COMMERCE CONNECTION
January 2023
Vermont Chamber News
Annual Vermont Business Economic Survey
Davis & Hodgdon Associates and the Vermont Chamber have launched our annual Business Economic Survey to understand the economic issues facing your business in 2023.
Register For the Vermont Economic Conference – January 30, 2023
The Vermont Economic Conference is back in person for 2023 and will provide an essential economic foundation for the year ahead. The robust agenda features star speakers and seminars dedicated to providing an in-depth look at national, global, and state perspectives on the economy as well as the latest economic indicators for business growth.

2023 Legislative Session Priorities
Each year, our legislative agenda is data-driven and cost-conscious. Our advocacy team is determined to ensure the well-being of the Vermont business community and the vitality of the Vermont economy.
Sen. Ram Hinsdale Supportive of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Efforts
Business leaders emphasizing the need for workforce recruitment and retention efforts were met with support from Sen. Ram Hinsdale, who expressed her commitment to essential investments in housing and economic recovery initiatives.
Business Leaders Urged Action From Commissioners of Economic Development, Housing
Business leaders urged action on initiatives to grow the economy and attract more workers to Vermont. The issue of top concern was the statewide shortage of workforce housing. Businesses advocated for making regulatory reform a top priority to increase the supply of suitable housing for employees.
Vermont Futures Project Op-Ed: An Unbalanced Equation
Vermont has a workforce gap - our supply of workers isn't meeting the demand for existing and future jobs. A single solution won’t fix this problem, so it’s important to understand the potential impact of proposed strategies. The question now is, “What are ways to rebalance the equation?” Learn more in an op-ed from our partner, the Vermont Futures Project.

Elevate Your Business and Connect to Vermont Visitors
The Vermont Tourism Marketing Program is a powerful partnership between the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing aimed at driving visitors to your business. The suite of products and services communicates your message via dynamic print and digital products, promoting your business to the 80 million people within a day’s drive of Vermont. Contact Megan Bullard or Marc Plouffe to learn more about the Vermont Tourism Marketing Program.

Legislative Interns Elevate Vermont Chamber Lobbying Efforts
Eight University of Vermont and St. Michael’s College students will join the Legislative Monitoring Collaborative for the 2023 legislative session. Interns will spend time at the State House, gaining exposure to the legislative process and increasing the capacity of our advocacy work.
The State of Manufacturing in December
Along with the holidays and celebrations, December was a time to reflect and gear up for the new year. Here's an update on the manufacturing industry to close out 2022 and look ahead to 2023.

News You Need to Know
Apply Now: VEDA's Short-Term Forgivable Loan Program
Is your business still feeling the financial impacts of the pandemic? Apply for VEDA's Short Term Forgivable Loan program which will provide financial assistance to businesses that continue to experience current and ongoing harm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Proposals Requested for BIPOC Business and Workforce Development Assistance 
To bolster the state’s economic infrastructure, the Department of Economic Development (DED) is seeking proposals for assistance to serve Vermont’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community by expanding and strengthening private sector businesses and workforce development of traditionally underserved communities.

Trade Talk Tuesday - Registration Now Open for International Export Trainings
Vermont businesses may now register for a series of international trade trainings conducted by export expert Mike Allocca of Allocca Enterprises. Four separate training programs scheduled in 2023 will cover international documentation and export compliance. The trainings are all virtual and take place on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm. A separate registration is required for each session and costs $50.
Worker Relocation Incentive Program Update
The program has received a high volume of applications that total more than the amount of funding available. While applications continue to be processed in the order they are received, and the program will remain open and continue to accept applications until all available funding has been distributed, applicants should understand that funding is not guaranteed. Recipients of this and previous iterations of the program either work remotely for out-of-state employers or have filled job openings at Vermont employers. 
Apply Now: Community Recovery and Revitalization Program
Funding is intended for projects that make capital improvements or capital expansions that spur economic recovery and revitalization in communities across the state. The funding is also available for capital expenditures that support childcare and affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households, and to establish or improve municipal water and wastewater systems to build housing or create jobs through business creation and expansion.
Apply Now: COVID Paid Leave Grant Program
The application window for this program is now 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. 
First Generation Homebuyer Program
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) launched this program with the goal of helping more Vermonters afford their first home. This program provides a grant to eligible homebuyers whose parents or legal guardians were likely unable to pass on the generational wealth homeownership can provide.
Members in the News
Vermont Chamber In Action
In Other News
Want great exposure for your business? By sponsoring a Vermont Chamber newsletter, you can reach a target audience of over 1,800 people. Email Megan Bullard for more information on our affordable pricing opportunities.