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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.

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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

January 9, 2024

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House Overrides Bottle Bill Veto

January 5, 2024

House Overrides Bottle Bill Veto

The House voted to override a veto on last session’s “bottle bill,” setting a new trajectory for beverage container management and raising concerns for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers alike. The bill has the potential to disrupt existing recycling infrastructure with an increase in handling fees and the required participation in producer responsibility organizations. The widened scope of the bill could strain current systems, leading to inefficiencies and increased financial burdens on taxpayers.

The bill rewrites the state’s recyclable beverage container redemption law, redefining the scope of “beverage” and “container,” to incorporate an extensive range of liquid products. It includes the introduction of a 5-cent refund on water and sports drink bottles while imposing a 15-cent deposit on wine bottles by 2027. Additionally, it mandates that manufacturers and distributors take part in a producer responsibility organization that is tasked with managing the collection and disposal of these containers.

January 5, 2024

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January 5, 2024

House Commerce Committee Hears Economic Data from Vermont Future’s Project

The first testimony of the session in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee was from the Vermont Chamber’s foundation, the Vermont Futures Project. Kevin Chu, the Executive Director, presented data on the need to increase the Vermont population to 802,000 by 2035 and housing inventory to 350,000 non-seasonal units by 2035. Members of the committee agreed that we need a new story for Vermont, one that encourages more people to live and work here.

Legislators, many of whom connected with the Vermont Futures Project in recent months during the statewide tour to inform the 2024 Economic Plan for Vermont, expressed enthusiasm for finding innovative solutions to recruit people to live and work in our state. The Vermont Chamber will be working with legislators this session to identify and advance policy solutions to our workforce crisis. In particular, we will continue to advocate on the need for a sustained multi-year investment to expand our image beyond a travel destination. This must be additional funding so that it complements the revenue from our tourism economy, instead of restricting it. This strategic approach to elevate Vermont’s achievements to combat our declining demographics will pay dividends for Vermonters, communities, and state revenue.

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Shared Priorities Central in Governor’s State of the State

January 5, 2024

Shared Priorities Central in Governor’s State of the State

Governor Phil Scott’s address to the General Assembly set the stage for a legislative session that has significant opportunities for collaboration between legislators and the Governor on issues that are top of mind for businesses. Both have said that housing solutions and climate recovery and resiliency measures top their priority lists.

Workforce housing and recovery and resiliency are two pillars of the 2024 legislative business priorities. The Vermont Chamber is continuing to work on solutions for modernizing Act 250 to increase housing development and is encouraging legislators to establish a statutory goal for housing supply. We are also at the table advocating for the replenishment of business recovery programs following this year’s flood disasters and supporting work that prioritizes resiliency measures to help secure stability for the Vermont business community.

As anticipated, Governor Phil Scott’s State of the State address echoed his longstanding commitments to the economic well-being of Vermont and fiscal responsibility. For the past decade, the Vermont Chamber has worked to put a spotlight on Vermont’s severe demographic challenges and Governor Scott expressed his shared deep concern about the accumulating impacts on our workforce, reiterating that “the biggest obstacle we face to economic sustainability, is a shrinking workforce.” The Governor also shared that his proposed budget this year will have a modest 3% increase. The Governor will return to speak to the General Assembly again in three weeks with details on his proposed budget.

January 5, 2024

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Flood Recovery and Resiliency the Central Issue for Legislators

January 5, 2024January 5, 2024

Flood Recovery and Resiliency the Central Issue for Legislators

Committees in both the House and Senate took testimony this week on the July flooding and the ongoing impacts of climate change in Vermont. Discussions in the Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee highlighted the connection between housing challenges and climate impacts. Encouragingly, the focus was not solely on where not to build, but also on identifying suitable areas for development. Witness testimony stated that the triumph of Irene was the reopening of roads and bridges, while the triumph from the July flooding needs to be the building of new housing outside of floodplains.

In a joint hearing, the House Environment and Energy Committee collaborated with the House Transportation Committee to also address flooding and climate resilience concerns. The discussion focused on conserving and restoring landscapes, including wetlands and floodplains, to mitigate storm impacts. Notably, nature-based solutions were recognized for their dual benefits in reducing flood risk and enhancing community recreation. The Vermont Chamber will be advocating for continued resources for flood-impacted businesses and for policies that increase resiliency while also building housing.

