
Southern Vermont Economy Summit
May 12-14th, 2021
Session Details
Wednesday, May 12
9-11
AM
The Future of Federal Rural Policy
Keynote Speaker: Tony Pipa, Brookings Institution, Senior Fellow - Global Economy and Development, Center for Sustainable Development
Sponsored by People's United Bank and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
With a new administration and growing focus on the needs of rural America, what’s possible? Hear from rural policy expert Tony Pipa about changes coming to rural programs and funding, and what this means for communities like ours.
12-1
PM
New to Vermont Lunch Series: COVID Newcomers: Here to Stay?
Host: Keith Marks, Next Stage Arts Project
Panelists: ... coming soon!
Sponsored by Green Mountain Power and VELCO
The #1 objective of our regional economic plan is to increase population - this means retaining young people, regaining “returners” who left and attracting newcomers. But what does that really mean? In this lunch series, we’ll look at demographic growth from three angles and talk with real people, your new (or returning) neighbors.
In today's session, the pandemic has brought the greatest influx of newcomers since 9/11. Lots of questions have been asked like who are they, will they stay, what is the opportunity and what is the impact? Thanks to efforts in Putney and the Deerfield Valley, we have a chance to connect with some of them directly and learn what attracted them to Vermont, and what’s next.
2-4
PM
In Conversation with Governor Scott and Lt. Governor Molly Gray: Envisioning Southern Vermont's Future
& The Future Talks Back: Young Professional Town Hall
Special Guests: Governor Phil Scott and Lt. Governor Molly Gray
Interviewer: Mike Cutler, CAT TV
Town Hall Facilitator: Representative Emilie Kornheiser
Young Professional Panelists: ...coming soon!
As the 2021 Legislative Session winds down, hear from state leaders on what’s next for Vermont and what this means for our region.
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Part One: pre-recorded interview hosted by Mike Cutler of Catamount TV. The Governor and Lt. Governor will address questions from young professionals about the future of our economy.
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Part Two is a discussion about our regional economic future, among young professionals in a town hall format, facilitated by Representative Emilie Kornheiser.
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Everyone is welcome to attend this session.
THURSDAY, May 13
9-11
AM
Reframing Growth, Vetting our Values
Let’s be honest, it’s hard to talk about economic growth in Vermont without raising concerns about development sprawl, pollution, corporate greed, and capitalism run amok. What does a healthy economy look like, in keeping with Vermont Values? How do we attract and retain young people with a promise of values, but also a promise that their own household will be economically viable here? Join us for a look “under the hood” at small businesses and job creation featuring entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Facilitator: Ted Brady, VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Panelists: ... coming soon!
12-1
pM
New to Vermont Lunch Series: New American to New Vermonter
Host: Kate Paarlberg-Kvam, Community Asylum Seekers Project
Panelists: ... coming soon!
Sponsored by Green Mountain Power and VELCO
The #1 objective of our regional economic plan is to increase population - this means retaining young people, regaining “returners” who left and attracting newcomers. But what does that really mean? In this lunch series, we’ll look at demographic growth from three angles and talk with real people, your new (or returning) neighbors.
Workforce demand is as high as ever. The national workforce, especially for jobs going unfilled in the region (medical, manufacturing, logistics, and construction) is more and more diverse. With a new administration re-starting immigration, how can Vermont’s gateway region take this new opportunity to provide a welcoming place for those New Americans to land?
2-4
pM
Featured Speaker: TBD
friday, May 14
9-11
AM
Small Scale Changes to Strengthen Our Towns
Facilitator: Danny Litchenfield, Brattleboro Museum and Art
Panelists: David West, Town of Danby, NY
Paul Stewart, Oswego Renaissance Association
Patrick Fisher, Erie Arts and Culture
Raude Rayche, Indonesian Community Connect
Four inspiring stories of initiatives that have engaged community members to overcome negative expectations to create new beauty, value, energy, and investment. Our guests will highlight planning, arts and culture, diversity, and social capital in their projects, hailing from Oswego, NY; Tompkins County, NY; Erie, PA; and Somersworth, NH.
12-1
pM
New to Vermont Lunch Series: How New People Generate New Opportunities for Our Communities
Host: Peter Case, Fishhook Communications
Panelists: ... coming soon!
Sponsored by Green Mountain Power and VELCO
The #1 objective of our regional economic plan is to increase population - this means retaining young people, regaining “returners” who left, and attracting newcomers. But what does that really mean? In this lunch series we’ll look at demographic growth from three angles and talk with real people, your new (or returning) neighbors.
In today's session, newcomers and returners are helping our communities thrive. From childcare and food systems, cultural organizations to startups, these folks are playing a vital role in every aspect of the region’s economy. Hear from local leaders whose organizations and businesses are being recharged by your new neighbors.
2-4
pM
Community as Corporation: Talent-Retention in Low Status America
Keynote Speaker: Majora Carter, Social-Enterprise Pioneer, Majora Carter Group
Sponsored by MSK Engineering, Stevens & Associates, and M&S Development
"Nobody should have to move out of their neighborhood to live in a better one.” These words, etched on the walls of the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington D.C, were spoken by Majora Carter, real estate developer, urban revitalization strategy consultant, MacArthur Fellow and Peabody Award winning broadcaster. Carter focuses on vision and strategies for talent-retention to reduce Brain Drain and transform low-status communities into thriving local economies. Majora Carter will close out the Summit on Friday.