AGP Executive Report

Tech & Jobs: Burlington’s Tech Jam brought dozens of Vermont tech and manufacturing employers together with job seekers, with organizers emphasizing personal connections as AI reshapes hiring. At the same time, Colchester software firm Vermont Information Processing is laying off 66 workers amid an AI push, and the state jobless rate has climbed to 2.8%, a two-year high. Manufacturing Hiring: Mack Molding will hold an Oct. 29 job fair in Arlington, hiring for molding, machining, sheet metal and assembly roles, with on-site offers and a $1,500 sign-on bonus for eligible hires. Workforce Pipeline: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation convened manufacturers, educators and state officials to discuss strengthening career pathways in southern Vermont. Outdoor Economy: Outdoor recreation contributed $2.2 billion to Vermont’s economy in 2024—nearly 5% of state GDP—and supports jobs and businesses across rural communities. Heating Costs: Vermont approved $15.3 million in assistance for low-income households as winter fuel costs rise.

Manufacturing: Windham Region manufacturers, educators and state officials met to discuss career pathways and keeping good jobs in the area. The roundtable included tours of Fulflex, Against The Grain Gourmet and Prince Industries. Housing & Brewing: Lawson’s Finest Liquids named Downstreet Housing its Vermont partner for Cosmic Shift IPA; sales proceeds, matched by distributor Baker Distributing, will support affordable homes. Hospitality: Vermont’s lodging association will hold its annual conference Nov. 17 at The Essex Resort & Spa, bringing together businesses and state tourism leaders. Outdoor Economy: Vermont’s outdoor recreation sector generated $2.2 billion in 2024, nearly 5% of state GDP, supporting businesses from gear makers to inns and outfitters. Hiring: Mack Molding will host an Oct. 29 job fair in Arlington, with on-site interviews for manufacturing roles and a $1,500 sign-on bonus for eligible hires. Heating Assistance: Vermont approved $15.3 million in added aid as heating oil and kerosene prices surge, including expanded crisis support for households at risk of running out of fuel.

Heating & Energy: Vermont approved $15.3 million in added heating aid as oil and kerosene costs surge, including funding to double crisis-fuel assistance. In Hinesburg, Vermont Gas Services is helping finance geothermal ground loops for a 44-unit affordable housing project, testing a new utility role as buildings switch to electric heat. Manufacturing Jobs: Mack Molding will host a walk-in hiring fair Oct. 29 in Arlington for molding, machining, sheet metal and assembly jobs; eligible hourly hires can earn a $1,500 sign-on bonus. Southern Vermont manufacturers, educators and state officials also met to strengthen career pathways and help local companies grow their workforce. Tourism & Outdoor Economy: Southern Vermont hospitality owners are bringing six inns, restaurants and venues together as The Shires Collection, launching Nov. 12. Outdoor recreation contributed $2.2 billion to Vermont’s economy in 2024, nearly 5% of state GDP, supporting businesses from outfitters to lodging operators.

Heating Assistance: Vermont approved $15.3 million in extra winter fuel aid for 15,000 low-income households, as heating oil costs have jumped 76% over the past year. The package also doubles eligibility for emergency tank fills. Manufacturing Jobs: Arlington-based Mack Molding is hiring for manufacturing roles and will hold an Oct. 29 job fair with on-site interviews and a $1,500 sign-on bonus. A Windham Region roundtable also brought manufacturers, educators and state officials together to strengthen career pathways. Aviation & Rail: BETA Technologies secured FAA authorization for electric VTOL flights with prospective customers. Vermont also received more than $60 million to advance its Western Corridor rail line. Rural Economy: Outdoor recreation contributed $2.2 billion to Vermont’s economy in 2024, while a new climate assessment warns that warming, floods and drought are putting pressure on farmers and local businesses.

Hospitality: Southern Vermont operators Lauren and Steven Bryant will bring their inns, restaurants and event venues under The Shires Collection, launching Nov. 12. The Vermont Lodging Association’s annual conference is set for Nov. 17 in Essex. Manufacturing Jobs: Arlington-based Mack Molding will hold an Oct. 29 job fair, with on-site interviews and offers for manufacturing roles and a $1,500 sign-on bonus for eligible hires. Electric Aviation: Burlington’s Beta Technologies won FAA approval for market-survey flights with its electric vertical-takeoff aircraft, a step toward commercial use; its first authorized flight linked Plattsburgh and Burlington. Auto Repair: Vermont regulators say virtual estimates are contributing to repair supplements on about 95% of jobs, with shops reporting delays averaging more than seven days. The state plans further recommendations in 2027. Energy: Vermont officials say the former Vermont Yankee site could suit a small modular reactor, though one would likely be at least seven or eight years away. Infrastructure: FEMA approved more than $5.8 million for flood-related repairs and recovery across Vermont, including road, bridge and utility work.

