Luis Lascari was recently brought in as the specialist locally for a new state-backed program called GROW (Grants For Relocation Outreach Work) with the focus of helping to facilitate the recruitment and relocation of working age adults specifically in the 24-45 year-old range. This is a demographic where Vermont falls behind compared with the rest of the United States. Lascari spoke with the Banner about perspective, approach and the importance of connection in helping foster this new program in the Bennington area.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce will be the recipient of an $85,000 grant from the Transformational Tourism, Events, and Regional Marketing (T-TERM) Grant Program. This funding, provided through the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) and supported by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, will be used to elevate tourism and marketing initiatives for The Shires of Southwestern Vermont in 2025.

The GROW Program in Southwestern Vermont will see a large uptick in relocation leads starting in January 2025 as the state launches a nationwide advertising campaign through its media platform ThinkVT. The program will also launch its own advertising campaigns through their own regional media platforms LiveVT and RelocateToVermont.com.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is proud to report that their latest Garlic Town USA Festival, which was held on Saturday August 31, was successful in diverting over 80% of the total waste produced during the event through various composting, recycling, and reduced waste efforts made during the 2024 year.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its second annual "Heart of The Shires Luncheon," a celebration of nonprofits, community leaders, and social sector organizations. This year’s event will be held at Hildene’s newly constructed Lincoln Hall, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature Matt Dunne, founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), as the keynote speaker

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Manchester Business Association (MBA) hosted their annual golf tournament, the B2B Golf Classic, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at The Golf Club at Equinox in Manchester, Vermont.

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has announced that Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber, has recently earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE®) designation. The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Berkshire Bank, is proud to announce the co-sponsorship of the third annual Women In Leadership Luncheon by Project Against Violent Encounters (PAVE). Scheduled to take place at the historic Carriage Barn of Park McCullough in North Bennington, Vermont, on Wednesday, May 15th, from 12pm to 3pm, this event aims to celebrate and empower women leaders while raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence in Bennington County.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Berkshire Bank, announced on International Women’s Day 2024 the highly anticipated third annual Women In Leadership Luncheon featuring former Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan and NY Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best selling author, Kate White as the keynote.

The recent Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Southwestern Vermont Chamber provided a comprehensive look into the pressing issues facing Vermont's communities. From housing to education, taxation to transportation, the event was a platform for legislators to share updates and engage with concerns raised by attendees. Here are the key takeaways from the event.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration and coordination with the Shires Young Professionals, is looking for an energetic, passionate and organized individual to lead our GROW program for relocation and retention!

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 Shires of Southwestern Vermont Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) – operating under the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce – offered an invitation to both residents and travelers to enjoy the "Holidays in The Shires" this November and December,

The Senator James M. Jeffords Welcome Center, also known as the Bennington State Welcome Center, will be celebrating 10-years of service on Wednesday, October 11 2023. Since its opening in 2013, the Welcome Center, located on Highway 279, has served as a beacon of hospitality and information for travelers and residents alike.

In July of 2023, catastrophic flash floods affected several areas throughout Vermont leaving many communities in crisis. As regions recover and rebuild from what impact the weather had on their lives, it’s up to Vermont’s safe havens largely unaffected by the floods to provide visitors with the charming, magical experiences the scenic state is known for. The uniquely enchanting Southwestern Vermont region is conveniently located just a few short hours from many of the major Northeastern cities, so getting on your way doesn’t translate into a full day of road tripping and creates a pathway into a world of Vermont magic just waiting to be explored.

Beer tents, kids’ activities, live music, exciting entertainment, and amazing food and drinks with a garlic twist all band together to make this year’s Garlic Town, USA a can’t-miss, end of summer bucket list item.

embers of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce are confident that the region is a good place to do business, and report financial conditions as good or better than the year before the COVID pandemic, according to the results of a member survey conducted by the Chamber last month. According to the survey results, 94 percent of respondents said Southern Vermont is a good place to have a business or organization.

Joining the Southwestern Vermont Chamber has never been easier! As the #1 business and nonprofit organization in Southwestern Vermont, the Chamber 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 Southwestern Vermont region. Here are the top 9 reasons to join the Southwestern Vermont Chamber.

Garlic Town, USA will once again take over downtown Bennington on Saturday, Sept. 2. Formerly known as the award-winning Garlic Fest, Garlic Town celebrates all things garlic, Vermont and community. The event is produced by the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.