February 2025
We’re just over a month into the new year, and it’s abundantly clear from recent events and employer meetings that housing, infrastructure, and workers remain top of mind for employers in 2025.
It was great to see so many of you at the Lake Champlain Chamber’s Legislative Breakfast at BETA Technologies’ new manufacturing facility and the Vermont Economic Conference hosted by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, where these themes were actively discussed.
The good news is that there are some potential paths forward emerging.
We are collaborating with Governor Scott’s administration and Kevin Chu at the Vermont Futures Project on developing policy recommendations, which are included in the Vermont Economic Action Plan released this month. The plan calls for crafting a robust economy that supports thriving business, a skilled workforce, and vibrant communities.
The Governor also released his Pathway to Accelerate and Transform Housing, a $50M proposal to “prime the homebuilding pipeline” with direct public investments and incentives for private capital.
Have thoughts or comments on these plans? We’d love to hear what you think, what challenges you’re facing in 2025, and how GBIC can support you. Sending you all our best.
Yours,
Alex Demoly
Vice President
News From 60 Main
Riverflow Community is open! Frank has been working alongside Riverflow Community, the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative (DDHI), and other developmental disabilities advocates to help create housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The opening of Riverflow in Monkton is one big step towards providing housing options for these vulnerable Vermonters, and much work remains to be done. Read more about Riverflow, DDHI, and their incredible progress here: Building Community for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
“Like hundreds of other parents with children who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, I was terrified. None of us are going to live forever. I needed a plan.” – Frank Cioffi
Did you notice that we’re now a monthly newsletter? If you know someone who would benefit from economic development news tailored to employers, please forward 60 Main Monthly to them! Got this from a friend? Sign up here.
Photos from the Vermont Economic Conference and BETA Technologies
Vermont Employer’s Roundup
- Register for VT Saves before 3/1 – Many Vermont employers are now required to participate in Vermont Saves, a no-cost option for small companies to provide retirement benefits. Enrollment ends March 1. Register here.
- VT National Guard’s PRIME Program – The Vermont National Guard’s Partnered Recruiting Initiative for Military and Employers (PRIME) program offers a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with highly skilled service members and their families seeking full-time employment. Learn more.
- VLCT’s 2025 Legislative Preview – The VT League of Cities & Towns works with lawmakers on issues facing Vermont’s cities and towns. The Legislative Preview outlines VLCT’s legislative priorities, budget news, and more. Read more.
- VCET Interviews with GBIC Board Member Heidi Stumpff; Frank Cioffi – Our friends at the Vermont Center for Emerging Technology (VCET) recently sat down with GBIC Board Member Heidi Stumpff and our President Frank Cioffi for interviews.
- Vermont Technology Alliance has a new executive director! A heartfelt farewell and thank you to our friend Jeff Couture and a big welcome to VTTA’s new executive director, Adam Locklin! Read the announcement here.
Events & Workforce Development
- CVOEO Lunch with Lenders – An in-person event exploring funding opportunities for small business. This Saturday February 8, 9am-4pm at Winooski High School. Learn more and register here.
- Tourism Listening Sessions – The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has launched a statewide strategic planning process and will conduct listening sessions across the state during the week of February 10-14. To sign up for a session and share your opinion, register here.
- VBSR ClimateReadyVT Classes – Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility’s (VBSR) ClimateReadyVT is a free program helping small businesses in Vermont adapt to our changing climate and prepare for climate-related business disruptions. Registrations for the Spring 2025 Cohort will be accepted through Tuesday, February 11. Learn more and register.
- 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 February 26 at the State House in Montpelier and help raise awareness of the vital role manufacturing plays in Vermont’s prosperity. RSVP here.
- VT Law School Business Webinars – VT Law School is hosting two webinars on February 20th, 11:00am-1:00pm and February 27, 10am-12:00pm about employment laws and social media marketing. Register here.
- Save the Date: Peak Pitch 2025 – FreshTracks Capital has announced the return date of Peak Pitch, a start-up business pitch event scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 at Sugarbush Resort in Warren. Sign up for FreshTracks’ newsletter and be on the lookout for a signup form.
