FSV began in the early 1970s and moved to its current location of 143 Barre Street, Montpelier Vermont in 1985. FSV offers tax preparation and planning, accounting services, and auditing services. Today the firm employs 17 staff which work with a variety of clients ranging from municipalities, individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits.
FSV provides a challenging team atmosphere for our professional and support staff that encourages productivity, personal advancement, use of technology, critical thinking, learning, and having fun at our jobs. The longevity of the firm is due to its commitment to building client relationships and high standards of quality. An interesting piece of firm history is that the tree outside of our Victorian building is one of the largest Gingko trees in Vermont.
The $3.5 trillion “Build Back Better Act” makes important investments in things that will benefit our country and the restaurant industry. But the bill does not replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and it raises taxes on small businesses at a time when the restaurant industry truly cannot bear more financial strain. Watch the NRA’s 5-minute explainer video to learn how the tax changes would affect your bottom line.
To compound this, a new NRA survey of the state of the industry highlights the outlook that a recovery from the pandemic could be prolonged well into 2022. The NRA released a letter to congressional leaders sharing the survey and their strong objections to the Build Back Better Act as written.
Congress must hear from restaurants to ensure RRF receives more funding. Reach out directly to Senator Patrick Leahy and Senator Bernie Sanders and tell your story, or use this form to send a note to Vermont’s Congressional Delegation. Additionally, you can help bolster Vermont Independent Restaurants’ (VTIR) advocacy for the replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund by signing this petition.
Vermont Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Board Members
Board Members Teresa Kajenski, Kathy Austin, Mané Alves, Roger Nishi, and Keith Jones (Not pictured: Chiuho Sampson)
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce welcomed six new Directors to the Board: Mané Alves of Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Company, Kathy Austin of Community National Bank, Keith Jones of National Life, Teresa Kajenski of Fothergill Segale & Valley, Roger Nishi of Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom, and Chiuho Sampson of A Single Pebble. The Vermont Chamber also thanks continuing Board Members, who are listed on the organization’s Board of Directors page.
Collectively, the Board is committed to helping further the Vermont Chamber’s mission to ensure a thriving Vermont economy. In 2021, significant legislative priorities advanced that will help businesses recover from the pandemic. With continued challenges ahead, the Vermont Chamber is dedicated to ensuring businesses across the state recover and Vermont’s economic future is bright.
Incoming Chair of the Vermont Chamber Board Peter McDougall, President of Paul, Frank + Collins P.C., said, “Over the last decade, Vermont Chamber leaders have focused on diversifying the Board of Directors to reflect the state’s business makeup. In addition to ongoing efforts to diversify leadership, the Vermont Chamber will continue working towards meaningful change in support of equity and inclusion.”
The Vermont Chamber’s current Board of Directors consists of 48% women, 48% men, 4% gender nonbinary or gender nonconforming individuals, 17% BIPOC individuals, 17% immigrant, refugee, asylee, and/or foreign-born citizens, and 8% LGBTQIA+ individuals. Board members work in varied industries across 10 of Vermont’s 14 counties.
Vermont Chamber of Commerce President Betsy Bishop said, “It is important that all Vermont businesses see themselves and their needs reflected in our leadership and work. We welcome and thank all our Board Members who will help us strengthen Vermont’s economy and be committed to our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.”
Chair of the Vermont Chamber’s DEI Task Force Willie Docto, Co-Owner of Moose Meadow Lodge, said, “The Board is committed to integrating DEI programming into the Vermont Chamber’s work for sustainable, collective impact. We are creating an action plan and will partner with others to further this work.”
Vermont Chamber Membership Engagement Director Sophia Yager is leading the outreach effort with an intentional focus on BIPOC businesses to gather a greater understanding of needs so the Vermont Chamber can organize resources to support all businesses. You can connect with Sophia Yager by email to learn more and get involved.
By Vermont Chamber Vice President of Tourism Amy Spear
Have you ever picked crisp apples fresh from an orchard, been surrounded by bright red and orange mountains, or hiked through a towering corn maze?
In Vermont, you can do all that and more on an ordinary fall day. This year, visitors can enjoy the season in a distinctly Vermont way – with activities and attractions that draw in people from around the globe.
Our state has options everyone will love.
Delicious food and drink
After shopping and cider sampling at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, enjoy a meal at Apple Core Luncheonette & Brew, which offers homemade breakfast and lunch seven days a week.
Stop by Citizen Cider’s Tasting Room in Burlington for flagship hard ciders and seasonal limited releases, all made from apples sourced locally. The full food menu has something for everyone, featuring items made with their infamous cider.
Stay somewhere serene
The Essex Resort & Spa, a centrally located luxury resort, is the perfect home-base for exploring Vermont in the fall from north to south. End the day at on-site restaurants or spend an afternoon unwinding at the spa.
Or stay at Manchester’s Equinox Golf Resort & Spa. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, this iconic resort is steeped in history. Surrounded by natural landscapes, this destination is beautiful in every season, but is especially stunning during fall.
Get active in fresh air
Featuring one of the best corn mazes in the state, kids and adults of all ages enjoy hiking through the towering corn at Hathaway Farm in Rutland and the challenge of solving a maze.
Shelburne Orchards
Enjoy apple picking and cider donuts while taking in the view of Lake Champlain on Shelburne Orchards’ 60-acre family owned and operated apple orchard.
