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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Intern Spotlight: Patrick Connolly

Intern Spotlight: Patrick Connolly

Name: Patrick Connolly

College: Middlebury College

Field of Study: Major: International Politics and Economics, Minor: Mathematics

Anticipated Graduation: February 2026

Hometown: Chevy Chase, MD

“After working in Governor Phil Scott’s Workforce Development Board last summer, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce presents an opportunity to foster my growing love for Vermont and its businesses. Because this is a joint internship with The Vermont Futures Project, I am working across many subdivisions of the Chamber. This dynamic and multi-faceted position allows me to work in the intersection of public policy and the private sector, offering me hands-on experiences with advocacy, economic development, and data-informed decision-making for Vermont.

This learning experience will foster my passions for political sciences, economics, and a love for numbers. At Middlebury, the skills I am developing at the Chamber will be critical as I continue to explore educational pathways of interest.

The Chamber’s team is thoughtful, engaging, dynamic, and just a joy to work with. I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to expand my love for policy, data analytics, economic development, and, most importantly, Vermont.”

Contact Information:  

Email pjconnolly@middlebury.edu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-connolly-0b593a239/

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Intern Spotlight: Maeve Nolan

Intern Spotlight: Maeve Nolan

Name: Maeve Nolan

College: Middlebury College

Field of Study: Economics, Environmental Studies, and French

Graduating: May 2025

Hometown: Williston, VT

“I am so excited to be working with both the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Futures Project this summer. As a native Vermonter, I have appreciated being able to learn more about the thoughtful considerations taken for business throughout the state, as well as looking into the future of Vermont’s economy. This opportunity has allowed me to combine my passion for Vermont’s people and places with my academic interests in economic development and business. 

Along with being an Economics major, I have a minor in Environmental Studies which has informed my passion for sustainable development, especially in the small business and public sectors. Through my previous work in development at 1% for the Planet, a global environmental nonprofit based in Burlington, I became really interested in combining academic-style research with a clear mission that drives an organization. I am especially grateful to now be working with another organization that aids in maintaining the welfare of Vermonters and their businesses. 

I have many ideas of what I would like to do after college, but I hope that whatever I end up doing will have a direct positive impact on as many people as possible. Though I still have a bit of time before graduation, I am always open to making connections, particularly when I’m talking about Vermont and what makes this place and its population so special. My contact information is listed below if anyone would like to follow up or ask about my experiences here at the Chamber or beyond. Thank you for contributing to Vermont’s business community and growing economy and enjoy the rest of your summer!”

Contact Information:

Email: mknolan@middlebury.edu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maeve-nolan/

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Legislative Intern Spotlight: Ashley Maynes

Legislative Intern Spotlight: Ashley Maynes

Name: Ashley Maynes 

College: University of Vermont 

Field of Study: Public Communication, Strategic Communication Concentration 

Graduating: May 2023 

Hometown: Pawlet, VT 

“It is such a treat to be surrounded by the minds who come together on various legislative measures that impact Vermont. I consider myself an observant person, so working with the Chamber in this way has given me a new lens through which I am able to learn about the inner workings of the state that I am happy to call my home. One skill that I am happy to have is the ability to remain neutral while being a part of certain contexts, and my work with the Chamber has lent itself to me being able to exercise that with regularity. I have grown in my capacity to listen and consider things holistically and with an open mind. 

Along with my work for the Chamber, I have learned a great deal about consumer policy in Vermont through my work with the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). In the office every week, I provide constituent services to Vermonters who are looking for guidance through issues relating to consumer protection issues like fraud and scams. It has been a gift to have the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned at CAP to some legislative measures that were deliberated this session. I will take this foundation of knowledge of Vermont and apply it to whatever it is that I will do next. 

 After college, I’m not sure what I’ll do! I would love to embark on my journey in the public sector, an interest that has been greatly informed during my time here at Vermont’s beautiful statehouse. I am confident that something great will come my way. If there are any legislators reading this who need assistance, know that I am eager to learn about and advocate for policies that benefit Vermont. I would love to work for you! 

Thanks for reading! I can be reached at the following email and phone number. It has been a pleasure watching you all work so hard to make Vermont the special place that it is. Enjoy the summer!” 

Contact Information: 
Email: amaynes15@gmail.com 

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: 

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Legislative Intern Spotlight: Lucy Heisey

Legislative Intern Spotlight: Lucy Heisey

Name: Lucy Heisey 

College: University of Vermont 

Field of Study: Political Science Major, French Minor 

Anticipated Graduation: 2023 

Hometown: Rye, NH 

“I have previously worked as a legislative fellow for a State Representative in Massachusetts. I am really looking forward to experiencing the state government process from another perspective. The Vermont State House is incredibly open and the team at the Vermont Chamber has been so welcoming. This combination has definitely boosted my networking skills and confidence in a professional environment. 

I received my paralegal certification from Boston University in the summer of 2022. After graduation, I plan to use this certificate along with my public policy experience to work somewhere in the legal or government fields. 

I’m incredibly grateful for this internship opportunity. Throughout my time at UVM most of my research has focused on local government in Vermont. I’m so lucky that I am able to learn about the state government during my last semester. All of my experience has taught me how unique politics is in Vermont and how hands-on it really is. I look forward to taking the skills and connections gained here with me after graduation.” 

