Champlain Orchards Upgrades Inventory Management System
SHOREHAM, Vt. – Champlain Orchards, a family-owned and ecologically managed farm, recently received more than $15,000 from the Vermont Training Program (VTP).
Champlain Orchards recently upgraded its inventory management system and VTP monies will be used to train staff in construction, customization, and use of the new system. Champlain Orchards is among the first in its sector to introduce this technology. It will allow Champlain Orchards to track all of its products from tree to shelf, which streamlines business operations, inventory planning, forecasting, and customer service.
“Proper training of our staff is essential if we are to fully understand and utilize this integrated inventory management system; VTP funds make it possible for us to train people thoroughly,” said Champlain Orchards owner Bill Suhr. “We are proud to be able to further invest in our employees and are very grateful for the assistance provided by VTP.”
As one of the oldest continuously operated orchards in the state, Champlain Orchards grows over 100 varieties of apples on its 220 acres of fruit trees. Today, the farm employs about 35 Vermont residents and is responsible for producing 125,000 bushels, or almost 5 million pounds of apples per season. Champlain Orchards products can be found across New England in supermarkets, schools, online retailers, food co-ops, colleges, and restaurants.
“We are happy to provide training funding to Champlain Orchards, so they can invest in their employees as technologies change and evolve,” said Joan Goldstein, Department of Economic Development Commissioner. “By upgrading its inventory management system, it improves efficiency of harvests and overall orchard management.”
For more on Champlain Orchards, check out a recent video of Bill Suhr talking about the Vermont apple harvest.
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About the Vermont Training Program (VTP)
The Vermont Training Program is administered by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Economic Development. It is a workforce development program to enhance the skills of the Vermont workforce and increase productivity of Vermont employers; grants may cover up to 50 percent of the training cost which can either be on-site or through a training provider/vendor. For more information on VTP, visit http://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/funding-incentives/vtp.
About the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s (ACCD) mission is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD accomplishes this mission by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy through three divisions: The Department of Economic Development, the Department of Tourism and Marketing, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. For more information on ACCD please visit: https://accd.vermont.gov/