaneously, federal actions have heightened significance to Vermont employers and this expansion will allow a greater focus on these issues.

November 17, 2021

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Statement on Senator Leahy’s Announcement of Retirement Plans

November 15, 2021

Statement on Senator Leahy’s Announcement of Retirement Plans

Montpelier, VT (November 15, 2021) – Today, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy announced his plan to retire after eight terms in office.

Responding to the announcement, Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop said, “We thank Senator Patrick Leahy for his leadership serving Vermonters for nearly five decades. Senator Leahy has been a champion for Vermont businesses and thriving downtowns, supporting sustainable economic growth and development across the state. He always listened to Vermonters and put their needs first. It’s clear that Senator Leahy’s sense of Vermont stems from his roots in Burlington. But he also has a solid understanding of Vermont’s rural landscape because of his farm and residence in Middlesex, which is also my hometown. This shared experience in both the urban and rural parts of Vermont has grounded him to serve our state and our country with honor and a sense of place. We celebrate Senator Leahy’s long-term leadership and all he has accomplished for Vermont.”

November 15, 2021

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Spotlighting Freeman French Freeman, Architects

November 8, 2021November 8, 2021

Spotlighting Freeman French Freeman, Architects

This month, we are spotlighting Freeman French Freeman, Architects.

Founded in 1937, FFF is Vermont’s oldest architectural firm. They are best known for tackling Vermont’s largest projects, such as the Waterbury State Office Complex and UVM’s cutting-edge STEM buildings. But FFF delivers the same degree of attention and care to projects of all sizes, in every corner of the state. Their staff of 20 is currently working on projects in 25 Vermont communities, with the same common goal: To design beautiful, sustainable spaces that remain useful and relevant for decades to come.

Visit Freeman French Freeman’s website to learn more!

November 8, 2021

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Aviation Tech Center Is an Investment in Vermont’s Future Workforce

December 6, 2021November 8, 2021

Aviation Tech Center Is an Investment in Vermont’s Future Workforce

The State of Vermont Aerospace and Aviation

Vermont is home to a $2 billion aerospace manufacturing and civil aviation industry. According to the U.S. Economic Impact of Civil Aviation by State Report done in November 2020 by the Federal Aviation Administration, the economic impact of civil aviation alone for the state of Vermont includes:

$1.195 billion in economic output
$304 million in earnings
$644 million in value added
8,917 jobs

Civil aviation represents 2% of Vermont’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Vermont is also home to industry leaders including Beta Technologies, Collins Aerospace, A Raytheon Technologies Company, GE Aviation, General Dynamics, G.S. Precision, and an established, world-class supplier base of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Pandemic Impact

Paradigm shifts brought about by the pandemic impacted aerospace manufacturing for commercial aviation, as well as global supply chains, moving suppliers to pivot to defense contracting and OEMs and Primes to adapt and innovate. Integrated supply chains are becoming more focused on digitization, cybersecurity compliance, diversification, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and the growing importance of regional supply chains.

At present, we have a severe workforce labor shortage and skills gap in manufacturing, which is being worsened by the “Great Reshuffle, Resignation, and Retirement.” When commercial aviation rebounds in 2023 and 2024, we will need a skilled and trained workforce in aerospace and aviation, including engineers, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) technicians, assembly and fabrication, cabin crew, and, importantly, pilots.

Manufacturing Our Future Workforce

In support of Governor Phil Scott’s Comprehensive Blueprint for Economic Growth and Make Vermont a Supply Chain Hub and Strengthen Our Relationship with Québec (page 17), we have an opportunity to really put Vermont on the map with the Aerospace Trade Corridor and transform the State into an Aerospace & Aviation Supply Chain Hub by:

Training the next generation workforce, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) technicians, manufacturing and assembly, and pilots for both traditional fixed-wing and rotator and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
Growing, marketing, and promoting Vermont’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) cluster, an important part of Vermont’s $2 billion aerospace manufacturing and civil aviation industry and leverage the 6% aviation sales tax exemption as an economic development recruitment tool for MRO on parts, equipment, and machinery for commercial charter and private aircraft.

