Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & The Chamber

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce believes diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical for business and community maturation and growth. Our Chamber believes that diversity, equity and inclusion drives economic competitiveness, highlights diverse employee populations, and promotes inclusive growth throughout the Southwestern Vermont region.

What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A Chamber of Commerce, by definition, is a 501c6 nonprofit and is made up of a network of businesspeople designed to promote and protect the interests of its members. The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce promotes, leads and advocates a unified effort, on behalf of its members, to maintain and improve a healthy business climate and rewarding quality of life for the entire Shires of Vermont region. Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is open to any individual or organization interested in working collectively for the betterment of the business climate and quality of life in the region. The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce has represented communities and businesses since 1911 and offers its members a variety of benefits.

Retention, Recruitment and A Bold New Vermont

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber also believes that our organization plays a big role in recruiting and retaining new workers and families to the region. Our Recruitment and Retention Initiative helps attract young people and families to the region, retain a modern and growing workforce, and support a more diverse population.

The need to get more young families and business people to Vermont to create innovative businesses and communities must include diversifying Vermont. 

Here’s what we know about a more diverse workforce and community:  

1. A diverse workforce drives economic growth.

2. A diverse workforce can capture a greater share of the consumer market. 

3. Recruiting from a diverse pool of candidates means a more qualified workforce. 

4. A diverse and inclusive workforce helps businesses avoid employee turnover costs. 

5. Diversity fosters a more creative and innovative workforce and community.

6. Diversity is a key aspect of entrepreneurialism. 

7. Diversity in business ownership, particularly among women of color, is key to moving our economy forward. 

8. Diversity in the workplace is necessary to create a competitive economy in a globalized world.

Vermont needs to adapt to the changing notion that to be competitive in the economic market requires embracing more diversity. Census data tells us that by 2050 there will be no racial or ethnic majority in our country. Between 2000 and 2050 new immigrants and their children will account for 83 percent of the growth in the working-age population. Our economy will grow and benefit from these changing demographics if communities commit to meeting the needs of diverse families, workers and people.

As our communities continue to grow, it’s important to harness the talent of all Vermonters. Businesses should continue to capitalize on the growth of women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ community  in the labor force. The potential to increase diversity, through recruitment and retention efforts, is a great opportunity for Vermont to become more competitive in the global economy by capitalizing on the unique talents and contributions that diverse communities bring to the table.

Chamber membership

Membership into the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is open to all types of business-owned and non-profit led organizations. Our vision for the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is to grow businesses and enhance the Southwestern Vermont economy, influence and foster stable growth to this region’s creative ecosystem, assist in building safe and healthy communities, and market Southwestern Vermont to people from all walks of life through the efforts of the regional Shires of Vermont brand.

To learn more about membership into the Southwestern Vermont Chamber please visit our Membership page!

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