Vermont Business Roundtable

Vermont Business Roundtable. The Vermont Business Roundtable is a non-profit, non-partisan organization composed of chief executives from IBM, Keurig Green Mountain, National Life Group, and other prominent Vermont businesses, including Ben & Jerry's and Orvis. As a key player in the state's economic development, the Roundtable works closely with Governor of Vermont, Vermont General Assembly, and other stakeholders, such as the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The organization's mission is to create a favorable business climate, promote economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life in Vermont, in collaboration with institutions like the University of Vermont and Champlain College.

● Introduction

The Vermont Business Roundtable was established in 1987 by a group of visionary business leaders, including Robert P. Stiller of Keurig Green Mountain and Thomas H. Handy of Handy Enterprises, with the goal of promoting economic development and improving the business climate in Vermont. The organization's founding members recognized the need for a unified voice to represent the interests of the state's business community, which includes companies like Cabot Creamery and Maple Grove Farms. Today, the Roundtable is a respected and influential organization, working closely with key stakeholders, such as the Vermont Department of Economic Development and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to advance the state's economic agenda. The Roundtable also collaborates with regional organizations, including the New England Council and the Northern Forest Center, to promote economic growth and development in the region.

● History

The Vermont Business Roundtable has a rich history of promoting economic development and improving the business climate in Vermont. In the early 1990s, the organization played a key role in shaping the state's economic development strategy, working closely with Governor Richard Snelling and the Vermont General Assembly. The Roundtable also worked with other stakeholders, including the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and the Vermont Municipal League, to promote downtown revitalization and community development initiatives. In the 2000s, the organization focused on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, partnering with institutions like the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies and the University of Vermont's School of Business Administration. The Roundtable has also worked with companies like Dealer.com and MyWebGrocer to support the growth of the state's technology sector.

● Membership and Governance

The Vermont Business Roundtable has a diverse membership of over 100 chief executives from prominent Vermont businesses, including Casella Waste Systems, GW Plastics, and SymQuest Group. The organization's members are committed to promoting economic development and improving the business climate in Vermont, and they work closely with stakeholders like the Vermont Department of Labor and the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The Roundtable is governed by a board of directors, which includes leaders from companies like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and Northfield Savings Bank. The organization's governance structure is designed to ensure that the interests of the state's business community are represented, and that the Roundtable is able to effectively promote economic development and improve the business climate in Vermont, in collaboration with institutions like the Vermont Economic Development Authority and the Vermont Housing Finance Agency.

● Policy and Advocacy

The Vermont Business Roundtable is a strong advocate for policies that promote economic development and improve the business climate in Vermont. The organization works closely with the Vermont General Assembly and the Governor of Vermont to shape policy initiatives, such as the Vermont Economic Growth Initiative and the Vermont Workforce Development Initiative. The Roundtable also partners with other stakeholders, including the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, to promote a unified business agenda. The organization's policy priorities include promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, investing in Vermont's infrastructure, and supporting the growth of key industries like tourism and agriculture, in collaboration with institutions like the Vermont Tourism Industry Council and the Vermont Farm Bureau.

● Programs and Initiatives

The Vermont Business Roundtable offers a range of programs and initiatives to support economic development and improve the business climate in Vermont. The organization's programs include the Vermont Business Roundtable's Annual Meeting, which brings together business leaders and policymakers to discuss key issues and trends, as well as the Vermont Business Roundtable's Economic Conference, which features expert speakers and panel discussions on topics like economic development and innovation. The Roundtable also offers a range of educational programs, including the Vermont Business Roundtable's Leadership Development Program, which provides training and development opportunities for emerging business leaders, in partnership with institutions like the Snelling Center for Government and the Vermont Leadership Institute.

● Economic Impact

The Vermont Business Roundtable has a significant economic impact on Vermont, promoting economic development and improving the business climate in the state. The organization's efforts have helped to create jobs, stimulate investment, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship, in collaboration with companies like IBM and Keurig Green Mountain. The Roundtable's work has also helped to improve the state's infrastructure, including its transportation systems and broadband networks, in partnership with institutions like the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Vermont Department of Public Service. According to a study by the Vermont Economic Development Authority, the Roundtable's efforts have generated significant economic returns, including the creation of thousands of jobs and the stimulation of millions of dollars in investment, in collaboration with regional organizations like the New England Council and the Northern Forest Center. The Roundtable's economic impact is felt throughout Vermont, from the Northeast Kingdom to the Burlington metropolitan area, and its work continues to play a critical role in promoting economic development and improving the business climate in the state, in partnership with institutions like the University of Vermont and Champlain College.