According to Aviation Week, “over the next ten years, 53,987 aircraft will be delivered, 32,196 aircraft will retire, and the total MRO spend is anticipated to be over $2 trillion.”

With the above in place, recruit new aerospace manufacturers to the State just like New York did with Norsk Titanium to the former Plattsburg U.S. Air Force base.

How We Get There

To help accomplish this, and, along with other important efforts, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the The Burlington Technical Center to submit a $10 million federal earmark for an Aviation Tech Center filed with U.S. Senator Patrick Senator Leahy.

The Burlington Technical center is an FAA Part 147 approved Aircraft Maintenance Technician School which educates and trains the next generation of aviation technicians in airframe and powerplant, avionics, maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

If secured, and, with this project, Vermont will be able to retain and propel Vermont’s combined $2 billion aerospace and aviation industry forward with graduates ready to apply their relevant, current skills and capabilities with an array of employers, including aircraft manufacturers, such as Beta Technologies, Tier 1,2, and 3 aerospace suppliers, such as G.S. Precision (Tier-1), airlines (major, national, regional, and scheduled), cargo companies, charter operators, such as Boutique Air, flight schools, government agencies (FAA), MRO manufacturers, FAA Part 145 Repair Stations, Vermont Air National Guard, and the Vermont Army National Guard.

Educating and training the next generation of aviation technicians in airframe and powerplant, avionics, and MRO is an investment in our future workforce and will help address Vermont’s workforce labor shortage and skills gap in civil and commercial aviation and aerospace manufacturing. Graduates will be able to enter careers in commercial, military, government, and private aviation. Graduates will also be able to work in Vermont airport facilities and replace a generation that is on the verge of retirement across the state.

To learn more, please contact Chris Carrigan at ccarrigan@vtchamber.com.

November 8, 2021

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Equity Is the Path to Economic Success in Vermont

June 23, 2023November 2, 2021

Equity Is the Path to Economic Success in Vermont

By Betsy Bishop, Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Every day there is a news story about policies Vermont is addressing to further diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many organizations, including the Vermont Chamber, are focusing on this internally and programmatically to do our part to foster equity and inclusion in our areas of influence. And yet, recently, I’ve seen reports of public slurs and hate directed at people of color. This is most disturbing when we hear about it at school events because these students – all of them – are our future.

We cannot abide this intolerance. Vermont’s economic growth and prosperity is dependent on our ability to embrace all people. Today’s students are our customers, our future workforce, our future leaders, our future entrepreneurs, and our neighbors. When I read the op-ed An Honest Education is a Key to Vermont’s Economic Future by Curtiss Reed, Jr., president and CEO of CRJ Consulting Group and executive director of the Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity, I recognized that as a business leader, I must amplify his message and encourage businesses to spread the message that Vermont only works if it works for everyone.

Our current demographics are challenging, and we must welcome a growing and changing population to have a bright future with healthy economic growth that complements our deep values around environmental sustainability and a just society. We want our economy, society, and environment to thrive together. Vermont consistently ranks as one of the oldest and whitest states in the nation. Before the pandemic, our partners at the Vermont Futures Project identified that Vermont needed 10,000 more workers in the labor force. That number is even higher now.

According to their data, since the 2008 recession, Vermont has struggled from the dual challenges of rural flight and an aging population. Lifestyle amenities and urban job opportunities draw workers away from rural areas, while a generation of people are also retiring from the workforce.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data this month that shows we have 23,000 open jobs in Vermont – exacerbated by the pandemic. We simply need more people here. We must welcome all people into our communities as our neighbors and co-workers to help sustain and grow this beautiful state. Changing demographics are not only a national trend, but also a gift and opportunity for Vermont.

