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 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, 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).