Vermont Workforce Solutions

Vermont's Premier Workforce Development Conference

September 25, 2024 | DoubleTree by Hilton, Burlington

Welcome to the Solutions Summit, presented by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Vermont’s premier workforce development conference dedicated to transforming how we approach and address the challenges of the modern job market. On September 25th, this dynamic event will bring together businesses, educators, and policymakers in a collaborative setting to discuss actionable, scalable workforce development solutions across all industries.

The Solutions Summit is more than just a conference; it’s a solutions-driven gathering focused on harnessing innovative ideas and technology to tackle the most pressing issues facing Vermont businesses. This year’s sessions will explore a range of critical topics around workforce development, including strengthening the link between education and employment, employee retention and recruitment, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, and understanding Vermont policies and legislation impacting our businesses.

Join the Vermont Chamber for this transformative event and be a part of shaping the future of work in Vermont.

Featured Presentations

Schedule

8:00 am – 8:45 am	Registration and Breakfast
8:45 am – 9:00 am	Welcome	Amy Spear, President \| Vermont Chamber of Commerce
9:00 am – 10:00 am	Keynote Address	The State Opportunity Index: Strengthening the Link Between Education and Opportunity in Vermont *Stephen Moret, President \| Strada* The inaugural State Opportunity Index is a groundbreaking new resource to help states strengthen the path from education to opportunity. It profiles each of the 50 states on five key dimensions for improving employment outcomes for individuals, regions, and employers: Clear Outcomes, Quality Coaching, Affordability, Work-Based Learning, and Employer Alignment. The State Opportunity Index provides a framework that policymakers, education leaders, and the business community can use as a roadmap for strengthening pathways to opportunity for individuals and workforce competitiveness for employers. Strada President Stephen Moret will share new findings for Vermont and the nation, offer recommendations for further progress in Vermont, and respond to audience questions.
10:00 am – 10:15 am	Networking Break
10:15 am – 11:00 am	Breakout Sessions	Leveraging AI for Workforce Efficiency *Mike Lannen, Founder \| Eternity Marketing* Discover how AI and technology can help your business create efficiencies and overcome workforce shortages. This session includes demonstrations and practical tools that can be implemented immediately to enhance productivity and streamline operations. Elevating Skills: Bridging Education and Employment This session puts employers in conversation with educational partners. Facilitated by experts in educational pathway navigation and skills-based hiring, the discussion will focus on using skills as a common language to align educational programs with industry demands. Employers can share their workforce needs, while educators can learn about the skills required in today’s rapidly evolving job market to shape responsive curriculum.
11:00 – 11:15 am	Networking Break
11:15 am – 12:00 pm	Breakout Sessions	Revitalize and Retain: Strategies for Boosting Employee Resilience and Engagement *Matt Harrington, Executive Director \| Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce* Provide practical strategies and tools to help organizations enhance employee resilience, improve retention rates, and re-engage a burned-out staff. Supporting Employees in Crisis: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Response and Support *Reid Wobby, Director of Safety, Education, and Health \| Associated General Contractors of Vermont* As mental health and substance abuse challenges continue to permeate across industries, this session offers practical steps for employers to support employees in crisis. This session looks at the national and Vermont statistics, recognizing and responding to a person in crisis, reducing stigma in the workplace and resources to support workplace safety, job performance and worker retention.
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm	Keynote Address and Lunch	Building Vermont’s Workforce: The People Paradigm Strategic Solutions for Workforce Growth and Economic Vitality Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project, will delve into “The People Paradigm,” a cornerstone of Vermont’s upcoming Economic Action Plan. As Vermont faces the challenge of needing 13,500 new people entering the workforce annually, this session will explore actionable strategies to increase workforce efficiency, attract, and retain talent, and set the foundation for long-term economic growth. Through a data-informed presentation and an in-depth conversation, attendees will gain insights into the key factors driving these workforce solutions and how they can contribute to shaping a thriving future for Vermont’s economy.
1:15 pm – 2:00 pm	Breakout Sessions	Housing Solutions for Workforce Retention *Seth Leonard, Managing Director of Community Development \| VHFA* Join Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s (VHFA) Seth Leonard for an engaging seminar on the brand new Vermont Employer-Assisted Housing (EAH) Guide. This session will explore how employers can play a crucial role in addressing housing affordability through financing or development initiatives. EAH encompasses both renter and homeowner programs, with strategies ranging from direct financial assistance to partnerships with affordable housing organizations, developers, and municipalities. Welcoming New Talent: Strategies for Long-Term Relocation The demographics are clear; we need more people. This session will explore effective strategies that communities and employers are using to attract new workers and encourage them to permanently relocate to Vermont. Learn about successful programs and initiatives that are making a difference.
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm	Networking Break
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm	Keynote and Closing Remarks	Workforce Policy Insights: Legislative and Administrative Perspectives Sen. Alison Clarkson; Fauna Hurley (Office of Sen. Peter Welch); Jay Ramsay (Vermont Department of Labor); Moderated by Peter Hirschfeld, Vermont Public Equipping business leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively engage with Vermont lawmakers regarding workforce policy challenges. Enhance your understanding of the legislative process and its impact on workforce policies that affect your business. Engage with Vermont lawmakers to discuss the workforce policy landscape, learn about recent legislative efforts to address challenges and explore future policy directions that can support Vermont’s labor market needs.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Ellie Schabel, Director of Events and Business Education.

The Vermont Chamber is a leader in events that foster connections, collaboration, and celebration within the business community. Partnering with the Vermont Chamber provides an opportunity to amplify your brand within a dynamic and influential network. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities email Doug Corman, Business Development Manager.