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

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.

Vermont Chamber Helps Secure $9.9 Million Investment for New Aviation and Aerospace Manufacturing Workforce Training Center

Vermont Chamber Helps Secure $9.9 Million Investment for New Aviation and Aerospace Manufacturing Workforce Training Center

The Vermont Chamber played an integral role in writing a congressional earmark application to U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy on behalf of the Burlington Technical Center for a new school that will further propel Vermont’s aerospace manufacturing and civil aviation industry. Combined with the Vermont Chamber’s legislative win in making permanent the 6% aviation sales tax exemption, the new school will elevate Vermont’s $2 billion aerospace and aviation industry.

The funding, announced by the current Vermont Congressional Delegation, will be administered by the United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology and aims to serve up to 150 Vermont high school students and adults each year. Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint stated, “Training young people in new and emerging technologies and reskilling workers in the field are equally essential to fostering a strong workforce in Vermont. The Vermonters trained here will play an important role in securing Vermont’s sustainable future through the growth of electric aviation. This investment is thanks to the dedication of Senator Leahy and his staff, the Burlington School District, and our forward-thinking, community-based aviation and aerospace industries in Vermont.”

Vermont Chamber Staff Earn 2023 Rising Star Awards

Vermont Chamber Staff Earn 2023 Rising Star Awards

Two members of the Vermont Chamber team have been announced as recipients of a Rising Star award. Amy Spear, VP of Tourism, and Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs earned the honor which selects outstanding young leaders for contributions to the Vermont economy and their community.

Amy Spear, VP of Tourism (Left), Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs (Right)

Amy and Megan will join the full 2023 class of awardees at an event hosted by VermontBiz on November 2nd and will also be featured in the November issue of VermontBiz. The Rising Stars honor 40 of Vermont’s most accomplished young leaders under the age of 40. Amy has been with the Vermont Chamber since 2019, overseeing tourism division activities, and is a member of the advocacy team specializing in tourism and hospitality issues. Megan joined the Vermont Chamber team in 2021 as the advocacy team lead, directing government affairs work with the mission of advancing the Vermont economy. This year’s class also included professionals from several member businesses:

  • Alex Adams – Green Mountain Power
  • Ike Bendavid – WCAX Channel 3 News
  • Ravi Bidichandani – PC Construction
  • Ryan Black-Deegan – Davis & Hodgdon CPAs
  • Melissa Bounty – Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation
  • Jennifer duToit Barrett – The Vermont Community Foundation
  • Phillip Foy – Encore Renewable Energy
  • Anna Grearson – Union Mutual
  • Olivia Lyons – Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region
  • Maddy Murray-Clasen – Green Mountain Power
  • Megan Roush – Vermont Housing Finance Agency

Resiliency Must be Central to Housing Development Policy

Resiliency Must be Central to Housing Development Policy

With Act 250 modernization on the table this upcoming legislative session, the Vermont Chamber is advocating for smart growth housing development in Vermont to have an emphasis on climate resiliency. Specifically, on the need to include resiliency efforts in downtown and village center development. Smart growth also needs to expand beyond existing high-density locations to include areas that are safe from floodplains and other high-risk land.

With major flooding events occurring more frequently in high-density areas, legislators must examine if smart growth means filling in the empty space in these areas, even if they are prone to flooding. Downtown and village center housing projects are often aimed at low and moderate-income Vermonters, those least likely to be able to rebound from a catastrophic loss. When the legislature examines housing and changes to Act 250 it will be paramount to reconsider what smart growth for housing in a resilient Vermont should look like.

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Businesses Need Immediate Financial Assistance, and Time, to Recover

Businesses Need Immediate Financial Assistance, and Time, to Recover

The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee and the Senate Economic Development Committee held a joint hearing on flood recovery and relief. In testimony, the Vermont Chamber urged legislators to consider that this climate disaster comes on the heels of years of economic disaster for businesses. Our team is encouraging legislators to consider a grant push now and additional funding when they return to the State House in January. We are also advocating for time. Time to recover from all the chaos in the last several years. Policymakers will need to be committed to business recovery for the long haul. Looking ahead to January, they must remember these hearings and hold the anxiety of these businesses in their deliberations. 

