Bourne’s Energy wins Outstanding Business of the Year Award 2023

January 11, 2024January 9, 2024

Bourne’s Energy wins Outstanding Business of the Year Award 2023

VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the winner of the prestigious and highly anticipated Outstanding Business of the Year Award 2023 is Bourne’s Energy. The Award will be presented to Bourne’s Energy at the opening session of the Vermont Economic Conference on January 30^th at the UVM Dudley Davis Center.

Bourne’s Energy is an independent, local, family-owned-and-operated energy business that has been around for 75 years. Bourne’s Energy is considered a leading-edge innovator when it comes to the environment and its future.

“For 75 years Bourne’s Energy has been proudly serving the communities of Vermont. We firmly believe that much of our long-term success stems from our commitment to support those who support us – whether that’s sponsoring a community arts program, a scholarship, or lending our support during a flood. Our ‘use less, give more’ mentality is in the fabric of who we are as a family and as a company” said Owner Peter Bourne. Co-Owner Mike Bourne added, “We are honored to receive the Outstanding Business of the Year award. This award is really a reflection on the quality of the people we have. How we work together for our customers is part of what sets us apart. We feel it is our duty as a leader in the fuel industry to forge the path for Vermonters to reduce their carbon footprint with environmentally friendlier heating fuels and high-efficiency equipment that are affordable and easy to implement. I speak for the entire Bourne’s Energy work family in thanking the Vermont Chamber and Vermont Business Magazine for this award.”

Bourne’s Energy’s company culture is built around the desire to do the right thing. Their prices are fair, their service is excellent, and they go out of the way for their customers. Their products and services, the fuels they provide, the equipment they sell, and the service plans they offer, are all to help Vermonters consume less fuel, and less carbon. It goes against the grain. But this plan has enabled Bourne’s Energy to work on the business instead of in the business. They have a plan to be green and a plan to do the right thing for the customer. Because it’s what’s right for Vermont.

Bourne’s Energy cares about where they live. Treating others well, along with treating where they live well, is at their core as an organization. As a company, they believe that being active in their community is the best way to grow their company in every way. When they take care of their community, they earn goodwill with residents, and they earn a good reputation as a place people want to work. They support a lot of non-profits and community initiatives.

“This annual award honors a Vermont business that shows an outstanding history of sustained growth in sales and/or employees, a commitment to their community, recognition of the environment as a natural and economic resource for Vermont and the creation of a positive work environment for all employees while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique, and Bourne’s Energy certainly exceeded these criteria’s. The award was created 34 years ago by VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber to recognize and honor the state’s best companies” said John Boutin, Publisher, VermontBiz.

“The list of past winners is a virtual who’s who of businesses in Vermont. We have so many outstanding businesses in Vermont that reflect much of what we see throughout our state’s economy,” said Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop.

______________________________

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

[Previously known as the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award]

2023 BOURNE’S ENERGY

2022 HICKOK & BOARDMAN INSURANCE GROUP

2021 HEALTHY LIVING MARKET AND CAFÉ

2020 LAWSON’S FINEST LIQUIDS

2019 CHROMA TECHNOLOGY CORP.

2018 GREEN MOUNTAIN POWER

2017 VERMONT MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP

2016 MARATHON HEALTH

2015 PC CONSTRUCTION

2014 CHAMPLAIN CABLE

2013 DEALER.COM

2012 GW PLASTICS, INC.

2011 FOLEY FAMILY OF COMPANIES

2010 SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS

2009 BIOTEK INSTRUMENTS INC

2008 NATIONAL LIFE GROUP

2007 SYMQUEST GROUP INC

2006 RSG

2005 KING ARTHUR FLOUR

2004 IDX

2003 HUBBARDTON FORGE

2002 NRG SYSTEMS

2001 WILD APPLE GRAPHICS

2000 WAITSFIELD CHAMPLAIN VALLEY TELECOM

1999 CABOT CREAMERY

1998 VERMONT COUNTRY STORE

1997 SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT

1996 MACKMOLDING COMPANY

1995 VERMONT HEATING & VENTILATING

1994 GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS

1993 PERRY RESTAURANT GROUP

1992 MCKENZIE MEATS

1991 C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS

1990 WALLACE ENTERPRISES

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The Wellspring Forum Connects Senator Peter Welch with Business Leaders

December 19, 2023December 18, 2023

The Wellspring Forum Connects Senator Peter Welch with Business Leaders

Senator Peter Welch addressed the Vermont Chamber Board of Directors and other Vermont business leaders at the Wellspring Forum series which was held at KORE Power in Waterbury. The event series, hosted by the Vermont Chamber, regularly brings together top Vermont business and policy leaders for robust economic discussions. Each event takes place at a unique Vermont business and is moderated by Vermont Chamber President, Betsy Bishop.

