Advocacy in the shires

We believe that our partnerships with local, regional and state stakeholders provides us with the ability to influence, change and grow our economic and community outcomes.

Facilitating, leading and communicating to our legislative leaders what our members and community needs when it comes to small business reform, economic challenges, educational opportunities and creating a healthy community is a pillar of why this Chamber exists.

We also believe that we can provide the best pathways to important information that is crucial to today’s businesses and politics.

Whether it’s our access to legislators and lawmakers for our members, getting national attention about our misplace location on Google Maps, a member struggling with a unlawful accusation, our relationships with key subject matter experts in various industries or the intelligence of our staff and board, we are the go-to, one-stop-shop for both business and community leaders for keeping up to date on the things that matter.

Sign up for our “Mondays Matter” Advocacy Newsletter

In partnership with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, we are exited to announce a quick, to-the-point e-newsletter we plan to release each Monday during the session to give you updates on the Vermont legislature and what it all means to you as business and nonprofit leaders!

The goal is to make sure you feel informed, engaged and heard.

2024 Events

Legislative Breakfast: A Mid-Session Legislative Update from Southwestern Vermont Legislators

Date: Monday, February 26 2024

Time: 9am-10:30am

Location: Bennington College's Center For Public Advancement (CAPA) Atrium
(41 Vapa Cir, North Bennington, VT)

Overview: The Southwestern Vermont Chamber hosts its annual Legislative Breakfast to discuss a mid-session legislative update on Monday, February 26th 2024 beginning at 9am. This meeting will also focus on the current 2024 session with our Southwestern Legislators to inform us on their priorities and what to expect for the remainder of the session.

Seating is limited and registration is required in advance to attend. 

Sponsored by Heritage Family Credit Union

Fall Legislative Lunch with The Vermont Chamber

Date: Thursday, October 24 2024

Time: 12pm - 2pm

Location: Manchester Community Library (138 Cemetery Ave, Manchester Center, VT)

Overview: The Southwestern Vermont Chamber welcomes the Vermont Chamber and Legislative staff to join our members and Southwestern Vermont Delegation as we review the current year and discuss what’s ahead. Lunch included!

Sponsored by Heritage Family Credit Union

2024 Sponsorship

VT AG Consumer Assistance Partnership

The Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) recently hired Emily McDonnell to fill the role of Small Business Advocate. The Small Business Advocate serves as an integral part of CAP and the Small Business Initiative by providing support to businesses with questions about Vermont’s legal requirements and assisting in resolving complaints from business consumers.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber is a partner with CAP and their efforts to provide our small business members with information and answer questions. Although CAP cannot provide legal advice, it can provide small businesses with information and answers to common questions in the business as consumer domain. If you have a consumer related complaint against another business, a question about the culture of compliance, or are looking for the correct resource for your business inquiry, reach out to Emily at the Consumer Assistance Program at (800) 649-2424 or by emailing AGO.Small.Business@vermont.gov.