Creating Jobs & Stimulating Vermont’s Economy

We can’t depend only on Washington and the federal stimulus package to see our way through this recession. Vermont is going to see its way through this storm. We will do that by working together creating jobs in the short-term, and building our infrastructure for long-term growth.

In the short term Vermont needs to create jobs. We have heard great ideas to create jobs and stimulate economic development. We are looking at innovative training programs, statewide broadband and affordable housing. Businesses know that childcare is critical to working families. Great jobs can be created in weatherization, energy efficiency, green jobs, EC-Fiber, forestry and biomass, and tourism. Among all those ideas, here is a quick look at just three of the bills.

Vermonters spend over $2 billion annually importing out-of-state food. If we can find ways to buy more foods locally, we will create thousands of jobs and generate millions of commerce in our communities. H.231, the Farm-to-Plate bill, will do just that by identifying where the challenges are in the links between farmers and consumers. We hear about gaps in storage capacity, slaughter facilities, marketing support and distribution networks. Once those weak links are indentified grants and technical assistance will build the missing infrastructure.

Co-ops are innovative business models that are great for employee ownership, cooperation, sustaining jobs, and encourage a pro-social business mission. But it’s often hard for a Co-op to raise money since it relies on members. In February the House passed a solution with H.109. It calls for a new form of business called Limited Co-ops that will allow Co-ops to attract outside investors as a way to raise equity, but still retain control for the non-investors.

Vermont can generate new business income by allowing the creation of what we are calling e-Corporations. Vermont made national headlines last year when a House-initiated program was created to allow for incorporation of businesses that exist without having physical locations. Our next step is to create clear regulations that enable companies to build software platforms that will enable future e-companies to take advantage of this new opportunity.

If you have ideas for jobs creation in Richmond please contact me!  I am working on a project with Tom Hard and The VYCC to get the East Barn renovated to become a satillite technical center which focus’s on natural resources, agriculture and food.