Governor Phil Scott has announced the appointment of Megan Sullivan as the new Executive Director of the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC).
Sullivan has excellent economic development experience, having worked at the state level and in her current role as the Vermont business liaison for Congressman Peter Welch. She previously worked at the Agency of Commerce & Community Development as both a generalist and in the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).
Sullivan, who starts the VEPC position on August 27th, stated, “It is an honor to accept this appointment from Governor Scott. I am thrilled to begin working with the Vermont Economic Progress Council to advance investment in our communities and help spur the creation of high quality jobs for Vermont.”
“We are so pleased that she is joining the team and helping to further the goals of economic development for the state of Vermont.” said Joan Goldstein, Commissioner of Economic Development.
The Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) is an independent board of Vermont citizens, nine appointed by the Governor and two appointed by the General Assembly. Additionally, there are two non-voting representatives from each region, one designated by the regional development corporation and one by the regional planning commission. The regional representatives serve in an advisory and advocacy role.
VEPC serves as an approval and authorization body for the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) program and the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District program.
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI): The State of Vermont offers an economic incentive for business recruitment, growth and expansion. The Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) program can provide a cash payment, based on the revenue return generated to the State by prospective qualifying job and payroll creation and capital investments, to businesses that have been authorized to earn the incentive and who then meet performance requirements.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District: Generally, a TIF District is established by a municipality around an area that requires public infrastructure to encourage public and private real property development or redevelopment. The property values at the time the District is created are determined and the property taxes generated by that original value continue to go to the taxing entities (municipality and state).
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 accd.vermont.gov.