STATE TO MAIN

October 21, 2022

Good Afternoon -


The countdown to the 2023 legislative session has begun, and the Vermont Chamber advocacy team is preparing by meeting with policy leaders, partner organizations, and businesses. The main message to key decision-makers continues to be urging them to understand the turbulence of the current economic situation and its impact on businesses and employees. As we strengthen our ties with veteran legislators, many of whom will be rising into key leadership roles, we’re also anticipating Election Day will deliver an influx of newly elected officials and we will be ready to engage with them. As we work to formulate our 2023 policy agenda, we welcome your input. Please take a moment to review this three-question survey and tell us your story.  

Megan Sullivan, VP of Government Affairs
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Accumulating Costs Add to Economic Uncertainty

As businesses face an avalanche of mounting costs, policymakers must consider the accumulation of these costs on small businesses before raising taxes, passing new fees, or mandating costly and time-consuming compliance with new programs.


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Tax Revenues Strong, But Can We Afford More Spending?

With economic uncertainty on the horizon due to inflation, decreased consumer spending, and stock market chaos, higher levels of government spending will set a course for higher taxes on individuals and businesses at a time when everything else is on the rise.


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Election Day 

Remember to vote on, or before, November 8th. You can check your voter registration, find your polling place, request an absentee ballot, see sample ballots, and more, online. A complete list of general election candidates is available on our website.


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Vermont Futures Project: 2022 Top States for Business – The Rise of Vermont

Vermont climbed up eleven spots this year, which may come as a surprise given that the state was ranked dead last in the workforce category. However, a holistic review of the data shows that other factors make Vermont a favorable state for business. We must leverage these strengths to address our greatest economic challenges. Interest in Vermont remains high, and Vermont can capitalize on this opportunity by attracting more people and businesses to the state. 


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Program Updates

  • Short-Term Forgivable Loan Program: The VEDA (Vermont Economic Development Authority) Short-Term Forgivable Loan Program is open and will provide financial assistance to businesses that continue to experience current and ongoing harm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until November 1, VEDA is only considering applications from priority sectors (travel and tourism, restaurants, lodging, childcare, and agriculture) and BIPOC-owned businesses. Learn more.
  • Creative Futures Grants: The Vermont Arts Council is now accepting applications for grants up to $200,000 for creative sector non-profit and for-profit entities that sustained substantial losses from the pandemic, which may be used to cover a wide range of regular operating expenses. The application deadline is November 1, 2022. Learn more.
  • COVID Paid Leave Grant Program: The application window opening for this program has been delayed. The delayed opening date will not change the total amount of time that the application window will be open. Employers must demonstrate the dates each employee was out due to COVID, the total and hourly sick leave wages paid to each employee out due to COVID, and provide documentation to support that the leave was due to eligible COVID-related reasons. Learn more.

Employer Resources

  • DRM HR Café - Cannabis and the Workplace: Vermont retail shops are now able to sell recreational marijuana. How will this impact your workforce? Join us, on November 2nd at 8:30 AM, for a lively discussion on what employers can do to manage the risk of cannabis at work. Register here.
Vermont Chamber News

We're Hiring: Business Development Manager

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is looking for a Business Development Manager with a passion for building, sustaining, and growing fundraising relationships for the state’s largest business advocacy organization.


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Over 350 B2B Connections Made at Manufacturing Summit

Since 2013, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce has convened manufacturing industry leaders at the annual Manufacturing Supply Chain Summit. The 2022 event was themed “Rebuilding Supply Chains and Workforce through Content, Collaboration, and Contacts.”


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