Over the last 12 months, businesses have dealt with an economic disaster with quickly rising interest rates and inflation on top of workforce and housing shortages. While inflation is now down to 3% from a high of 9%, the lack of workers in Vermont shows zero signs of change. Additionally, there are new taxes and regulations effective this year that must be incorporated into business plans and the lingering financial and mental impacts of the pandemic. Many businesses are being forced to decide if they have enough mental and financial fortitude to continue to operate. Meanwhile, Vermont cannot afford to lose them. They are the pulse of our economy.  

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SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses & Residents of Vermont Affected by Storms & Flooding

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses & Residents of Vermont Affected by Storms & Flooding

The Small Business Association (SBA) is offering disaster assistance to businesses & residents of Vermont following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to damages from severe storms and flooding that began on July 7. Visit disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ or call 1-800-659-2955 to learn more.

Low-interest loans are available to Vermonters for:

  • Physical Damage to Business: Loan of up to $2 million to qualified businesses or most private nonprofit organizations
  • Economic (non-physical) Damage Assistance: Eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations could receive additional support for non-physical damage.

SBA Business Recovery Centers are opening for Customer Service Representatives to assist business owners and residents in filling out a disaster loan application, accept documents for existing applications, and provide updates on an application’s status. Centers will operate as indicated below until further notice:

Business Recovery Center – Washington County

Vermont Chamber of Commerce

751 Granger Road

Berlin, VT 05641

Opening: Tuesday, July 18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

 

Business Recovery Center – Windsor County

Engel & Völkers Okemo Building

126 Main Street

Ludlow, VT 05149

Opening: Wednesday. July 19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Additional resources are available on our flood recovery resources page. 

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Severe Weather – Business Recovery

Severe Weather – Business Recovery

The Vermont Chamber is here to support businesses statewide with recovery efforts and our experienced and trusted team is on hand to listen, and assist. As we begin to understand the full extent of the damage caused by severe weather, there are initial steps we encourage businesses to take.

State emergency management officials and recovery resources are accessible at vermont211.org and by calling 2-1-1. In the event of an emergency, Vermonters should call 9-1-1. Vermonters should sign up to receive emergency alerts and observe road closures and power outages.

Governor Scott’s request for an emergency declaration for all 14 counties has been accepted by President Biden to allow for federal disaster relief resources to be deployed. State Emergency Management officials will be working with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration on a disaster declaration which will allow for federal assistance in repairing damage from this storm. The Vermont Chamber is committed to connecting businesses with resources to aid in recovery and will send information as it becomes available.

What businesses can do right now:

  • Document the damage to your business and inventory via photos and videos when it is safe to do so.
  • Make a list of damaged or lost items and, if possible, include the date of purchase, value, and receipts.
  • Contact your insurance company to file a claim or understand what losses may be covered.

The Vermont Chamber is steadfast in our commitment to helping the Vermont business community recover from these catastrophic events. Please tell us what you’ll need to recover so we can connect you with resources and communicate needs with state and federal agencies: info@vtchamber.com

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Megan Sullivan Appointed to Stakeholder Steering Committee for Act 250

Megan Sullivan Appointed to Stakeholder Steering Committee for Act 250

Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs, has been appointed to the Stakeholder Steering Committee for a legislative report on “Necessary Updates to the Act 250 Program.” The committee has been established as part of Act 182 of 2022 and Act 47 of 2023 to facilitate stakeholder input and consensus building for necessary updates to the Act 250 program. This appointment recognizes Sullivan’s expertise and the Vermont Chamber’s dedication to advancing the Vermont economy. Sullivan brings a wealth of economic development experience and knowledge to the table and her work will ensure that the needs of Vermont businesses will be considered in the process. 

The Stakeholder Steering Committee was formed in June 2023 by the Natural Resources Board (NRB) and is comprised of 16 key leaders representing various constituencies, including applicants, consultants, attorneys, economic development organizations, housing organizations, municipalities, environmental advocates, and state agencies. The committee’s primary goal is to facilitate conversations, debates, and consensus-building to advise the NRB on a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the Act 250 program update report. Through regular meetings and open discussions, the committee will work to identify common ground between different proposals and interest groups, working towards recommendations that the NRB and stakeholders can support or have reached a compromise on. 

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

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

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:

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Governor Phil Scott Connects with Business Leaders at The Wellspring Forum

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: 

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