*Chamber staff meet with prospective Vermonters during one of their Stay To Stay Weekends*

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration and coordination with the Shires Young Professionals, announces its selection as one of the esteemed grantees of the Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) program by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM).

The GROW program aims to support local, regional, county-wide, or state-wide organizations engaged in new resident relocation, recruitment, and retention activities. Governor Phil Scott expressed his support, stating, "Welcoming new Vermonters to our communities is a top priority for my administration, and this funding can help. Vermont needs more people and more workers, and GROW is an important tool in our toolbox."

Heather Pelham, Vermont Tourism and Marketing Commissioner, emphasized the significance of the grants, stating, "Recruiting and retaining residents is important one-on-one work that takes time and commitment. Many grantees have been doing this work on a volunteer basis, and we’re grateful the legislature set aside this money to support them as they work to grow our population."

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber and Shires Young Professionals have been approved for the Regional Relocation Network Track and Outreach Track of the grant, showcasing their commitment to fostering both a recruitment effort, as well as retention effort.

*The Chamber's executive director with his wife and a couple who recently moved from Florida to the region through the Chamber's relocation efforts.*

The Regional Relocation Network Track aims to complement and support the State’s relocation lead generation and distribution system on ThinkVermont.com. The Southwestern Vermont Chamber joins other recipient organizations such as the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region in this vital track.

The Outreach Track focuses on organizing events and activities to promote the region to prospective residents and help new residents feel welcome. Organizations like the Chandler Center for the Arts and Vital Communities share this commitment. The Shires Young Professionals will place a crucial role in the retention of those key demographics for employers and the community.

Kevin Chu, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, expressed concerns about Vermont's aging and shrinking working age demographic. He stated, "The aging and shrinking demographic in Vermont is a significant challenge that requires proactive measures. The efforts of organizations like the Southwestern Vermont Chamber and Shires Young Professionals, supported by the GROW program, are crucial in reversing this trend. Attracting a diverse and dynamic workforce is key to ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for our state."

Research from the Vermont Futures Project shows that Vermont's workforce is a concern across the state. Vermont's current potential supply of workers is 7,100 if all high school, college and net migration stayed and worked in Vermont. However, the demand for the amount of workers Vermont needs is 20,600 annually. Vermont currently has an annual gap of 13,500 people. This GROW initiative will be vital in encouraging people from around the country and globe to work and live in Vermont. Chu added, “Attracting new people to Vermont helps the people who are already here.”

*New families enjoying the scenery and recreation atop Bromley Mountain*

“With this 2-year grant program we will look to add talent and staff to our office to support the regional relocation and retention efforts,” remarked Matt Harrington, executive director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber. “Many know that we have been working on this challenge for the past 6 years now. The initial phase was our relationship with the Stay To Stay program which invited people from around the country to try out Vermont for a weekend to see if they would like to stay for a lifetime. Another step along this path was our creation of the Shires Young Professionals organization as a retention tool to connect young Vermonters, to embrace a more diverse community, and to encourage those young professionals to seek careers and a lifestyle in the region. Workforce is the number one challenge for our members and employers. Growing our communities with young, vibrant families is our future. We heard you Chamber members and we are ready to respond with this comprehensive GROW initiative.”

Grantees, including the Southwestern Vermont Chamber and Shires Young Professionals, convened in Rutland on January 11th to share best practices, learn more about the program, and discuss the data driving the need for this important work.

The funded organizations will submit monthly reports and deliverables specific to their approved scope of work, tracking progress and making adjustments as necessary to meet GROW program goals.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber and Shires Young Professionals are dedicated to creating a dynamic future where the region becomes the destination of choice for a vibrant and diverse workforce. Their focus extends to professionals in finance, healthcare, services, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and other key sectors, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

The Southwestern Vermont GROW Initiative and staff will focus on:

Lead generation and nurturing through the Connect With a Vermonter program.
Collaboration with partners including the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Labor, HireAbility Vermont, as well as local HR departments, employers, regional partners, colleges and universities, and other stakeholders.
Data tracking and reporting which includes maintaining a comprehensive database tracking all leads, including their status and generating regular reports for submission to the GROW Program Committee.
Outreach and development which includes the development and execution of outreach strategies to engage new young families and professionals in the region, as well as connecting them with the Shires Young Professionals.
Program development focused on designing, planning, and implementing events that appeal to new young families, workers and professionals, fostering personal and professional growth including a Welcome Wagon feature and New Vermonter events.

*Kevin Chu, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, presents to grant recipients this past week*

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber and the Shires Young Professionals overall vision is to build a thriving workforce today and an inclusive community for tomorrow, contributing to the growth and prosperity of Southwestern Vermont.

The search for a staff person to lead the GROW initiative is currently underway and those interested in applying should go to: https://www.swvtchamber.com/careers-internships

Southwestern Vermont Chamber and Shires Young Professionals Awarded Prestigious GROW Grants for Relocation & Retention Work