At the Vermont Chamber, we are doing our part. We are advocating for resources for BIPOC-owned businesses, diversifying our Board of Directors, and developing programming to help small businesses create and advance a culture of belonging. We are also working to ensure State leaders continue providing worker incentive programs and make policy changes that attract military veterans to Vermont to strengthen our workforce.

And the work to create a more equitable Vermont starts early. In schools, teachers are helping students become their best selves so they can one day lead Vermont with integrity. The next generation should enter the workforce with diversity, equity, and inclusion in their hearts as fundamental principles.

In a recent NPR interview, former President Barack Obama said that optimism must be extended to people. “Sometimes we put [other people] in a box and we assume that they’re never going to change, and I reject that,” Obama said. “I think the country has … shown itself capable of changing.”

If we want to secure a strong economic future and attract new residents, it’s our collective responsibility to make Vermont the best place it can be – free of intolerance and full of inclusion. A place where we recognize that our fates are tied together and strive for shared success.

For these reasons and more, embracing diversity and promoting equity is critical to Vermont’s economic health and future. We are raising our voice. Have you?

Betsy Bishop is the President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, whose mission is focused on creating an economic climate conducive to business growth while enhancing Vermont’s quality of life. She lives in East Montpelier.

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Vermont Futures Project Turns 5 Years Old

June 23, 2023November 1, 2021

Vermont Futures Project Turns 5 Years Old and Welcomes New Board Members

The Vermont Futures Project is pleased to welcome two new Board Members: James (Jim) A. Kisch and Janette Bombardier. Vermont Futures Project Board Member Kelly Krayewsky is also taking the reins as new Board Chair after William Shouldice’s five years of Board leadership.

Jim Kisch is a banking industry veteran serving as Passumpsic Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Northeast Home Loan. Prior to joining Passumpsic Bank, he was Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Continuity, a leading provider of Regulatory Technology solutions that automate compliance management for financial institutions across the U.S.

Kisch said, “I joined the Vermont Futures Board as a meaningful way of paying it forward to our State and its people for embracing my family and me. I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to help the Vermont Futures Project with its continuous, inventive long-range efforts to shape a thriving future ahead for all Vermonters. The Vermont Futures Project has the distinction of disciplined data driven and strategic leadership, which is a game changing domain I passionately believe in.”

Janette Bombardier currently serves as Chief Operating Officer / Chief Technical Officer at Chroma Technology Corp and 89 North. She joined Chroma Technology in 2018. She is a University of Vermont graduate and held many engineering and leadership positions at IBM. As IBM’s senior location executive for the Vermont facility, she was a leader in the transition of the IBM operations to GlobalFoundries. She also previously served as Green Mountain Power’s Senior Vice President for industrial customer relations and continuous improvement projects.

Bombardier said, “The Vermont Futures Project is key to establishing important goals for Vermont to sustain and grow our economy. The data driven approach is critical to not only understanding the issues but also to measure the impact of the actions we take. It is critical that Vermont has an organization like The Vermont Futures Project that can sustain this work over a long period of time given the importance of the issues facing Vermont’s economic health.”

The Vermont Futures Project is also celebrating turning five years old this Fall, as it was formally launched by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce in 2016 as a research and education foundation to use data, benchmarks, and knowledge to stimulate conversation and prompt action, leading to economic prosperity for all Vermonters. A new video highlights the mission and values framework for the organization.

Vermont Futures Project Board Member Kelly Krayewsky, who serves as Director of Brand Marketing and Government Affairs at Revision Military, is stepping into her new role as Board Chair. The role of Board Chair was previously held for five years by William (Bill) Shouldice, President and CEO at Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Shouldice states, “as the chair of the Vermont Futures Project for the past five years, I’ve seen this organization grow from a start-up to an independent and trusted source of information that current and future decision makers can rely on to shape the future direction of Vermont. As we transition to new leadership, I’m confident that we will continue to capture all voices from around the state to enrich the quality of our work which is powered by our dedicated staff and our consistent donor base. I am grateful for their ongoing support of our mission to secure a robust economy.”

