March 2025
In just a few weeks, the calendar will declare that spring has arrived, but for Vermonters, it’s Town Meeting Day that signals the start of a new season. The tradition of local decision-making has been a part of Vermont for centuries and, although the world has become more complex and interconnected over the years, regional economic development is still very much rooted in community.
This spring, GBIC is looking forward to working with local municipalities to develop or update economic development plans. Central to this work is one key question:
What can communities do to be more welcoming to employers?
Every town is different, but we will begin by listening to your goals and working with you to assess zoning and permitting requirements, broadband access, water and wastewater infrastructure, education and job training opportunities, and housing availability – all of which are connected to community priorities and local decision-making.
We also help municipalities identify projects of high priority to each community. The Regional Project Prioritization (RPP) List, maintained by GBIC and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, is one important opportunity. The RPP List expresses the highest priority projects for each region in Vermont that will support job growth and economic development, and applications are now open (details below).
Interested in learning more about how GBIC can support your municipality’s economic development goals? Give me a call at (802) 862-5726 ext. 19 or reach out via email (sam@vermont.org). I look forward to talking with you!
Happy spring,
Sam Andersen
Executive Vice President
News From 60 Main
Spring Regional Project Prioritization (RPP) Applications Now Open – Attention non-profits, for-profits, and Chittenden County municipalities! Do you have a project that will support economic growth? The RPP list expresses the highest priority projects for each region that will support job growth and economic development. Projects will be ranked on their readiness, ability to create jobs, and overall community and economic impact. The RPP list will be submitted to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, which will share it with other state and federal funders who will consider the list when making funding decisions. For more information, please visit our website. Applications are due by Friday, April 18th. Contact Sam for more information at sam@vermont.org or (802) 862-5726 ext. 19 for more information.
Frank Testifies – Frank recently testified in the State House in front of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs and the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. Both committees had excellent discussions on Vermont’s big three issues(highlighted in our last newsletter): housing, infrastructure, and workers. We look forward to continued collaboration with our legislators as we develop creative solutions.
Alex Goes to Montreal – Alex went to Montreal with representatives from the State, Hula, Lake Champlain and Vermont Chambers of Commerce, UVM, and VTTA to discuss opportunities to help French companies expand into Vermont and the US as a whole in partnership with Rezoway, a Canadian consultancy and business incubator. This cross-border collaboration is an important part of Vermont’s economy and highlights our appeal not just domestically but internationally.
Vermont Employer’s Roundup
Senator Peter Welch FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending – Senator Peter Welch has opened his web portal to accept FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests from state and local government entities and non-profit organizations based in Vermont. All forms must be completed and submitted by Friday, March 28th at 5:00pm ET. Apply here.
Enhanced Flood Recovery Rebates for Businesses – Efficiency Vermont has increased offers for businesses replacing equipment damaged by the 2023 and 2024 summer flooding. You can get a rebate for 100% cash back, up to $16,000, on up to four qualifying products. Learn more.
Events & Workforce Development
Doing Business in Uncertain Times – The Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Common Good Vermont, and the State Treasurer’s Task Force on the Federal Transition are hosting a webinar on March 11th from 2:00-3:30pm to discuss best practices for businesses during the federal transition. Register here.
VT Law School Business Webinars – VT Law School is hosting two webinars on March 12th and March 19th, 11:00am-12:00pm about email marketing and LinkedIn best practices. Register here.
Hardware Meetup at Rigorous – The 5th Burlington Hardware Meetup is happening March 13th at Rigorous Technologies in Williston from 5:00pm-7:30pm. Register here.
B Corp Month Celebration – VBSR is hosting a celebration of B Corp Month on March 26th from 5:00-7:00pm at Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield. Register here.
Rescheduled: Manufacturing Day at the State House – Vermont Manufacturing Day offers manufacturing businesses and industry leaders the opportunity to connect with legislators and highlight the manufacturing sector’s significant contributions to Vermont’s economy. Join the celebration on April 2nd at the State House in Montpelier and help raise awareness of the vital role manufacturing plays in Vermont’s prosperity. RSVP here.
