Wellspring

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.”

The successful Wellspring Forum series continues to bring together top Vermont businesses and policy leaders for robust economic discussions. Each event takes place at a unique Vermont business and features new speakers.

The third event in the series featured the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Ann Cummings (D-Washington), and House Majority Leader Rep. Emily Long (D-Windham-5). The legislative leaders 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 discussed by businesses was the cumulative impact of anticipated tax increases to fund the multiple major proposals in discussion this legislative session. Businesses urged legislative leaders to consider the ability of Vermonters to meet an increased tax demand and the potential for unintended consequences if businesses are unable to do so.

“During a time of great uncertainty, we need to value economic stewardship,” stated Bishop. “As goes the success of small businesses, so often goes the success of our communities. While legislative committees are working on multiple major investments that require new revenue streams, the Vermont Chamber is advocating for pragmatic decision-making, so the Vermont economy is not overwhelmed.”

On September 7th, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce hosted a new event, entitled The Wellspring Forum, to capitalize on the historic election cycle and further our commitment to growing the business community and the Vermont economy.

The event title was inspired by Governor James H. Douglas’ quote; “I am often reminded that the wellspring of Vermont liberty flows from Main Street, not State Street.”

US House Candidate Becca Balint and State Treasurer Candidate Mike Pieciak spoke directly to the Vermont Chamber Board of Directors and other leaders of the Vermont business community in a series of bilateral conversations moderated by Vermont Chamber President, Betsy Bishop.

“The Vermont Chamber is proud to facilitate a forum that allows Vermont business leaders the opportunity to hear directly from future decision makers on the issues impacting them the most,” stated Bishop. “While the economy is the top issue for Vermonters, we rarely see Vermont candidates speak directly on business and economic issues while on the campaign trail, and we’re grateful that both Becca Balint and Mike Pieciak took the time to engage with the business community in this way.”

The candidates spoke about several economic issues of top concerns for the business community, including workforce recruitment, housing, immigration, inflation, and diversity initiatives.

“When it comes to the Vermont economy, it’s clear that the lack of housing and childcare are holding back our state’s full fiscal potential. Increasing access to housing in downtown and village centers goes hand in hand with measures to strengthen our climate resiliency and physical infrastructure,” stated Mike Pieciak. “We also need to ensure revenue is flowing into Vermont, and acknowledge that other New England states market their strategic advantages. When it comes to workforce recruitment, our strategic advantage is quality of life. We need to make sure all people feel welcome here and are encouraged to call Vermont home.”

“I look forward to the opportunity at the federal level to work with colleagues to address the intersection of so many issues such as workforce development, housing, climate, and childcare,” shared Becca Balint. “This is a moment where people are reimagining work, and I believe we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to bring more manufacturing back to Vermont. When you have people building things in your community, it’s an economic benefit and it also fosters pride of place.”

Fifty business leaders from several industries and sectors, including tourism, manufacturing, health care, retail, and technology, were in attendance. The event was hosted at the office of OnLogic in South Burlington.