January 5, 2024

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May 15, 2024

Tourism Economy Day Brings Business and Policy Leaders Together at the State House

April 12, 2024

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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Solutions for Recruiting and Retaining Workers

February 13, 2024December 15, 2023

Solutions for Recruiting and Retaining Workers

The Vermont Chamber continues to focus on the workforce crisis. While there is no easy fix, there are a variety of new or expanded tools being offered by Vermont for training, housing, and childcare that are available for employers to use or workforce recruitment and retention tools.

Recruitment

Military Retiree Pension Tax Exemption: Recruit retired military veterans with Vermont’s new partial exemption of retired military pensions which will exempt the first $10,000 of military retirement pay from state personal income tax.
Social Security Tax Exemption: Recruit workers into the workforce who are currently taking Social Security with Vermont’s increased personal income tax exemption for Social Security beneficiaries.
Recent College Graduate Forgivable Loans: Entice students at Vermont higher education institutions to become employees through forgivable loans available to students committing to work in Vermont for two years after graduation through the Green Mountain Job and Retention Program.
New Americans: Access to support services is available through a program aimed at retention of recent arrivals. More information on the program is available through the State Refugee Office for the Employment Assistance Grant Program.

Training

Offer training opportunities to fill positions and promote high potential workers with incentives including grants like the 802 Opportunity Grant and the Short-Term Training Advancement Grant.
Vermont Trades Scholarship Program: Secure high-demand trade sector employees by promoting the Vermont Trades Scholarship Program which provides initial licensing fees, exam fees, and tuition payments for certification and degree programs to applicants and employees.

Housing Costs

First-Generation Homebuyer Tax Credit: Retain employees struggling with buying a home by sharing the new first-generation homebuyer tax credit program with them. This program will be administered by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency.
Home Heating Incentives: Help employees receive financial assistance to switch to lower-cost, energy-efficient residential heating sources. Some products and services are free to income-qualified households.

Childcare Costs

Childcare Financial Assistance Program: Promote Vermont’s expanded childcare subsidies available to a wide range of income levels to reduce out-of-pocket childcare costs.
Child Tax Credit: Vermont’s child tax credit for individuals and families with children under five will reduce the financial burden of childcare costs for employees through a refundable tax credit. This State benefit is a great way to recruit out-of-state employees with childcare needs.

December 15, 2023

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Draft Report on Recommended Act 250 Updates Released

January 9, 2024December 15, 2023

Draft Report on Recommended Act 250 Updates Released

The Vermont Natural Resources Board released a draft report that underscores the need for strategic changes to Vermont’s land use policy. In recent months, Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs was on the Stakeholder Steering Committee for the report, working to center modernization and to ensure essential housing development in smart growth areas is incentivized. Businesses are encouraged to submit feedback on the report in writing today, Friday, December 15, 2023. By participating in the public comment process, we can work together to ensure that Act 250 reform aligns with the needs of Vermonters.

There is an opportunity this year to update Act 250 to allow for critical housing development while also protecting important natural resources. It is essential that after taking public comments into account the final report recommendations consider the following:

We must ensure that the final report recognizes the role housing plays as an economic catalyst. We can stimulate economic activity and opportunity by reducing redundant permitting that adds unnecessary time and costs. This will actively support the creation of more housing in smart growth areas that subsequently help retain Vermont’s current population and attract new talent to Vermont.
It is vital that areas proposed for Act 250 exemptions, or a higher unit trigger, meet Vermont’s growth needs over the next 20 years. Infill development in current mapped designation areas which include less than 3% of Vermont’s land, will not meet the level of new housing units required to meet the goal of 350,000 units by 2035.
Any enhanced Act 250 jurisdiction in areas that have subsets of highly sensitive natural resources in Vermont should be carefully studied with input from rural Vermonters. Rural communities are an important part of the fabric of Vermont and cannot be left out or left behind.
The final report should contain a clear recommendation on measurable performance indicators. They must require that the administration of Act 250 is timely, consistent, predictable, and fair across all District Commissions.

