Southwestern Vermont Chamber Announces Inaugural Symposium On Civic Discourse and Journalism
The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its inaugural Chamber Symposium: Civic Discourse and Journalism, a timely and dynamic panel event taking place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Stratton Mountain Resort.
This two-hour symposium will bring together esteemed journalists, editors, educators, and media professionals to engage in a thoughtful discussion on the current state of journalism, the media’s impact on politics and public opinion, and the future of civic discourse in our communities.
Key topics include:
The state of local and national news
The media’s influence on politics and public trust
The challenges and responsibilities of modern journalists
Practical strategies for fostering respectful civic dialogue
The event will feature an interactive audience Q&A session, offering attendees an opportunity to engage directly with leading voices in journalism and civic education.
Featured Panelists:
Judy Patrick – Panelist on WAMC’s The Roundtable and Media Project; VP of Editorial Development at the New York Press Association
Mike Albans – Journalist, Bennington Banner (Vermont News and Media)
Dr. Kerri Nicoll – Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, & Social Work, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
Casey Seiler – Vice President and Editor in Chief at the Albany Times Union
Joe Saxton – Contributor, SevenDays; Formerly with The New York Times and ProPublica
This event is ideal for civic-minded individuals, community leaders, students, educators, and anyone passionate about the intersection of media and democracy. With projected attendance of 50–75 digital ticket holders, the Symposium promises to be both intimate and impactful.
“We believe fostering civic dialogue and supporting trustworthy journalism are essential to building strong communities,” said Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber. “This symposium reflects our Vision 2027 commitment—to cultivate a vibrant regional economy driven by innovation and collaboration, where commerce thrives in harmony with our stunning natural landscapes and welcoming, diverse communities. A healthy civic discourse and informed public are foundational to that vision.”
For more information or to register, please visit https://www.bennington.com/chambersymposium
