Events

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has announced the reimagined 2024 Manufacturing Summit scheduled for November 13-14, 2024, at the recently renovated Hotel Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.

With the theme of “Resilience by Design,” this year’s Manufacturing Summit will be the premier event for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore and address the challenges of manufacturing in a rapidly evolving regulatory and trade environment. As global markets and regulations shift, manufacturers must adapt to maintain competitive advantages and ensure long-term success. This summit will bring together experts to discuss strategies for building resilient supply chains, leveraging technology for greater adaptability, and understanding the implications of new trade agreements, and regulatory changes. A key feature will be the Business-to-Business (B2B) Matchmaking Program, designed to connect manufacturers with potential partners, suppliers, and clients. This program will create networking opportunities, enabling participants to forge strategic alliances and explore new business ventures that enhance their resilience in the market.

“Since 2013, the Vermont Chamber has built a legacy of strengthening the manufacturing industry through policy and programming efforts to give Vermont manufacturers a competitive edge. We’re thrilled to have manufacturing take center stage and continue our collaboration with key industry partners,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

Key offerings and content focus areas at this year’s summit include:

• B2B Matchmaking: Facilitating connections between manufacturers and potential partners
• Cybersecurity: Addressing the latest threats and protections in the manufacturing sector
• Supply Chain Management: Strategies for developing resilient and efficient supply chains
• Workforce Development: Exploring solutions to workforce challenges and skill gaps
• State and Federal Regulations: Navigating the regulatory landscape that impacts manufacturing
• Contract Manufacturing: Opportunities and challenges in the contracting space

The event kicks off with a networking reception on November 13, followed by a full day of programming and networking opportunities on November 14. For more information and to stay updated on event details, please visit vtchamber.com/vermont-manufacturing-summit. This event is generously supported by: the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s Department of Economic Development, G.S. Precision, Manufacturing Solutions Inc., Collins Aerospace, GE Aerospace, VT Apex Accelerator, University of Vermont CEMS, KAMAN Composites Vermont and the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center.

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.

On August 1, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce celebrated Thomas A. Dee, President and CEO of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), as the 2024 Citizen of the Year at an event in his honor. Colleagues, friends, and family members gathered at the historic Everett Mansion to recognize Dee’s outstanding contributions to advance the southern Vermont economy and elevate community healthcare standards.

The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually by the Vermont Chamber to an individual who has made significant contributions to the betterment of Vermont, distinguished through exceptional service to their community and region, and epitomizes the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice that defines Vermont citizenship. Tom Dee has exemplified these qualities through his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the southwestern Vermont community.

“I’m humbled by this honor and grateful for the attention it brings to SVMC and the community of Bennington, which I call home,” said Tom Dee. “I have always strived to be a good steward of this health care system and, while I consider myself a small part of its more than 100-year history, I understand the crucial role we have in the communities we serve and in the State of Vermont. This has always motivated me to move SVMC forward and support our community, where I can.”

Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, also shared her thoughts on the occasion, saying, “Tom Dee embodies the finest ideals of Vermont citizenship. For 14 years, his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have significantly improved the local economy and elevated community healthcare standards. We are proud to honor Tom Dee as the 2024 Citizen of the Year and celebrate his exceptional leadership and commitment to community.”

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has been honoring outstanding Vermonters with the Citizen of the Year award since 1964. Previous recipients include Senator Patrick Leahy, Barbara Snelling, Antonio Pomerleau, and Ken Squier. This year’s celebration was a testament to Tom Dee’s remarkable contributions and his enduring legacy in Vermont. This event was supported by these generous sponsors: rk Miles, Casella, Farrell Distributing, The Richards Group, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Mack Molding, and The Putnam Redevelopment Group