“The Vermont Chamber is proud to build on our record of advancing the Vermont economy by connecting Vermont business leaders with Senator Welch and facilitating an opportunity for robust policy discussions,” stated Bishop. “We remain grateful for Senator Welch’s willingness to meet businesses where they are, and for taking their concerns back with him to Washington D.C.”

Senator Welch was in person at the facilities of KORE Power to answer audience questions and address employer concerns. Business leaders asked the Senator to speak to opportunities for federal solutions on middle-income workforce housing, affordability, immigration, and other national economic stability concerns. The Senator also applauded the leadership of Vermont businesses on climate security and innovation.

“The Vermont Chamber’s Wellspring Forum provided the opportunity to hear directly from business owners about so many issues that are directly impacting Vermont’s business community. We discussed the importance of providing targeted disaster relief to businesses impacted by the brutal flooding this summer, efforts to strengthen our workforce, our continued fight to combat climate change, and federal actions to expand access to health care and childcare,” said Senator Welch. “I will continue to bring the voices and concerns of Vermonters with me to Washington and keep working to level the playing field here in the Green Mountain State.”

Following the forum, business leaders from across Vermont toured the KORE Power facility to learn more about the leading U.S.-based developer of battery cell technology and integrated solution manufacturer for the energy storage and e-mobility sectors.

“As New Englanders, we’re particularly proud to engineer solutions that advance energy independence and reliability,” said KORE Power President Jay Bellows. “With Senator Welch’s support of federal policies like the IRA, solutions built by our team here in Vermont that deliver those benefits are in demand across the nation.”

The event title is inspired by Governor James H. Douglas’ quote; “I am often reminded that the wellspring of Vermont liberty flows from Main Street, not State Street.”

This Wellspring Forum was made possible by the support of the following sponsors:

December 18, 2023

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Vermont Chamber of Commerce Hosts 10th Annual Manufacturing Summit

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Vermont Chamber of Commerce Hosts 10th Annual Manufacturing Summit

For a decade, the Vermont Chamber has brought together industry peers to facilitate sourcing and procurement opportunities at the Manufacturing Summit. OEM buyers, suppliers, and partners from across the United States and Canada convened at the event to strengthen supply chains and advance the Vermont economy. The event featured two days of virtual matchmaking, a robust seminar agenda, and an in-person networking reception.

Paradigm shifts brought on by the pandemic impacted global supply chains, causing businesses to modify their sourcing strategies. The Vermont Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit has met this challenge by innovating the event into a hybrid agenda. This year, 335 meetings between 90 suppliers and 24 OEMs, prime contractors, and government agencies took place. Many of the participants were leaders in the aerospace, aviation, defense, naval, marine, semiconductor, and space industries.

The 2023 Manufacturing Summit also marked the 10th anniversary of a collaboration agreement between Aéro Montréal and the Vermont Chamber. The Vermont-Québec Aerospace Trade Corridor links Vermont’s $2 billion aerospace manufacturing and civil aviation industry with the $18 billion Québec aerospace cluster. The corridor also extends to Connecticut and Ontario.

“Since 2013, the Vermont Chamber has built a legacy of strengthening Vermont’s manufacturing industry. Our advocacy work focuses on supportive tax policy and our supply chain matchmaking skills give Vermont businesses a competitive advantage. The Manufacturing Summit is the pinnacle of our year-round efforts to create a niche network of industry peers that enables supply chain opportunities in Vermont, New England, and Canada,” stated Chris Carrigan, Vice President of Business Development for the Vermont Chamber. “It was particularly exciting to produce this year’s event during Manufacturing Month, a time when the industry’s critical contributions to the national, state, and local economy are on full display.”

