Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Economic Conference returns on Tuesday, January 27, with a compelling, speaker-driven agenda designed to help business and policy leaders understand the forces shaping Vermont’s economy and what comes next. Presented by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the conference brings together nationally recognized voices and trusted Vermont experts for a full day of insight, analysis, and perspective.
“This year’s conference reflects the depth of economic expertise shaping Vermont’s future,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “From national economic signals to Vermont’s labor market, housing system, and long-term competitiveness, this lineup brings clarity, context, and credibility to the challenges businesses are facing right now.”
A Speaker Lineup Built for This Moment
The 2026 agenda features a strong mix of national perspective and Vermont-specific expertise:
- Vermont State Economic Outlook: Mat Barewicz, Chief Economist, Vermont Department of Labor, will open the conference with a comprehensive, data driven assessment of Vermont’s economy, examining labor market dynamics, sector performance, demographic pressures, and what they mean for employers planning for the year ahead.
- Building Vermont’s Economic Future: From Data to Decisions: Guided by Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project, this panel brings together respected leaders from economic and political research, housing, and healthcare including Gary Winslett, Associate Professor of Political Science at Middlebury College; Maura Collins, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency; and Stephen Leffler, CEO of the University of Vermont Health Network. Together, they will offer a data informed view of Vermont’s economic trajectory, exploring the opportunity costs of staying on the current path, the levers of influence within Vermont’s control, and the bold, pragmatic choices that could position the state for growth and opportunity over the next decade.
- National Economic Outlook: Thomas Feltmate, Senior Economist at TD Economics, will provide a national and global economic perspective, unpacking trends in inflation, interest rates, consumer behavior, and economic growth, and translating what those forces mean for Vermont businesses operating in an interconnected economy.
- Keynote Fireside Conversation: Finance, Storytelling, and the Forces Shaping the Economy: Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer, will join Jack Crivici-Kramer, co host of The Best One Yet, for a fast paced, engaging conversation that pairs fiscal stewardship with sharp, story driven analysis to explore how economic narratives shape public understanding, markets, and decision making.
- From Sentiment to Strategy: Business Climate Insights and Policy Pathways: Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, will present a focused session translating employer feedback from the Vermont Business Climate Survey into clear policy pathways, reinforcing how data, engagement, and advocacy connect planning to action in advancing a more competitive and affordable Vermont economy.
Celebrating Vermont Business Leadership
In addition to its robust agenda, the Vermont Economic Conference will include the presentation of the Outstanding Business of the Year Award, recognizing Birnn Chocolates for its enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and community leadership. The award highlights the role Vermont businesses play in strengthening local economies and shaping the state’s future.
The Vermont Economic Conference is widely regarded as a must-attend event for leaders shaping Vermont’s economic future and reflects the Vermont Chamber’s commitment to advancing the Vermont economy through advocacy, community, and resources.
Presenting sponsors include Comcast, TD Bank, and Union Mutual. Additional support is provided by A.N. Deringer, Green Mountain Power, Primmer, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC, Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO), and VGS. For more information and to register for the 2026 Vermont Economic Conference, visit vtchamber.com/economicconference.
About the Vermont Chamber of Commerce
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the Vermont economy. Trusted by the businesses that make living, working, and thriving in Vermont possible, we prioritize collaboration and uphold the core values that define our state. As the preeminent not-for-profit business organization, we advocate, build community, and provide resources for businesses statewide.
Montpelier, VT (January 16, 2026) – The Vermont Economic Conference
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