Events

On May 22, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors convened a celebration in honor of President Betsy Bishop. Generations of Vermonters gathered at the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain to commemorate her 30-year legacy of leadership and impact on the economic growth of Vermont.

“During Betsy’s 15 years as President, the Vermont Chamber has become the most influential business advocacy organization in the state,” said Tom Dunn, Vermont Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and CEO of VELCO. “She has led the organization with steadfast dedication, strategic vision, and an infectious passion for the Vermont economy.”

Several notable officials delivered remarks, including Governor Jim Douglas, who reflected on Betsy’s earlier career as a member of his cabinet and administration.

“It is an honor to celebrate such an exceptional individual who has dedicated so much to public service,” stated Governor Douglas. “Throughout her career, Betsy has demonstrated a profound commitment to Vermont. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors, and I know she will do great things in her next chapter.”

The evening culminated with a bourbon toast, with 150 attendees raising a glass to Betsy’s legacy and contributions to the success of Vermont. Betsy Bishop announced her departure from the Vermont Chamber in December 2023 and a leadership transition for the organization is set for summer 2024.

“When I reflect on my 30 years of work at the Vermont Chamber and in the State House, it’s been an incredible adventure. So many of the people who shared this path with me are here today,” stated Betsy Bishop. “I’ve been privileged to work alongside all of you. To the doers, the planners, the innovators—thank you for being on this journey with me.”

Notable attendees also included Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Secretary Lindsay Kurrle, and Commissioners Joan Goldstein, Beth Fastiggi, Wendy Knight, Alex Farrell, and Michael Harrington.

Attendees were encouraged to donate to the Vermont Futures Project in honor of Betsy’s tenure and founding of the organization. To capitalize on the foundation of data and research that has been built, the Vermont Futures Project is leading the development of a unified and durable statewide economic plan that is set to be released this summer. 

The success of the event was made possible by the support of Acrisure, The Hartford, Farrell Distributing, Casella Waste Management, Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation, The University of Vermont Health Network, Bloods Catering & Party Rentals, VACEplus Insurance, and the Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has selected Thomas A. Dee, President and CEO of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) as the 2024 Citizen of the Year. He was selected for the award for his outstanding contributions to southern Vermont, particularly his impactful efforts in health care and community development. The award will be presented at a celebratory event on Thursday, August 1, at the Everett Mansion at Southern Vermont College in Bennington.

The award is presented annually by the Vermont Chamber to honor an outstanding Vermonter who has made major contributions to the betterment of Vermont; has been distinguished through outstanding service to their community and region; and typifies the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice in representing the finest ideals of Vermont citizenship. 

“Tom has put heart and soul into improving the quality of health care – and the quality of life – in southern Vermont, while also taking visionary steps to ensure that excellent health care will be sustainable in the decades to come,” stated Kathy Fisher, Chair, SVMC Board of Directors. “And, given Tom’s understanding of the impact of socioeconomic factors on population health, he has also played a vital role in the redevelopment of downtown Bennington.” 

“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.”

“In his 14-year tenure, Tom Dee’s dedication to SVMC and southwestern Vermont has been pivotal to improving the local economy, and raising the bar for what it means to be a community leader,” stated Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber. “We are proud to award this recognition to Tom Dee and look forward to bringing Vermonters together to celebrate in Bennington.” 

The award dates back to 1964 and previous recipients include Senator Patrick Leahy, Barbara Snelling, Antonio Pomerleau, and Ken Squier. Registration to attend the celebration is now open. For more information, visit the Citizen of the Year event website. 

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s annual Vermont Economic Conference convened more than 200 business and policy leaders for a day of insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. The agenda provided attendees with an in-depth look at national and state perspectives on the economy as well as the latest economic indicators shaping Vermont’s business landscape.

“We are proud to build on our record of convening Vermont businesses to provide resources that help the community navigate a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop. “In addition to economic outlook presentations by top economists, it was important to us that the agenda featured two of the leading issues for the year ahead. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and redefining the way we do business, while the immigration-to-workforce pipeline is a crucial opportunity for our state.”

A panel discussion entitled “Leveraging Vermont’s Immigration Experience to Solve Workforce Needs,” included Leslie Holman of Holman Immigration Law, Tracy Dolan of the State of Vermont Refugee Office, Julia Birnn Fields of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, and was moderated by Adam Grinold of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation. The expert stakeholders provided insight into the economic contributions of immigrants to Vermont, the importance of workforce development and diversity, and the impact of immigration policies on local businesses and communities.

The event also featured Alec Newcomb, the Founder of ScaledOn, who delved into the theory of artificial intelligence and shared practical applications for businesses looking to harness its potential. The interactive presentation gave attendees the resources necessary to understand the theory of the technology and practical applications for businesses looking to harness its potential.

TD Bank Senior Economist Leslie Preston presented valuable insights into the broader U.S. economic landscape, with a presentation on national trends and their impact on the future. This was complemented in the agenda by Mat Barewicz, Economic & Labor Market Information Chief for the Vermont Department of Labor who presented on the state economic outlook.

The event opened with the presentation of the 2023 Outstanding Business of the Year Award to Bourne’s Energy. The award was presented by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and VermontBiz and accepted by Peter Bourne on behalf of the business.