A Vision of Growth and Vibrancy
Our 2020 Vision was about forming a regional chamber and beginning to bring various partners to the table to imagine what that would look like. Our 2027 vision for the next three years is to cultivate a regional economy that thrives in harmony with Southwestern Vermont's stunning natural landscapes and diverse, welcoming communities. We are not just growing businesses, but fostering a vibrant, innovative, and resilient future for everyone.

We are building a more inclusive region by fostering collaboration across industries, backgrounds, and communities. Our goal is to ensure that every voice is heard and that our collective strengths drive the future of Southwestern Vermont. The Chamber will lead with innovation and adaptability, anticipating the needs of our members and community while staying ahead of economic trends. We aim to be a beacon of forward-thinking leadership that empowers local businesses to succeed.

Our chamber is committed to uniting the region—Bennington, Manchester, and beyond. By strengthening partnerships and ensuring every town’s unique assets contribute to the larger goal, we create a more cohesive and prosperous region. We will embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion not just as values but as strategic advantages, ensuring that all voices, including those traditionally underrepresented, are integrated into the Chamber's efforts.

Strategic Pillars for Growth
Our focus is built on 3 main key pillars: Promoting, Collaborating, & Empowering. Through these, we aim to attract new talent, foster regional partnerships, advocate for our members' needs, and provide education that will elevate the entire business community:

• Regional Collaboration & Partnerships:By convening stakeholders, seeking purposeful partnerships, and amplifying the region’s voice on a state and national level, we aim to not only strengthen our local economy but to ensure Southwestern Vermont has a prominent seat at the table.

• Advocacy and Infrastructure: The Chamber is advocating for key infrastructure improvements, including better transportation and housing development, to ensure our communities remain accessible and competitive. Our ability to collaborate with government agencies and developers will be crucial to meeting these goals.

• Promoting Southwestern Vermont as a Destination: We are leveraging the region’s unique culture, outdoor recreation, and quality of life to attract both visitors and new residents. By showcasing our region through marketing campaigns, digital platforms, and events, we aim to draw attention to our area as an ideal place to live, work, and play.

• Economic Resilience and Workforce Development:One of our top priorities is addressing workforce challenges by attracting and retaining talent. Through strategic efforts, like our Relocation and Retention program,  we will work to fill gaps in workforce opportunities, ensuring long-term economic resilience for our businesses.

We are setting ambitious yet achievable goals, such as increasing revenue by 8% and reaching an 8-month reserve in three years, alongside a Net Promoter Score of 55. We will measure success through stakeholder engagement and active participation in advocacy efforts.

The future of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber is built on fostering collaboration, leading with innovation, and ensuring that every voice is represented. Together, we will continue to build a thriving region, where businesses succeed and communities flourish, united by shared goals and a vision for the future.

Programming and Events To Support Our Vision