Krayewsky said, “I have been compelled by the mission of The Vermont Futures Project since Bill first asked Revision to join as a supporter in 2017. I am honored to be chosen as the next Board Chair and am so excited for the next chapter of this great organization as we contribute to the economic prosperity of Vermont.”

The Vermont Futures Project Board of Directors reflects the organization’s commitment to representing diversity of age, race, industry, gender, and region across Vermont. Through leadership, research, and education, The Vermont Futures Project seeks to inform the conversation about Vermont’s economic future and demonstrate how a healthy economy contributes to Vermont’s vibrant communities and unique quality of life.

November 1, 2021

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Investing in Vermont’s Future: Community Conversations

June 23, 2023October 21, 2021

Investing in Vermont’s Future: Community Conversations

Thanks to remaining federal stimulus funds and a surge in state revenues, Vermont is currently in a position to make unprecedented investments in its economic future. The Legislature is gathering ideas at planned open discussions to inform policy and budgetary work related to these future investments.

This is an opportunity to meet with State House leaders and voice your concerns about the economic future of Vermont. Vermont is facing a housing crisis that continues to exacerbate the workforce shortages plaguing virtually every sector. These upcoming discussions with key leaders are your chance to share experiences and express your informed views about the future of local businesses in Vermont.

This could include discussing the impacts of increased taxation and regulation on business operations – particularly for small businesses, the ongoing challenges related to the workforce shortage crisis, and more.

These regional discussions will be held virtually.

Washington County Conversation, Thursday, October 28th, 5:30 – 6:30. Register here.
Orange County Conversation, Tuesday, November 2th, 5:30 – 6:30. Register here.
Chittenden County Conversation, Thursday, November 4th, 5:30 – 6:30. Register here.
Orleans County Conversation, Monday, November 8th, 5:30-6:30. Register here.
Lamoille County Conversation, Wednesday, November 10th, 5:30 – 6:30. Register here.
Final conversation open to anyone across the state, Tuesday, November 16th. Register here.

To guide your remarks in advance of these conversations, consider:

How could the State use available funds in a manner that supported the existence and growth of Vermont’s business community?
How do the current high costs of business operations impact your ability to provide greater benefits to your employees?
How would additional regulatory burdens and taxation impact your business?
What barriers, regulatory or otherwise, are impacting the lack of housing in your community?
What additional actions could the State take to incentivize the in-migration of essential workers?
What specific investment could the State make to reduce your operating costs? For instance, the Unemployment Trust Fund was drawn down during the height of the pandemic and employers are obligated to refill the fund – would State investments that offset some of that obligation be meaningful to you?

Thank you for participating.

October 21, 2021

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Highlights From Manufacturing Summit

November 8, 2021October 19, 2021

Highlights From 2021 Manufacturing Summit

At the Vermont Chamber Virtual Manufacturing Summit last month, we hosted 250 B2B participants, 25 OEMs, Primes, and Government Agencies, hosted 400 B2B meetings (representing 100 hours of quality meeting time for buyers, suppliers, and partners), facilitated workforce development with University of Vermont and Vermont Technical College students for jobs and internships, expanded the Aerospace Trade Corridor to Ontario, welcomed international trade delegations from Québec, Ontario, and Canada, and much more.

Please find additional highlights and results from the Summit below:

Expansion of Aerospace Trade Corridor to Ontario

In support of our work to inter-cluster our aerospace and defense industries and provide our participants with access to new markets, contacts, shared best practices, and supply chain innovation and transformation, the Vermont Chamber, in partnership with the Ontario Aerospace Council, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the recent 2021 Manufacturing Summit and officially expanded the Aerospace Trade Corridor to Ontario’s $6 billion aerospace and defense sector. The MOU will provide the additional framework going forward for collaboration and partnership, which will foster the development of new, cross-border contacts and business opportunities as we reconnect and rebuild our supply chains.