December 15, 2023

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June 18, 2024

Legislative Preview Presentations Further Inform Business Priorities

December 13, 2023

Legislative Preview Presentations Further Inform Business Priorities

In advance of the 2024 Legislative Session, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce reintroduced its annual Legislative Preview Presentation series to provide guidance on the business priorities for the session and provide information on legislative activities and advocacy opportunities. This series creates opportunities for business leaders to engage with the Vermont Chamber advocacy team to discuss policy concerns around Vermont and inform the business agenda.

Local chambers of commerce and business associations hosted the Vermont Chamber’s advocacy team in Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Lamoille, and Rutland County. Each event featured a presentation on policy opportunities and pressures expected in the upcoming session and a robust discussion.

“We are grateful for the continued partnerships with local business organizations and opportunities to bring together regional business communities for robust policy discussions,” said Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Vermont Chamber. “Following these events, it’s clear that there are common themes that are impacting businesses across Vermont regardless of differences in geography, industry, or size.”

Middle-income housing was at the forefront of each event, specifically, the need to modernize Act 250, reduce cost and time barriers for private developers, invest in local infrastructure, and create incentives for the adaptive reuse of vacant buildings. Workforce recruitment and retention also remained a foundational concern that is intertwined with all other top priorities. Businesses statewide understand that to create a stronger Vermont economy, we must leverage strategies to meet the need to increase Vermont’s population to 802,000 by 2035.

Affordability was an ongoing concern collectively shared by the Vermont business community. Weighing new tax proposals against existing tax and cost burdens would create a Vermont business climate that allows time for the cost burden of recent years to be implemented and absorbed. Simultaneously, the business climate is being impacted by the uptick in public and employee safety concerns and retail theft. The repercussions of the negative press that this generates for Vermont further impact our visitor economy.

The Legislative Preview Presentations facilitated connections with hundreds of business leaders across the state of Vermont throughout November and December 2023. Business leaders in attendance gained in-depth insights into the legislative landscape and strengthened their advocacy skills to effectively influence policies that drive business growth.

December 13, 2023

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President Betsy Bishop Announces Departure from Vermont Chamber of Commerce

December 13, 2023December 4, 2023

President Betsy Bishop Announces Departure from Vermont Chamber of Commerce

After 30 years of policy leadership, Betsy Bishop has announced her departure from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. A leadership transition for the organization is set for summer 2024. During her 15 years as the President, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce has become the most influential business advocacy organization in the state.

Bishop has dedicated her career to the Vermont business community. Her advocacy work has been vital to the promotion and advancement of policies that spur economic development and create jobs statewide. Bringing innovative direction to the Vermont Chamber, Bishop has built a lobbying powerhouse to ensure policy leaders consider advancing the Vermont economy in their actions. She is also the founder of the Vermont Futures Project, a foundation focused on creating an economic action plan for the state based on data, research, and education.

“Betsy has been a driving force behind the advancement of Vermont’s economy,” said Tom Dunn, Vermont Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and CEO of VELCO. “Her vision and leadership have been crucial in supporting the growth of Vermont’s business community, and she has been instrumental in making Vermont an attractive destination for businesses and workforce. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and contributions to the Vermont Chamber and the state.”

Under Bishop’s leadership, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce has also been recognized for its outstanding work partnering with the Declaration of Inclusion initiative, exposing the workforce gap, and strengthening the manufacturing and hospitality sectors. Her guidance was invaluable to the Vermont business community throughout the healthcare transition of 2014, Tropical Storm Irene, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2023 summer floods.

“I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved together at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce,” said Bishop. “It has been an honor to serve Vermont’s business community and work alongside so many talented and committed individuals. I have worked on Vermont policy for more than three decades and had the opportunity to shape Vermont’s direction on workforce development, healthcare, taxation, housing, energy, and more. I’m eager to see the Vermont Chamber of Commerce continue to flourish under new leadership.”

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce will create a committee to conduct a broad search for a new leader who has strong communications and operations skills, policy knowledge, a core belief in economic success, and solid Vermont connections.