Electric Aviation: BETA Technologies won the first FAA market-survey authorization for an electric VTOL aircraft, allowing prospective customers to join demonstration flights. Its first authorized flight linked Plattsburgh and Burlington. Manufacturing Jobs: Mack Molding will hold an Oct. 29 job fair in Arlington, hiring for molding, machining, sheet-metal and assembly roles; eligible new hourly hires can earn a $1,500 sign-on bonus. Energy Infrastructure: Swanton’s new electric-department building remains on track for a summer opening. Clean-Tech Investment: Fusion startup Helion is pursuing up to $175 million in federal CHIPS funding, including research with GlobalFoundries, which operates in Vermont. Rail: Vermont received more than $60 million toward completing the Western Corridor rail line.

Manufacturing Jobs: Mack Molding will hold an Oct. 29 hiring fair in Arlington, offering on-site interviews for production roles and a $1,500 sign-on bonus for eligible hires. The company cites strong demand and investment in its Vermont plants. Retirement Savings: Vermont Saves has topped $10 million, with nearly 8,500 workers enrolled and close to 3,000 employers participating. Electric Aviation: South Burlington-based BETA Technologies has become the first company authorized by the FAA to carry prospective customers in an electric vertical-takeoff aircraft; its first authorized flight ran from Plattsburgh to Burlington. Tech Layoffs: Colchester software firm Vermont Information Processing cut 66 jobs as it pushes further into AI. Agriculture: A $150,000 research effort led by UVM will test pest-management options for farmers ahead of Vermont’s 2029 restrictions on most neonicotinoid uses.

Manufacturing: Mack Molding is hiring in Arlington and will hold an Oct. 29 job fair, with on-site interviews and offers and a $1,500 sign-on bonus for eligible hourly hires. Tech Jobs: Colchester-based Vermont Information Processing is laying off 66 employees as it shifts toward AI, a blow to a major local employer. Economic Outlook: Vermont lost jobs over the year ending in September, though the decline was under 1%; construction employment was flat while 34 states added construction jobs. Growth and Infrastructure: Beta Technologies plans to more than double its South Burlington footprint and add about 1,000 local workers by mid-2027. Vermont also secured more than $60 million for its Western Rail Corridor. Energy Costs: With heating oil prices surging, Gov. Phil Scott and lawmakers are negotiating emergency aid for low-income households; electricity rate increases are also adding pressure. Dairy: Rep. Peter Welch and colleagues are urging the Agriculture Department to remove a new 25% matching requirement for dairy business grants, including funding for Vermont’s Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center.

Manufacturing Jobs: Mack Molding will interview candidates on site at its Oct. 29 Arlington job fair, hiring for molding, machining, sheet metal and assembly; eligible hourly hires can receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus. Factory Expansion: Beta Technologies’ proposed South Burlington master plan would allow up to 1.5 million square feet of facilities and accommodate 5,600 employees and visitors, pending review. AI and Employment: Colchester beverage-software firm Vermont Information Processing has laid off an undisclosed number of workers, citing reduced manual workloads; its Vermont site will remain open. Freight Links: Vermont secured $60.3 million for Western Corridor rail upgrades, including track work and safety improvements at 22 crossings, though construction timing is still unsettled. Food and Farming: Vermont Farmers Food Center unveiled a multiyear campaign to expand services for farmers and food businesses, while Rep. Peter Welch joined a push to remove a new 25% matching requirement from federal dairy-business grants. Hospitality: Southern Vermont inn and restaurant operators Lauren and Steven Bryant will launch The Shires Collection on Nov. 12, uniting several regional properties under one brand. Workforce Pipeline: VMEC and Generator Makerspace brought educators, employers and agencies together to develop connections between STEAM programs and manufacturing careers.

Manufacturing: Japan’s Omron agreed to buy South Burlington-based OnLogic, a maker of industrial computers, for $675 million. The deal is expected to close by year-end. Rail Investment: Vermont secured $60.3 million in federal funding to upgrade about 60 miles of the Western Corridor, improving freight service and paving the way for passenger trains between Albany, Bennington and Burlington. Food Production: Vermont Tortilla has resumed production at its new Essex facility after a lengthy search and permitting process, and is working to rebuild sales. Hospitality: Southern Vermont inn and restaurant owners Lauren and Steven Bryant are bringing their businesses together as The Shires Collection, launching Nov. 12. Workforce: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in September, while a new survey found 64% of the state’s child care businesses optimistic about their future.**

Manufacturing: Japan’s Omron agreed to buy South Burlington industrial-computer maker OnLogic for $675 million, aiming to expand its factory automation business; the deal is expected to close by year-end. Workforce: Vermont Tech Jam returns to Burlington on Oct. 24, connecting job seekers with employers including BETA Technologies, GlobalFoundries and Simmonds Precision. A new survey also found 64% of Vermont child-care businesses optimistic about their future, with 43% adding or reopening classrooms or sites in 2025. Tourism: Killington plans $280 million in investment over the next decade, while Southern Vermont hospitality operators are uniting six inns, restaurants and gathering places under The Shires Collection, launching Nov. 12. Agriculture: Farmers facing rising costs and land-sale pressure are struggling to keep farmland in production, underscoring challenges for the state’s agricultural economy. Transportation: A $130 million federal grant for western Massachusetts rail upgrades is expected to improve service for Amtrak’s Vermonter, including fewer delays and more scheduling flexibility.