Several foreign and state dignitaries were present at the networking reception in Burlington, including Acting Consul General and Senior Trade Commissioner Dina Santos, Québec Delegate to New England Marie-Claude Francoeur, President of Aéro Montréal Mélanie Lussier, Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Commissioner Joan Goldstein, members of the Vermont Legislature, and representatives from the offices of Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Congresswoman Becca Balint.

October 26, 2023

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Vermont Chamber Brings Together Chris Graff and Garrett Graff for First Joint Appearance, a Discussion on Politics and the Media

October 2, 2023

Vermont Chamber Brings Together Chris Graff and Garrett Graff for First Joint Appearance, a Discussion on Politics and the Media

On September 28, 2023, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce hosted an exclusive event featuring Chris Graff and Garrett Graff at the Flynn Space in Burlington Vermont. The father-son duo took the stage at “An Evening With the Graffs” to discuss the intricate relationship between the media and politics.

Garrett Graff and Chris Graff in conversation with Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs.

Both Chris and Garrett Graff are esteemed journalists, authors, and political commentators with deep Vermont roots. The event focused on the ramifications of a rapidly changing media landscape nationally, and right here at home in Vermont. In particular, the Graffs focused on how social media and the 24-hour news cycles have influenced public opinion and impacted civic engagement as well as examined the rise of opinion-driven journalism and the proliferation of misinformation.

Chris Graff, a veteran Vermont reporter, served as the long-time Vermont AP bureau chief and host of “Vermont This Week.” In his decades with the AP, he covered the critical stories as the state transformed itself from a rural, Republican outpost into the state of Howard Dean, Jim Jeffords, Patrick Leahy, and Bernie Sanders.

Chris Graff stated, “We are incredibly lucky here in Vermont. Something special about our politicians that has remained true is their accessibility. We’ve seen our politicians succeed in presidential campaigns because we have something that the rest of America wants. When we ask our politicians a question we expect to get an answer, and we do.”

Garrett Graff is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, distinguished magazine journalist, internationally bestselling historian, and regular TV commentator and producer. He is recognized as one of the nation’s most prolific and wide-ranging journalists and historians. He offered a robust perspective on how political and geopolitical trends will shape the next decade. Specifically, how the current media landscape underscores that younger generations are the first in U.S. history to be less prosperous than their parents.

“The press is the only industry mentioned by name in the Constitution,” said Garrett Graff. “With a political landscape changing faster than we as a society can process it, and a void of national journalism rising to the occasion, younger generations are entering the workforce amid an excess of misinformation. Modern journalism too often covers the state of an issue rather than the stakes, and this is central to its failings.”

“The Vermont Chamber is proud to have brought these two incredible Vermonters together on stage for the first time,” said Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop. “Together, Chris and Garret have a combined 50 years of perspective on the rapidly changing media landscape, and how this has impacted political discourse and policymaking. We hope to see their shared expertise on display again very soon. ”

Chris Graff displays a photo of Garrett Graff conducting his “first interview” with Governor Madeleine Kunin as a young aspiring reporter.

October 2, 2023

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Promote Your Event to Vermonters and Visitors

September 27, 2023September 26, 2023

Promote Your Event to Vermonters and Visitors

The application is now open for the Vermont Signature Events program. The Vermont Signature Events program is a partnership with the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. It is a great way for events to gain exposure and prominence. Signature Events are awarded annually and celebrate the diversity of experiences Vermonters and visitors alike can enjoy in the Green Mountain State.

Events must take place between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. The deadline to apply for the Vermont Signature Events program is Friday, December 1, 2023.

10 Winners Will Receive:

A feature in 2023/24 Annual Magazine
A featured event listed on VermontVacation Events Calendar
Inclusion on VDTM events webpage
Inclusion in VDTM’s consumer newsletters
Inclusion in VDTM’s social media (stories)

Events Must Meet the Following Guidelines:

Event must take place for specified and limited period of time.
Events can occur over a period of months (i.e., a special exhibit at a museum) or for just a few hours.
Events must have an end date.
If your business regularly produces events, the event must be above and beyond what your normal business offers.
Event must be appropriate for out of state visitors as well as for local Vermonters.
Event must showcase the unique character of Vermont.

Submit an application for your event here.