Contact Information:  

Email – lucy.heisey@uvm.edu 

Linkedin 

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Legislative Intern Spotlight: Maggie Talty

Legislative Intern Spotlight: Maggie Talty

Name: Maggie Talty 

College: University of Vermont 

Field of Study: Public Communications, concentration in Journalism and Media, Minor in Anthropology  

Anticipated Graduation: 2023 

Hometown: York, Maine 

“After working on two political campaign communications projects, I wanted to get a deeper look into the internal work of legislation. I’m passionate about policy and welfare and interested in seeing how development and legislation intersect. Through this internship, I wanted to explore government communications, strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, community development, and professional relationship building all while gaining a deeper understanding about legislative action and procedure. I have developed deeper knowledge regarding these interest areas all while honing my skills in organization, oral and written communication, and management. I’m a critical thinker and having the ability to work in a fast-paced setting has been incredibly rewarding.  

With a passion for human development and rights, having the opportunity to be in the room while discussion of imperative and uplifting policy is happening has been the highlight of my college career. Seeing the way in which Vermonters and legislators passionately care about wellbeing in our state is incredibly empowering and reminds me that all of us have agency, in our lives and in our neighbors’ lives. I wish to continue this work after my graduation in May 2023. 

I’m staying in Vermont! I’m currently seeking employment in Vermont in any type of campaign work, public relations, or public communication positions. I’m open to discussion of any opportunity that may come my way. As an enthusiastic learner, I seek new challenges and areas of interest to explore. I’m constantly looking for new ways to educate myself and gain a deeper understanding of this industry. I’m hoping to find a position that challenges me, provides the opportunity to work toward greater good, and elevate wellbeing for all Vermonters in our state. Some specific areas of interest include human rights, non-profit work, access to childcare, reproductive liberty, equal opportunity, and accessibility measures for Vermonters. I’m passionate about all areas of community development and love the rewarding experience of seeing ways in which policy can uplift opportunity for all.” 

Contact Information:  

Email – maggietalty@gmail.com 

Linkedin 

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: 

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Legislative Intern Spotlight: Scott Czerwinski

Legislative Intern Spotlight: Scott Czerwinski

Name: Scott Czerwinski 

College: Saint Michael’s College 

Field of Study:  Economics and Political Science Majors, Public Health Minor 

Graduating: Spring 2023 

Hometown: Burlington, MA 

I am excited to see how the actual drafting and debating of legislation happens, as well as get more of an idea of what state government looks like. The most important skill I have developed is being able to catch on to many topics with ease. Each day, each committee is discussing a different piece of legislation to address a different issue and listening in and taking notes is like a crash course in each subject. 

I hope to stay in Vermont and get a job working for either the state government or in some role where I can put my experience in both economics and political science to use. I also am interested in jobs that deal with data analysis or healthcare. I spent the last summer in South Korea teaching English to North Korean refugee children and it was an amazing learning experience both for what working a full-time job is like and for adapting to a role outside of my area of study.” 

Contact Information: I can be reached at sczerwinski@mail.smcvt.edu or through LinkedIn under Scott Czerwinski

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: 

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Legislative Intern Spotlight: Jeremy Little

Legislative Intern Spotlight: Jeremy Little

Name:  Jeremy Little 

College: Saint Michael’s College 

Field of Study: Political Science Major, Economics Minor, Spanish Minor

Anticipated Graduation: May 2023 

Hometown: Georgia, VT 

“In this internship, I’m excited to get to know how everything works at the State House. So far, I’ve been lucky to be introduced to many great people who spend their time at the State House, both legislators, lobbyists, and many others. Some of the skills I am developing through this internship include an innate understanding of the legislative process, issues facing Vermonters, and of how the various bills proposed will affect businesses and individuals.  

After graduating, I plan to stay in Vermont and work as a summer canvasser. Following this, I hope to find employment in the fall at a job either directly or indirectly involved in politics within Vermont. At some point, I plan to return to college for a graduate degree in public or environmental policy.  

I look forward to the opportunity to connect. Please reach out if you would like to speak further. This internship is a great opportunity for me, and I welcome the opportunity to deepen my connection with Vermont and with its inner mechanisms.” 

Contact Information:  
Email – 19jslsbhs@gmail.com 

The 2023 Legislative Monitoring Collaborative is made possible by the support of the National Life Group: 

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Vermont Chamber Announces New Hires in Business Development and Events Positions

Vermont Chamber Announces New Hires in Business Development and Events Positions
Doug Corman (Left), Ellie Schabel (Right)

Montpelier, VT (February 7, 2023) –

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has hired Doug Corman as Business Development Manager and Ellie Schabel as Director of Events and Business Education. Both positions will play a key role in elevating the Vermont Chamber’s work of advancing the Vermont economy.

Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop said, “Both Doug and Ellie understand what it takes to help businesses grow and thrive in Vermont and their expertise will be vital to our work of being stewards of the Vermont economy. With Doug and Ellie on board, we look forward to elevating our work to ensure a viable future for our state by supporting the businesses that make living, working, and thriving in Vermont possible.”

Before joining the Vermont Chamber team, Doug Corman spent over 30 years in the insurance business, holding positions in sales, sales management, executive level positions, and had an ownership stake in a large independent insurance agency. Following a brief stint with retirement, Corman returned to the professional space to reengage his passion for business.

Ellie Schabel previously held positions with the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and Halyard Brewing Company, supplying her with a well-rounded perspective of business in Vermont. A graduate of the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business, Schabel is also a personal care assistant for children with varying abilities throughout Vermont.