Manufacturing: Omron’s $675 million purchase of South Burlington-based OnLogic is aimed at expanding factory automation; the company says it will keep its brand, leadership and Vermont headquarters. Tourism: Killington Resort plans $280 million in investment over the next decade, including lift and facility upgrades, though its proposed ski village is moving slower than hoped. Agriculture and Forestry: Vermont’s disaster assistance program opens Oct. 26 for farmers and timber owners with weather-related losses from 2023 and 2024, offering up to $75,000. Workforce: A new report finds Vermont child care businesses are stabilizing: 43% expanded or reopened classrooms in 2025, the highest share among five states surveyed, while 64% are optimistic about the future. Forest Products: A regional study puts logging and forest trucking’s 2024 economic contribution at $1.3 billion, but warns that rising costs, worker shortages and shrinking markets threaten the industry. Rail: A $130 million federal grant will support Springfield rail upgrades and the planned west-east passenger service to Boston by 2030.

Farm & Forest Recovery: Vermont’s disaster-assistance program will offer agricultural producers and timber owners up to $75,000 for weather-related losses from 2023 and 2024, including infrastructure damage and lost income. A producer webinar is set for Oct. 20; applications are open through December, with payments expected in early 2027. Road Work: This week’s state construction schedule includes paving on I-89 near Bethel-Brookfield and Montpelier-Waterbury, with lane closures, reduced speed limits and delays. Local Taxes: Hinesburg and Bennington voters will decide in November whether to adopt local option taxes. Supporters say the revenue can help fund infrastructure and ease property-tax pressure; opponents worry about added costs for residents and businesses. Vermont Manufacturing: Putney’s Green Mountain Spinnery processes about 10,000 pounds of wool a year on century-old equipment and has switched from petroleum-based lubricants to a cleaner alternative.

Manufacturing: Putney’s Green Mountain Spinnery is keeping century-old machinery in service while using plant-based lubricants to reduce its environmental footprint. South Burlington industrial-computer maker OnLogic is set to be acquired by Japan’s Omron for $675 million. Vermont Businesses: Homewares company DandyLion is expanding into handcrafted furniture made in its Vermont studio. A new $508,000 funding pool is available to farm, forest and food businesses. Infrastructure and Local Revenue: Woodstock’s Mill Road bridge will remain closed to vehicles for at least another month as the town seeks quotes for a temporary repair. Hinesburg and Bennington voters will consider local-option taxes this November, a revenue source some towns use to fund infrastructure and services. Tourism: Basin Harbor Resort was named among New England’s top resorts by Condé Nast Traveler readers as it wrapped up its 140th season.

Business Growth: Vermont homewares maker DandyLion is expanding into handcrafted furniture made at its state studio. Mad River Donuts plans to open a Montpelier shop by year-end, and OMRON’s $675 million purchase of South Burlington-based OnLogic puts the industrial-computing company under Japanese ownership. Basin Harbor Resort closed its 140th season with a No. 14 ranking among New England resorts. Agriculture & Land: Vermont is moving Current Use agricultural certifications online, while a new $508,000 pool will support farm, forest and food businesses. The state’s dairy sector continues to consolidate: Vermont had 401 dairy operations in September, down from 636 in 2020. Workforce & Manufacturing: Vermont leaders are tackling manufacturing workforce challenges, as employers say the housing shortage is making hiring harder. Meanwhile, GlobalFoundries plans two chip factories in New York, with up to 27,000 construction and supply-chain jobs projected. Infrastructure: A breakdown at Rutland’s wastewater plant has halted sludge service for nearby towns; Brandon says its temporary alternative costs four times as much. Woodstock’s Mill Road bridge will remain closed at least another month.

Vermont Business: DandyLion is expanding from homewares into handcrafted furniture made at its Vermont studio, while Mad River Donuts plans to move its Waitsfield business to Montpelier by year-end. Manufacturing: Japan’s Omron agreed to acquire South Burlington-based OnLogic for $675 million, a major change for the Vermont industrial computer maker. Farms and Forests: Vermont has $508,000 in grants available for farm, forest and food businesses. A new documentary on dairy farming highlights the sector’s strain: the state had 401 dairy cow operations in 2026, down from 636 in 2020. Infrastructure and Costs: Rutland’s wastewater plant has halted sludge service for neighboring towns after equipment failed; Brandon says its temporary alternative costs four times as much. Woodstock’s Mill Road bridge will remain closed at least another month as the town seeks repair bids. Workforce: Vermont employers and colleges are being urged to connect students with local jobs, as housing costs make hiring harder.