Chamber Executive Director Harrington named to 'influencers' list

Originally published in the Bennington Banner August 18, 2025

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce announced that Executive Director Matt Harrington has been named one of VermontBiz’s 91 Influencers of 2025.

The inaugural list recognizes leaders across the state whose dedication, innovation, and impact are shaping Vermont’s business and community future. Inspired by the year Vermont became the 14th state - 1791 - the 91 Influencers honor spotlights exceptional individuals from sectors including health care, business services, finance, and nonprofits.

Harrington was chosen for his leadership in regional economic development, tourism promotion, and community engagement.

“Matt’s leadership has elevated the Chamber’s mission and vision, while strengthening the fabric of our regional community,” said Shannon McLenithan, president of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber Board of Directors. “This recognition is well-deserved and reflects his vision, collaborative spirit, and tireless work on behalf of our members and the region.”

Since taking the helm in 2016, Harrington has transformed the Chamber’s signature events and programs - most notably reinventing the Garlic & Herb Festival (formerly Garlic Fest). When the world shifted under the weight of the pandemic, Harrington reimagined how the Chamber connected with the business community, pivoting to a creative downtown-focused model that respected public health while keeping regional engagement alive. The event, rebranded Garlic Town, USA, is now entering its 30th year, sees over 8,000 people downtown for one day from all over the country and boasts an increase of over $150,000 in downtown merchant sales in one day.

During the pandemic, Harrington emerged as a steadfast leader for his community. He spearheaded telecast interviews with trusted local experts in partnership with Southwestern Vermont Health Care and CAT-TV, offering insights and moral support during turbulent times. He also organized roundtables, distributed PPE to struggling businesses, and created forums to discuss rebuilding and recovery - all strategies that sustained the region’s resilience and helped businesses stay informed, supported, and connected.

In order to grow his skills to help Bennington County businesses, Harrington completed the prestigious Institute for Organization Management program in 2023 and earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in the spring of 2024, becoming one of just 4,500 professionals worldwide to hold the distinction. Harrington now serves as a faculty member at the Institute.

Harrington has also led a robust Workforce and Family Retention and Recruitment initiative through the Chamber, powered by the Vermont GROW grant. This effort, in collaboration with Shires Young Professionals, a group he founded to encourage young workers and families to move to and stay in Bennington county, combines relocation outreach, retention strategy, and demographic data to bolster regional vitality. The Shires Young Professionals now has over 160 engaged members, complete with monthly programming and mentoring initiatives.

Moreover, Harrington oversees The Shires of Southwestern Vermont branding through the Chamber’s affiliate Shires DMO, responsible for driving tourism and hospitality efforts across the region. Under his leadership, the DMO also coordinates the Holiday Inn Tours program, which donates over $5,000 annually to area food shelves during the holiday season.

Harrington has also launched the Women in Leadership Luncheon, which drew over 200 attendees during its most recent year; the B2B Golf Classic, an economic fundraiser in partnership with the Manchester Business Association; the Homebrew Festival, now in its 16th season; and the Heart of The Shires Nonprofit Luncheon, uniting philanthropic leaders for regional dialogue and support.

“I’m humbled - and even a bit surprised - to be recognized among such remarkable Vermonters," Harrington said. "This award is a testament to the partnerships, teams, and community members who share in the work of building a stronger Southwestern Vermont.”

To learn more about the efforts of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber, visit https://www.swvtchamber.com.