September 26, 2023

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Business Community Celebrates Senator Leahy for Career of Contributions to the Vermont Economy

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On June 8, 2023, business leaders from across Vermont gathered in Burlington for The Leahy Celebration, an event dedicated to Senator Leahy’s career of service, and his contributions to the Vermont economy. The event, hosted by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, provided an opportunity for business leaders to thank Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle Leahy, for their incalculable impact on Vermont.

The embodiment of public service and the epitome of leadership, Senator Leahy has played a pivotal role in advancing the Vermont economy. Throughout his tenure, he spearheaded critical legislation supporting innovation, research, higher education, transportation, and manufacturing all while supporting the environment and communities unique to Vermont. The Leahy Celebration recognized Senator Patrick Leahy and Marcelle for their commitment to public service, their enduring partnership, and the legacy they leave for future generations.

“Senator Leahy and Marcelle have had a tremendous impact on Vermont businesses,” stated Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “This event was an opportunity for the business community to gather to raise a glass, filled with gratitude, to toast to the family that has tirelessly fought for the Vermont economy.”

Mark Anarumo, President of Norwich University, Dr. Lorraine Sterritt, President of St. Michaels College, Ken McAvey, VP and GM of GlobalFoundries, and Senator Peter Welch all joined Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop on stage to reflect on Senator Leahy’s distinguished career and accomplishments and lead the champagne toast.

The evening of celebration culminated with remarks from Senator Leahy who reflected on the growth of business in Vermont. He highlighted several businesses that are global leaders in their fields, such as Revision Military, IBM, and Liquid Measurement Systems, each of which have been championed by Senator Leahy during his time in office.

“Marcelle and I are glad to be home. There are a lot of things that we do not miss about Washington, but I do miss being an advocate for Vermont,” stated Senator Leahy. “That was one of the most satisfying and rewarding parts of serving as a United States Senator and what a majority of my staff worked on each and every day.”

Additional event photos are available, here.

This Leahy Celebration was made possible by the support of the following sponsors:

June 12, 2023

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Governor Phil Scott Connects with Business Leaders at The Wellspring Forum

February 13, 2024June 7, 2023

Governor Phil Scott Connects with Business Leaders at The Wellspring Forum

The successful series culminated with Governor Phil Scott as the featured speaker. The event series, hosted by the Vermont Chamber, brings together top Vermont businesses and policy leaders for robust economic discussions. Each event takes place at a unique Vermont business. Governor Scott addressed the Vermont Chamber Board of Directors and other Vermont business leaders via a moderated conversation with Vermont Chamber President, Betsy Bishop.

In addition to ongoing workforce and housing concerns, the top issue raised by businesses was the anticipated impact of new and increased taxes and fees that are poised to fund multiple major legislative proposals. Businesses were appreciative of the Governor’s measured approach when considering bills and his opposition to those that would have unintended consequences on the Vermont economy.

“Economic stewardship must be central to policy decisions, particularly those made during the upcoming veto session,” stated Bishop. “With $150 million of likely cost increases for Vermonters, Governor Scott is a voice of reason on affordability concerns and businesses share his determination for balance. The Vermont business community is urging legislators to use the veto session as an opportunity to review and consider the long-term implications of excessive spending proposals on the Vermont economy.”

Governor Scott spoke on several policy issues such as the potential for the first-ever state payroll tax, middle-income workforce housing shortages, and the dwindling labor market. Throughout the discussions, both business leaders and the Governor spoke on the importance of civic engagement and the value of testifying at the State House, communicating with elected officials, and running for office.

“Vermont’s business leaders are real problem solvers, and it’s critical they make their voices heard,” stated Governor Scott. “We need more people stepping up and getting involved who know what it’s like to balance a budget, and I appreciate the Chamber and its members for their hard work and commitment to our state and its communities.”

The event was hosted by Bluebird Barbecue in Burlington, Vermont. Following the forum, the Governor met with Bluebird Barbecue staff for a behind-the-scenes look at the business. After donning an apron, he assisted in the kitchen with cooking the barbecue to be served later in the day.

“Our Vermont Independent Restaurants are the social hubs of our communities, places where folks gather to connect and share moments together,” Sue Bette, Founder of Bluebird Barbecue and Co-Founder of the Vermont Independent Restaurant Association said. “Vermont businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, have had to be agile and innovative in recent years. It was a joy to once again host and serve as a gathering place for our business community to share ideas and plans to move forward and grow Vermont’s economy together.”

