When

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM EDT

Where

Mt. Snow Grand Summit Resort, 89 Grand Summit Way, West Dover, VT, 05356, United States. Map

Who

SoVermont Economic Development ZoneOrganizer Detail

About the Southern VT Economy Summit

The Annual Southern Vermont Economy Summit is the flagship event of BDCC’s Southern Vermont Economy Project, which helps build capacity, expertise, and shared resources across the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone. The Summit is the best opportunity of the year for Southern Vermonters to connect with peers, listen to experts, ask questions, and learn effective ways of dealing with the myriad economic challenges faced by the region.

By gathering community leaders from across sectors (business, nonprofit, community development, workforce development, and municipal) to learn, listen and talk about the future of Southern Vermont's regional economy, the Summit aims to build connections and help us solve our toughest problems, together.

Sessions

May 12

08:15 AM

Checkin and Breakfast

Somerset Lobby

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Checkin and Breakfast

May 12, 2026, 08:15 AM - 09:00 AM

Somerset Lobby

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Checkin, grab cofee, and let the networking begin!

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09:00 AM

Opening and Keynote Presentation

Ballroom

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Opening and Keynote Presentation

May 12, 2026, 09:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Ballroom

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Summit partners welcome attendees and introduce our keynote speaker, Sarah Waring, Executive Director of the Northern Borders Regional Commission. Waring will discuss the important role that Federal agencies play in supporting economic and community development in rural communities. She’ll also explore the importance of having a regional perspective and how we, as community leaders, can continue to envision and work towards growth for our region in an economic and funding environment marked by instability and change.

Speakers

Sarah Waring

Executive Director

Northern Border Regional Commission

Sponsors

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10:30 AM

Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, "Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities"

Creating, Accessing, and Leveraging Data for Public Projects

Ballroom

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Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, "Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities"

Creating, Accessing, and Leveraging Data for Public Projects

May 12, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Ballroom

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Powerful new tools give us access to more data than ever before. How can we harness the available information (and work with partners) to offer insights into trends and possible leverage points for positive change, tell impactful stories, and bring more funding to our communities?

Speakers

Kate Trzaskos

Executive Director

Downtown Brattleboro Alliance

Drew Rosebush

Head of Data Analytics

Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)

Emma Spett

Program Coordinator, Engagement Initiatives

Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships/UVM Office of Engagments

Sponsors

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10:30 AM

Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term, Address Critical Population Needs

The Critical Role of AI Skilling for Rural Workforce

Deerfield South

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Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term, Address Critical Population Needs

The Critical Role of AI Skilling for Rural Workforce

May 12, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Deerfield South

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Description to Come

Speakers

Matt Dunne

Founder and CEO

Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)

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10:30 AM

"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities", Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation

Community Problem Solving in Times of Change

Deerfield North

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"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities", Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation

Community Problem Solving in Times of Change

May 12, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Deerfield North

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When change happens to your community, how can you get clear on what options you have, think about what the impacts of possible actions will be, and move conversations forward productively? Join Kevin Hively for a facilitated workshop that will help you talk about the kinds of change our communities are facing, and possible strategies for response.

Speakers

Kevin Hively

Founder

Ninigret Partners

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10:30 AM

Empower Businesses to Thrive Long-term

Leadership Succession and Shared Leadership Models That Work

Raponda Central

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Empower Businesses to Thrive Long-term

Leadership Succession and Shared Leadership Models That Work

May 12, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Raponda Central

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This workshop is for anyone involved in succession planning or shared/distributed leadership at any kind of organization or business. You will leave the session with tools to use and more questions than you came with that can guide your work after the conference. We will spend time discussing the nuts and bolts of what makes a good succession plan (very similar to the elements involved in shared leadership), and time in smaller groups workshopping particular challenges you might be coming up against. Finally we will crowdsource resources to continue learning from after the conference.

