Washington County, Vt. - On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) was on the road throughout Washington County with other state leaders for Governor Phil Scott’s “Capital for a Day.” Launched in 2018, the initiative visits each of the 14 counties to deepen connections with local constituents, municipal leaders, and community partners. These visits are an opportunity for the ACCD team to see local challenges and successes firsthand, and for Vermonters to share how state decisions made in Montpelier are impacting communities in every corner of Vermont.
The day focused on topics ranging from flood recovery to economic development initiatives with the team engaging in both public and private meetings to discuss the pressing issues facing Washington County’s residents and businesses. Below are just some of the many stops the ACCD Team made.
Waterbury: Liquor Licensee Discussion
At the Hen of the Wood restaurant, Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Heather Pelham was joined by Governor Scott and Liquor and Lottery Commissioner Wendy Knight to discuss liquor licensing with stakeholders. The conversation highlighted the importance of supporting the hospitality industry with participants sharing their experiences and ideas for improving the regulatory environment to foster business growth.
Plainfield: Co-Op and Hardware Store Visit
It was an exciting day for the Plainfield Co-Op, which finalized its purchase of the local hardware store. This is a move that will merge the two customer bases and expand the Co-Op’s offerings into a full-service grocery store. Co-Op board members and residents met with ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle, Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein, and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts for a celebratory tour of the space. As one of Vermont’s oldest Co-Op’s, established in 1972, this strategic acquisition further cements its role as an integral rural community resource.
Plainfield: Municipal Flood Response Discussion
Several local and state leaders gathered at the Plainfield Municipal Offices to discuss flood response and recovery in the wake of last month’s storms that severely impacted the town. Chief Recovery Officer Douglas Farnham led the discussion alongside Governor Scott and his cabinet, including Secretary Kurrle, Commissioner Goldstein, and Housing and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Nate Formalarie. The immediate needs of the town were covered in the meeting, with a focus on hazard mitigation and public safety, as well as a recognition that innovative solutions for rebuilding will be required to ensure the community’s long-term viability. State officials reaffirmed their commitment to aiding in the recovery, with the acknowledgment that it will be a marathon, not a sprint.
Montpelier: Downtown Business Tour
The Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation led Secretary Kurrle and Commissioner Goldstein on a tour of several downtown businesses that have gone to great lengths to rebuild in the aftermath of the 2023 flood. Storefronts that were under several feet of water last July are once again greeting customers. Business owners Thida and Neeraj of Namaste Indian-Nepali Kitchen, Shannon Bates of Enna, and Tess Onorato of Signature Styles received Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) funding from the Department of Economic Development to aid their recovery and have all remained committed to serving the local community, despite immense challenges. They each described how they reimagined their businesses in the wake of the disaster, and their determination to come back even better than before.
Barre: Affordable Housing at Downstreet
Deputy Commissioner Formalarie, Financial Regulation Commissioner Kevin Gaffney, and other members of his department met with Downstreet CEO Angie Harbin. They discussed insurance challenges when it comes to building and managing affordable housing units. They also recognized the value and success of the Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) which has helped renovate and build 445 affordable apartments in Vermont with several hundred more units in the pipeline.
Waterbury: Outdoor Recreation Discussion
Commissioner Pelham joined Forests, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner Danielle Fitzko to meet with local partners and officials about the future of outdoor recreation in the region. The conversation underscored the importance of maintaining and enhancing outdoor spaces for both residents and visitors, ensuring that Vermont remains a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Washington County’s "Capital for a Day" visit underscored the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that define Vermonters. From the historic Plainfield Co-Op to the adaptive small businesses in Montpelier, it’s clear that while these communities are recovering from recent challenges they are doing so with optimism and determination. The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development remains committed to supporting these efforts, ensuring that all Vermonters have the resources they need to build a vibrant future.