If you’re traveling, why not visit the most vaccinated state in the country?
Last month, Vermont had the highest vaccination rate in the country. If you’re going to travel this fall, why not come to one of the safest states in the nation?
Vermont has a tradition of welcoming visitors to our state. In the wake of Covid-19, the state continues to offer safe travel guidance to visitors and Vermonters. Before you come, take a few minutes to learn what our state leaders are recommending regarding masking and physical distancing.
Community care is at the heart of Vermont life. When you visit, we know you’ll feel the Vermonter spirit in our safety measures and in every smile and wave.
While you stay, play with us by sharing on social media with hashtags #ThisIsVT and #VermontFall.
We would love to see and share your photos this fall. The Vermont Chamber of Commerce tourism team will share your Instagram posts in our stories from our Visit Vermont account.
We’ll also be creating an album with your photos on our Facebook page.
Every year, Vermont sees more than 13 million visitors to the state.
As you plan your visit, be sure to check your plans carefully by reading updates on lodging and business websites. Due to staffing shortages, their hours of operation and policies may have changed.
We are so excited to welcome you to Vermont.
Amy Spear, of Killington, is the Vice President of Tourism at 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.
Chamber Statement on Vermont Receiving up to 100 Afghan Refugees
Today, Governor Phil Scott announced that the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) was approved by the U.S. Department of State to welcome up to 100 Afghans in Vermont in the weeks ahead.
Responding to the announcement, Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop said, “We are proud that Vermont was approved to welcome up to 100 Afghan refugees to our state. For years, the Vermont Chamber has supported additional funding for refugee resettlement in Vermont. Welcoming these refugees to our state is part of the Vermonter spirit, helps our economy, and grows our workforce when we need it most.”
Chamber Member Lawson's Finest Liquids' Merch Benefits Outright Vermont
Vermont Chamber member Lawson’s Finest Liquids announced a special effort to support Outright Vermont. Outright Vermont provides education, support, and space for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
All profits from Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ rainbow merchandise, including their Rainbow Can Cooler and Rainbow T-Shirt, will benefit the Outright Vermont organization and their mission.
You can learn more about the effort here, and check out Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ website and Outright Vermont’s website.
Interested in being a Vermont Chamber member? Head here to learn more and connect with us.
Profits from our fun rainbow merch benefit Outright Vermont's mission to build a Vermont where all LGBTQ+ youth have hope, equity and power. Learn more about the organization and help everyone's rainbow shine brighter.🏳️🌈https://t.co/sBQutpwn2rpic.twitter.com/AMuYosnZ1H
Vermont’s relocation grant application portal is now open to eligible applicants who relocated to Vermont after July 1, 2021.
This relocation program aims to grow the workforce as well as provide support to employers who are struggling to fill vacancies, either due to the low unemployment rates or a disconnect between job requirements and candidate qualifications.
Eligible applicants are those who fill vacancies in occupations identified with the most openings. The program offers reimbursement grants for eligible expenses, up to $7,500, to workers in certain occupations who move to Vermont and fill an opening with a Vermont employer.
Learn more about the program and how to apply from Think Vermont here.
The State of Vermont is studying the efficacy of the New Worker Relocation Incentive Program and New Relocating Employee Program. Officials involved in the study would like to know how these incentives have helped employers attract workforce.
This is an opportunity to share your thoughts on how the programs have worked well and how they could be improved. Your input is extremely valuable to the continuation and improvement of Vermont’s workforce recruitment initiatives. All responses will be kept confidential and no business will be identified in the final report for this study.
This month, we are spotlighting Vermont Chamber member MVP Health Care.
Vermont’s fastest-growing health plan just got even better. New for 2022…MVP Health Care has exciting new benefits including the convenience of virtual physical therapy and savings with a $500 acupuncture allowance. Plus get paid for participating in healthy activities with up to $600 WellBeing Rewards and access to 24/7 virtual care services with Gia.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrowers are reminded to apply for forgiveness within 10 months after the last day of the covered period. A borrower can apply for forgiveness once all loan proceeds for which the borrower is requesting forgiveness have been used. More information is available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Visit the SBA PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal to apply. This portal is made available by the U.S. Small Business Administration to streamline forgiveness processing for PPP Borrowers. The SBA also offers live customer service to borrowers at 877-552-2692.
The Vermont Chamber and other business organizations tirelessly advocated to prevent the Legislature from taxing 2021 PPP loans. Learn more about our advocacy here and find staff contacts here.
In 1946, Vrest and Mildred Orton printed and mailed The Vermont Country Store’s first catalog of 36 items to 1,000 people on their Christmas card list. Inspired by childhood memories of his father’s general store in North Calais, Vermont, Vrest, a frugal Yankee at heart, insisted that what they sold must be useful, work and make sense.
Today the company is owned by Lyman Orton and his sons Cabot, Gardner and Eliot, 7th and 8th generation Vermonters and 4th and 5th generation storekeepers who still hold true to this principle. The Vermont Country Store is known as The Purveyors of the Practical and Hard-to-Find, serving customers online at www.vermontcountrystore.com, through its catalogs, and in their two retail stores in Weston and Rockingham, Vt., that are open daily from 10:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Have you ever picked crisp apples fresh from an orchard, been surrounded by bright red and orange mountains, or hiked through a towering corn maze?