The event title is inspired by Governor James H. Douglas’ quote; “I am often reminded that the wellspring of Vermont liberty flows from Main Street, not State Street.”

This Wellspring Forum was made possible by the support of the following sponsors:

June 7, 2023

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Vermont Chamber Convenes Economic Roundtable with Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

March 3, 2023

Vermont Chamber Convenes Economic Roundtable with Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Vermont business leaders met with the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Susan Collins at King Arthur Baking Company in White River Junction as part of her ongoing visits around New England to gauge economic conditions. The meeting, convened by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, provided an opportunity for Vermont business leaders to discuss the state’s economic challenges and opportunities.

President Collins expressed the importance of hearing directly from business owners, to ensure the Boston Federal Reserve has a well-rounded analysis of the state of the economy.

“Reaching out to and interacting with a range of stakeholders has been a priority for me since joining the Boston Fed last year,” stated President Collins. “In addition to hard numbers and surveys, information gathered on the ground about how businesses and workers are faring greatly informs my assessment of economic conditions. The views my team and I hear from around the New England region provide an important window into how well the economy is functioning for everyone.”

“The Vermont Chamber was proud to welcome President Collins to Vermont and connect her with a diverse group of leaders that represent the breadth of business in our state,” said Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “Across industry, county, and size, every business shared how they’ve had to adapt in today’s unpredictable economy. The theme throughout the conversation was the severe impacts of ongoing inflationary pressure.”

Business leaders reflected on the impact of inflation on wage growth and the move toward automation amid the inability to hire workers, as well as the lingering impacts of the pandemic on the economy.

“Revenue is up this year, however, expenses are also up. We have consistently increased our base wages between 20% and 30% each year for the past two or three years,” stated Lindsay DesLauriers of Bolton Valley. “Our operating expenses have also gone up significantly with inflation, so that we are actually behind last year right now on the bottom line. Furthermore, despite the increases we’ve made to wages and efforts we’ve made to add additional benefits, we continue to struggle to find enough staff to hire. While there is much to be proud of and optimistic about, obviously we can’t keep on this inflationary trendline indefinitely.”

“The inability to recruit and retain talent means we can’t fully staff a second shift, let alone add a third shift,” stated Alberto Aguilar of Carris Reels. “Instead, to meet demand we’re exploring how to invest in automation which is becoming crucial to the ability for us to sustain our manufacturing operations here in Vermont.”

“As young business owners, this ‘new normal’ is our reality our challenge” stated Travis Samuels of Zion Growers. “My generation’s attitudes toward work culture, consumerism, and the global supply chain have all changed and we as business owners are having to constantly adapt and pivot. Still, the reality is that there remains a great deal of uncertainty in the economy for newer businesses and it can be difficult to overcome the post-pandemic, financial, and local economic challenges.”

Additional business leaders in attendance; Karen Colberg (King Arthur Baking Company), Mark Foley (Foley Services), Jay Benson (Simon Pearce), Leslie McCrorey Wells (Pizzeria Verità, Trattoria Delia, and Sotto Enoteca), Alberto Aguilar (Carris Reels), Neale Lunderville (VGS), Melvin and Demaris Hall (Global Village), Dr. Sunil “Sunny” Eappen (UVM Medical Center), and Renee Bourget-Place (KPMG – Vermont).

March 3, 2023

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The Wellspring Forum Features Sen. Ann Cummings, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and Rep. Emily Long, House Majority Leader

February 13, 2024March 1, 2023

The Wellspring Forum Features Sen. Ann Cummings, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and Rep. Emily Long, House Majority Leader

The successful Wellspring Forum series continues to bring together top Vermont businesses and policy leaders for robust economic discussions. Each event takes place at a unique Vermont business and features new speakers.

The third event in the series featured the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Ann Cummings (D-Washington), and House Majority Leader Rep. Emily Long (D-Windham-5). The legislative leaders addressed the Vermont Chamber Board of Directors and other Vermont business leaders via a moderated conversation with Vermont Chamber President, Betsy Bishop.