Gov. Scott & Sen. Leahy at Vermont Chamber Manufacturing Summit

Governor Phil Scott and Senator Patrick Leahy were featured speakers at our 2021 Manufacturing Summit. Governor Scott discussed challenges presented by the pandemic, how the Vermont Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit benefits participants, and the economic importance of Vermont’s manufacturing industry. Senator Leahy noted the unique and important opportunity that attendees of the Manufacturing Summit had to learn from industry experts, convene, and build their networks.

Watch Governor Scott here.
Watch Senator Leahy here.

Workforce Development with UVM and Vermont Technical College

At our 2021 Manufacturing Summit, we provided important workforce development through partnerships with the University of Vermont College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) and Vermont Technical College. The Vermont Chamber facilitated 20 interviews for students and soon-to-be graduates in STEM and advanced manufacturing with employer participants for jobs and internship opportunities.

2021 Manufacturing Summit Testimonials (view all here)

“The Virtual Manufacturing Summit exceeded our company’s expectations in every way. In a challenging environment, the Summit enabled effortless collaboration that would have otherwise been impossible. We are excited to see where the opportunities and partnerships that were established will lead as well as continuing our participation in the future.”

“Thank you again for organizing another great event. The platform used for the B2B was wonderful. I’ve used it again a couple times since — and find it to be the best out there.”

“Thank you for inviting Colt to participate in the Manufacturing Summit. I found it to be a very resourceful event (the matchmaker and individual conferences) and it provided me with 7 potential suppliers…for both our US and Canadian operations.”

Sponsor 2022 Manufacturing Summit

Our Annual 2022 Manufacturing Supply Chain Summit will be in held in September with a confirmed date to soon follow. To join us as a sponsor, please contact Chris Carrigan, (802) 223-0904, ccarrigan@vtchamber.com

October 19, 2021

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Chamber Advocacy Around Employer Vaccine Mandate

October 14, 2021October 13, 2021

Chamber Advocacy Around Employer Vaccine Mandate

This week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA sent its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on the vaccine mandate for large employers (those with 100 or more employees) to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. While the rule could go into effect after approval immediately, it may provide a period of time for employers to understand the rule and come into compliance. Since Vermont has a state plan, the Vermont Chamber is advocating for the following three requests:

We encourage the Vermont Department of Labor’s VOSHA to take the full 30 days allowed to review the federal ETS which will also provide time for employers to understand the full scope of the rule and align resources to comply with the ETS.
We urge VOSHA not to add any additional requirements or levels of compliance as we anticipate this change will be a significant challenge already.
Allowing varied testing options for employers will be a key to compliance. The constricted availability of tests and slowed timeline for returning results will have a detrimental impact on an employer’s ability to facilitate this mandate. The recent news that the supply chain for tests will be adjusted to allow for greater access is certainly welcome. We hope that the federal ETS allows for rapid testing and we encourage VOSHA to endorse that direction if provided for in the federal rule.

As information becomes available for the ETS and more specifically, VOSHA’s response, the Vermont Chamber will disseminate this information to employers to ensure strong compliance. We are proud of Vermont’s standing as a national leader in vaccination rates and will continue to do our part to maintain healthy and safe workplaces. If you have questions or further information for our team, please connect with our Membership Engagement Director Sophia Yager by email.

October 13, 2021

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Thanking Our Building Bridges Fund Contributors

June 23, 2023October 7, 2021

Thanking Our Building Bridges Fund Contributors

The Vermont Chamber’s Building Bridges Fund helps impacted businesses continue to participate in our advocacy, education, and marketing.

Contributions provide a dual benefit for small businesses and the Vermont Chamber, allowing them to participate in our programming and helping us maintain our powerful advocacy voice which is proven to help move all businesses toward economic recovery.

The Vermont Chamber extends sincere thanks to all who have contributed our Building Bridges Fund.

Since we launched the fund in 2020, 40 impacted small businesses were helped, 34 Vermont Chamber members contributed, and together, we raised more than $20,000.

Learn more and make your contribution here.