A data-driven initiative to secure ’s economic future and to provide opportunity for Vermonters.

The Vermont Futures Project Discussion Series Creating a shared vision for a robust economic future

The Vermont Futures Project is convening a statewide discussion series regarding the future of Vermont with a goal of enhancing and sustaining a robust and growing economy. The Vermont Futures Project believes that Vermonters need a shared vision about the economy—one that is as strong as the vision we share for our environment and for our social safety net. In balance, these three components create a strong foundation for Vermont’s future.

To help build this vision the Vermont Futures Project is holding forums led by the Vermont Futures Project research team of Jeff Lewis and Jennifer Stromsten who will discuss key economic indicators on the recently launched economic dashboard focused at www.VTFuturesProject.org. They will explore Vermont’s unique challenge in balancing our commitment to environmental responsibility, fairness to our people, and growth of opportunity.

The Vermont Futures Project was launched by the Vermont Chamber Foundation to build a shared vision for the economy in collaboration with partner organizations, academic institutions and thought leaders. We are setting a course toward a vibrant economic future through research, policy development and long-term strategies in order to realize that vision. The Vermont Futures Project is committed to addressing the challenges facing Vermont in workforce, demographics, productivity, industrial mix, and infrastructure. Please attend a forum near you and join the conversation.

Addison County  April 21, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at  Partnering organizations: Addison County Economic Development Corporation, Addison County Regional Planning Commission, Addison County Chamber of Commerce and Middlebury College.  Registration: details available soon

Rutland County  April 21 , 4 to 6 pm at ’s 3rd Floor Conference Room at 67 Merchants Row  Partnering organizations: Rutland Economic Development Corporation, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce and the Rutland Regional Planning Commission  Registration: details available soon

Washington County/Mad River Valley  April 28, 5:00 to 7:00 pm at The Round Barn, Waitsfield  Partnering organizations: Mad River CEDC, Mad River Planning District and the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce  Registration: details available soon

VTFuturesProject.org | [email protected] | P.O. Box 37 | Montpelier, VT 05601 | (802) 223-3443

The Vermont Futures Project Discussion Series (continued)

Washington County  May 4, 8:30 to 10:30 am at the Old Chapel at the Vermont College of Fine Art  Partnering organizations: Central Vermont Economic Development and the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce.  Registration: TBD

Franklin County  May 4, 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Swanton Town Offices  Partnering organizations: Franklin County Economic Development and Swanton Enhancement Project.  Registration: TBD

Windsor County  May 13, 8:00 to 10:00 am at Newsbank in Chester  Partnering organizations: Springfield Regional Development Corporation, Springfield Region Chambers of Commerce  Registration: TBD

Chittenden/Grand Isle Counties  May 23rd (time TBD) at  Partnering organizations: business organizations, regional development corporations, planning commissions, academic institutions  Registration: TBD

Forums to be Scheduled Bennington County  Date and time TBD at  Partnering organizations include: Bennington County Industrial Corporation, Bennington County Regional Commission, Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce, Manchester and the Mountains Regional Chamber of Commerce, Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone and Bennington College.  Registration: TBD

Northeast Kingdom  Date and time TBD at  Partnering organizations: Northern Community Investment Corporation, Northeastern Vermont Development Association, Chamber of Commerce, Lyndon State College  Registration: TBD

Orange County  Date and time TBD at Community College of Vermont, White River Junction  Partnering organizations: Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation, chambers of commerce, planning commissions

VTFuturesProject.org | [email protected] | P.O. Box 37 | Montpelier, VT 05601 | (802) 223-3443

 Registration: TBD

Forums Completed Windham County  March 7, 3 to 5 pm at Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation  Partnering organizations: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, Windham Regional Commission, SeVEDS, Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce, Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone

Lamoille County  March 31, 6 to 8 pm at Stearns Student Center .  Partnering organizations: Lamoille Economic Development Corporation, Lamoille Region Chamber of Commerce, Lamoille County Planning Commission and Johnson State College.

If you would like to participate in a forum or become a partnering organization, please contact us.

VTFuturesProject.org | [email protected] | P.O. Box 37 | Montpelier, VT 05601 | (802) 223-3443