Speakers

Annie Winkler

Program and Operations Generalist

Vermont Employee Ownership Center

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10:30 AM

Empower Business to Thrive Long Term, "Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities"

System Shifts for a Climate-Ready Business Future

Raponda South

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Empower Business to Thrive Long Term, "Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities"

System Shifts for a Climate-Ready Business Future

May 12, 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Raponda South

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Our built environment is transitioning to new energy technologies, creating opportunities not only in hardware, but in the systems, services, and businesses that will operate tomorrow’s climate infrastructure. This panel highlights Vermont entrepreneurs advancing innovative service models in electrification and efficiency, from integrated deployment to performance-driven maintenance and software that helps buildings support grid stability. An expert TBD will share Vermont-specific workforce insights. Together, these leaders show how the climate transition is driving new business models and strengthening Vermont’s economic resilience.

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12:00 PM

Emerging Leaders Recognition

Ballroom

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Emerging Leaders Recognition

May 12, 2026, 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM

Ballroom

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The future is already here! Join us to celebrate these Southern Vermont leaders under 40. you can read more about the 2026 Emerging leaders at https://www.sovermontzone.com/emerging-leaders

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12:30 PM

Lunch and Networking

Ballroom

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Lunch and Networking

May 12, 2026, 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM

Ballroom

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Sponsors

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01:40 PM

Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term, Address Critical Population Needs

STRIVE: Tapping into the power of the innovation ecosystem

Harriman's

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Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term, Address Critical Population Needs

STRIVE: Tapping into the power of the innovation ecosystem

May 12, 2026, 01:40 PM - 02:55 PM

Harriman's

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The Science and Technology Research Initiative for the Vermont Economy (NSF-STRIVE) is a pioneering program funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Launched in Southern Vermont, STRIVE aims to bring cohesion and inclusion across the STEM ecosystem by opening doors between educators, researchers and employers, so that communities across the state can tap into a greater innovation ecosystem that upskills workers, increases local educational capacity, and attracts outside capital. This novel partnership between academic institutions and an economic development organization demonstrates what’s possible when organizations across the academic and business ecosystem collaborate intentionally.

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01:40 PM

Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Address Critical Population Needs

Innovative Pre-development & Re-development to Achieve Revitalization at Scale

Deerfield South

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Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Address Critical Population Needs

Innovative Pre-development & Re-development to Achieve Revitalization at Scale

May 12, 2026, 01:40 PM - 02:55 PM

Deerfield South

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From defining what your community wants and where it can happen to laying the literal groundwork, paving the way for development at an impactful scale is no easy task. Learn about innovative ways to use local processes and state programs to make it easier to attract the development you want for your community, from the new CHIP program to using a housing committee to build momentum for a town-wide master plan.

Sponsors

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01:40 PM

"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities", Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation

Opening Up Economic Development Options for Your Town with Local Option Tax

Deerfield North

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"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities", Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation

Opening Up Economic Development Options for Your Town with Local Option Tax

May 12, 2026, 01:40 PM - 02:55 PM

Deerfield North

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What could your town accomplish with a flexible revenue stream? Whether used for supporting local economic development, working on site readiness for housing or other developments, or providing increased municipal services, Local Option Tax (LOT) is a powerful tool. It allows communities to capture revenue on sales (including online deliveries to your community, rooms and meals, and short term rentals) and use it for community needs. Come hear success stories and learn about best practices for successful messaging and implementation.

Speakers

George Tucker, Jr.

Select Board

Town of Ludlow, VT

Kathleen Ramsay

Municipal Operations Specialist

VLCT

Gretchen Havreluk

Economic Development Consultant

Town of Wilmington

01:40 PM

"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities", Empower Business to Thrive Long Term

Community Project Roadmap: Starting from Where You Are & Getting Where You Want to Go

Raponda Central

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"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities", Empower Business to Thrive Long Term

Community Project Roadmap: Starting from Where You Are & Getting Where You Want to Go

May 12, 2026, 01:40 PM - 02:55 PM

Raponda Central

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Looking to acheive big things in your community? Before you start researching grant funding opportunities, there are ways to ensure success and prepare for the (often long) process of completing a community project. Hear from four professionals who help community groups and municipalities plan for and execute projects and leave with some concrete practices you can put into place right away to make sure your project is ready to move forward. Feel free to come with a project in mind to explore during the session!