In addition to ongoing workforce and housing concerns, the top issue discussed by businesses was the cumulative impact of anticipated tax increases to fund the multiple major proposals in discussion this legislative session. Businesses urged legislative leaders to consider the ability of Vermonters to meet an increased tax demand and the potential for unintended consequences if businesses are unable to do so.

“During a time of great uncertainty, we need to value economic stewardship,” stated Bishop. “As goes the success of small businesses, so often goes the success of our communities. While legislative committees are working on multiple major investments that require new revenue streams, the Vermont Chamber is advocating for pragmatic decision-making, so the Vermont economy is not overwhelmed.”

Sen. Cummings and Rep. Long spoke on several policy issues of interest to Vermont businesses, such as maintaining the small group and individual healthcare markets, solutions to address the ongoing workforce shortage, middle-income housing investments, and the future of the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive program.

“The key to moving policy forward is always balance, and businesses, just like people, sometimes need a lift,” stated Sen. Cummings. “The economy needs to thrive, and the ability to grow business is the difference between Vermont being a place to live and becoming a theme park, only an attraction to visit.”

“Hearing from Vermonters and advocacy groups is critical to the success of what we do,” stated Rep. Long. “I look forward to continuing our collaboration to achieve shared goals. We want to pass a balanced budget that supports Vermonters and businesses in all 14 counties.”

The event was hosted by National Life Group and took place at their Montpelier office.

“National Life has been part of the fabric of this state for 175 years,” National Life Group Chairman, CEO, and President Mehran Assadi said. “The biggest challenge for us is the labor force. We currently have more than 120 open positions to fill.”

The event title is inspired by Governor James H. Douglas’ quote; “I am often reminded that the wellspring of Vermont liberty flows from Main Street, not State Street.”

This Wellspring Forum was made possible by the support of the following sponsors:

March 1, 2023

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2023 Vermont Economic Conference Provides Outlook for the Year Ahead

February 1, 2023January 31, 2023

2023 Vermont Economic Conference Provides Outlook for the Year Ahead

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s annual Vermont Economic Conference made its in-person return with over 200 business and policy leaders gathering at the University of Vermont Dudley H. Davis Center for an in-depth look at national, global, and state perspectives on the economy as well as the latest economic indicators for business growth.

“The Vermont Chamber understands what it takes to help businesses grow and thrive to build strong, vibrant, communities, and our members have trusted us with this work to be stewards of the Vermont economy. Events like the Vermont Economic Conference help ensure a viable future for our state and achieve our mission of advancing Vermont’s economy,” said Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop. “This event is one of many we hope to bring back in-person so that stakeholders from all industries, across every corner of the state, can continue to come together to learn from each other, support each other, create solutions, and work together.”

Senator Peter Welch delivered remarks and reaffirmed his commitment to being a champion for Vermont businesses, stating, “My goal in Washington is to help make it possible for Vermont families to do their work, live good lives, and uphold the traditions that make us proud to be Vermonters. I’ll continue to champion the affordability issues I’ve led in the House, while serving as an advocate for our farms on the Agriculture committee and working to protect our democracy as a member of the Judiciary and Rules committees. I’ll do everything I can to help Vermonters thrive and support the state we love.”

Two keynote speakers headlined the conference, Gus Faucher, Senior Vice President, and Chief Economist for PNC Financial Services Group, and Eva McKend, National Political Reporter for CNN. Faucher is a returning favorite at the Vermont Economic Conference, he provided his signature address, entitled, “National Economic Trends: Balancing Inflation, Consumer Spending, and Employment.” McKend, who previously reported for WCAX returned to Vermont to reflect on her time covering the recent midterm elections and the Washington, DC discourse on economic issues such as inflation and immigration in her keynote entitled, “Balance of Power: A Post-Election Economic Outlook.”

The event also provided an international economic outlook from Ken Kim, Senior Economist for KPMG, a presentation on Vermont demographics, population, and workforce data from Mat Barewicz, Economic & Labor Market Information Chief for the Vermont Department of Labor, and a breakdown of the state budget from Commissioners Adam Greshin and Craig Bolio.

The agenda closed with the presentation of the 2022 Outstanding Business of the Year Award to Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group. The award was presented by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and VermontBiz and accepted by Scott Boardman, CEO, and Paul Plunkett, President & COO, on behalf of the business.

January 31, 2023

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