Recently we attended a lunch and learn about some of the key issues facing the State of Vermont in its Tech focused economic development efforts as well as key focuses for the year ahead for the new administration. We heard about statewide economic development efforts from Mike Schirling, Secretary of the State of Vermont Agency of Commerce, Community, Housing and Economic Development. (A mouthful) For a renewed beginning see beta version of www.thinkvt.com. Thanks to Vermont Technology Alliance for spearheading this and Logic Supply for hosting the lunch and learn.
Areas of economic development focus
Innovation center, maker hubs
Accelerators and incubator ecosystem
Enhance coworking opportunities
Better and more fiber
Access to capital
Integrated communication
Easier customer experience navigating permitting, contracting
Smooth access to needed agency services.
Help needed
Vermont Senate and Vermont House of Representatives economic development committees please support additional funding for the Agency to market the whole story of Vermont rather than no funding. This story spans across tourism, technology, sustainable business in technology, agriculture, food and spirits, our historic downtowns and naturalbeauty, entrepreneurialism and more?
What's next?
Lots to keep talking about these issues Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), Vermont Chamber, Vermont Business Roundtable, Vermont Business Magazine, Seven Days, Burlington Free Press and keep the conversation going. Vermont needs to thrive for the generations to follow. Lots of work to do, bills and important cross party lines and advocacy conversations to have.