Speakers

Samantha Page

Regional Planner

BCRC

Alyssa Johnson

Community Visit Program Director

VCRD

Mariah Noth

REDI Program Coordinator

VHCB

Sarah Lang

Capacity Coordinator

NBRC

Sponsors

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01:40 PM

"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities"

Finding Strength in Scenarios: How Visualizing Future Uncertainty Can Unify and Empower Communities Towards Meaningful Change

Raponda South

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"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities"

Finding Strength in Scenarios: How Visualizing Future Uncertainty Can Unify and Empower Communities Towards Meaningful Change

May 12, 2026, 01:40 PM - 02:55 PM

Raponda South

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From the small rural town to the sprawling metropolis, scenario planning opens the door for communities to visualize change and engage with the future. By asking “what if?”, scenario planning provides a robust, community-centered framework to discuss the forces impacting our community and strengthen our collective vision of a positive future in an uncertain world. This workshop will begin by exploring the theoretical framework of scenario planning as a governing and decision-making strategy. After understanding its theoretical underpinnings, we will then dive deeper into scenario planning as a functional planning tool in Southern Vermont. To understand and discuss its unique application in the Green Mountain State, the Deerfield River Valley RISE project, a flood resilience plan conducted by the UMass Amherst Planning Studio in partnership with Windham Regional Commission, will be presented as a dynamic case study.

Speakers

Seth Price

Student (Masters in Regional Planning)

UMASS Amherst Planning Studio

Sponsors

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03:10 PM

"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities", Empower Business to Thrive Long Term

Helpdesk: Resource and TA Connections For Municipalities and Businesses

Ballroom

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"Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities", Empower Business to Thrive Long Term

Helpdesk: Resource and TA Connections For Municipalities and Businesses

May 12, 2026, 03:10 PM - 04:00 PM

Ballroom

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Technical assistance providers from SCORE, BDCC, Regional Planning Commissions, and VLCT will be available for short walkin consultations with business owners, entrepreneurs, or municipal leaders looking to have questions answered or hoping to find the right TA to form a relationship with for more in-depth or longer term assistance. There will also be the option to make appointments to meet with many of these service providers during the conference (during a session or break) -- we'll include calendar information ahead of the event.

Sponsors

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03:10 PM

Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term, Address Critical Population Needs

Empowering Small-Scale Developers to Build Housing

Deerfield South

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Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term, Address Critical Population Needs

Empowering Small-Scale Developers to Build Housing

May 12, 2026, 03:10 PM - 04:00 PM

Deerfield South

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Vermont is tackling its housing shortage by aligning state policy with on-the-ground development practice. This session brings together policymakers, community leaders, and small-scale developers to discuss recent housing projects, lessons from initiatives like Homes for All, how we can foster robust regional cooperation, and how municipalities, developers, and state programs are working together to get more done. Panelists will also reflect on what else is needed to support communities that want to be development-ready

Sponsors

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03:10 PM

Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term

Roundtable: Supporting Entrepreneurship through Regional Collaboration

Deerfield North

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Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term

Roundtable: Supporting Entrepreneurship through Regional Collaboration

May 12, 2026, 03:10 PM - 04:00 PM

Deerfield North

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Myriad organizations exist to support our business ecosystem, and we can amplify their impact through strategic, collaborative regional networks. Come hear case studies of how these business support networks are making a difference, and participate in a roundtable discussion of how to create or strengthen such networks through your partnerships.

03:10 PM

Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, "Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities"

Roundtable: Arts and Culture: Connecting Businesses, Public Sector, and Cultural Organizations for Vibrant Communities

Raponda Central

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Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, "Foster Resilient, Adapatable Communities"

Roundtable: Arts and Culture: Connecting Businesses, Public Sector, and Cultural Organizations for Vibrant Communities

May 12, 2026, 03:10 PM - 04:00 PM

Raponda Central

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Come hear more about and get connected to the 2025 Collaborative Cultural Plan for Southeast Vermont — a visionary project undertaken by the towns of Brattleboro, Rockingham, and Wilmington, along with the Windham Regional Commission. The plan calls for a coalition of creative businesses, municipal entities, and cultural institutions to advance the strong economic impact of this sector in our region. You're invited to come hear about the plan, the growing momentum, and find your place in the effort.

Sponsors

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03:10 PM

Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term

Ready or Not: The Climate Challenge Game

Raponda South

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Promote Regional Economic Development Cooperation, Empower Business to Thrive Long Term

Ready or Not: The Climate Challenge Game

May 12, 2026, 03:10 PM - 04:00 PM

Raponda South

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Explore disaster planning from a new angle: an interactive flood-resilient scenarios game. Consider different plausible futures and robust actions communities can take in response. Student leaders of the Deerfield River Valley RISE project will also be on hand to share their experiences working with four communities in Southern Vermont to adapt to increased flooding and build enduring capacity to take on tomorrow's challenges.

04:00 PM

Closing Reception and Networking

Ballroom

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Closing Reception and Networking

May 12, 2026, 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Ballroom

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Round out the day with more connection and conversation!

Speakers

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Annie Winkler

Program and Operations Generalist

Vermont Employee Ownership Center

Learn More

Rachel Test

Everything Everywhere

All at Once

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Seth Price

Student (Masters in Regional Planning)

UMASS Amherst Planning Studio

Learn More

Samantha Page

Regional Planner

BCRC

Learn More

Alyssa Johnson

Community Visit Program Director

VCRD

Learn More

Mariah Noth

REDI Program Coordinator

VHCB

Learn More

Sarah Lang

Capacity Coordinator

NBRC

Learn More

George Tucker, Jr.

Select Board

Town of Ludlow, VT

Learn More

Kathleen Ramsay

Municipal Operations Specialist

VLCT

Learn More

Sarah Waring

Executive Director

Northern Border Regional Commission

Learn More

Gretchen Havreluk

Economic Development Consultant

Town of Wilmington

Learn More

Kevin Hively

Founder

Ninigret Partners

Learn More

Matt Dunne

Founder and CEO

Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)

Learn More

Kate Trzaskos

Executive Director

Downtown Brattleboro Alliance

Learn More

Drew Rosebush

Head of Data Analytics

Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)

Learn More

Michael Gaughan

Executive Director

VT Bond Bank

Learn More

Emma Spett

Program Coordinator, Engagement Initiatives

Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships/UVM Office of Engagments

Sponsors

Major Sponsors

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Special Event and Emerging Leaders Awards Sponsors

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Session Sponsors

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Base and Media Sponsors

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Arrival and Parking

You can find arrival and parking information at https://www.sovermontzone.com/directions

Cancellation policy

We will deduct $10 from any cancelled registration to cover our credit card processing fees.

Finalizing your payment

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM EDT

Mt. Snow Grand Summit Resort, 89 Grand Summit Way, West Dover, VT, 05356, United States. Map

SoVermont Economic Development ZoneOrganizer Detail

About the Southern VT Economy Summit

Sessions

Checkin and Breakfast

Opening and Keynote Presentation

Creating, Accessing, and Leveraging Data for Public Projects

The Critical Role of AI Skilling for Rural Workforce

Community Problem Solving in Times of Change

Leadership Succession and Shared Leadership Models That Work

System Shifts for a Climate-Ready Business Future

Emerging Leaders Recognition

Lunch and Networking

STRIVE: Tapping into the power of the innovation ecosystem

Innovative Pre-development & Re-development to Achieve Revitalization at Scale

Opening Up Economic Development Options for Your Town with Local Option Tax

Community Project Roadmap: Starting from Where You Are & Getting Where You Want to Go

Finding Strength in Scenarios: How Visualizing Future Uncertainty Can Unify and Empower Communities Towards Meaningful Change

Helpdesk: Resource and TA Connections For Municipalities and Businesses

Empowering Small-Scale Developers to Build Housing