by Kelsey Price | Oct 24, 2019 | Economic Development, News, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality
Flanked by store owners, hunting and angling groups, and supporters of outdoor recreation, Governor Phil Scott recognized the important contribution hunting, fishing, and related activities have in strengthening and diversifying Vermont’s economy.
“Vermont has a rich history of hunting and angling, extending back before we were even a state. It’s a major part of our way of life,” said Governor Scott. “For me it was a family tradition, and I encourage more Vermonters who have an interest to get out there and try it. Take your son, daughter, niece, nephew, cousin, or mentee, and learn what the tradition is all about.”
A new report by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis finds that Vermont is fourth among states when measured by contribution of outdoor recreation to Gross Domestic Product.
“Recreation in Vermont’s forests, fields, and waterways plays a significant role in our economy,” Governor Scott added. “This new analysis shows, once again, how important hunting, fishing, shooting, and related activities are to our state.”
In Vermont, hunting, shooting, and trapping is the second largest sector of outdoor recreation, after snow sports. Fishing, boating, and related activities were measured separately, and were fifth among outdoor recreational activities. Overall, more than 17,000 Vermonters work in outdoor recreation according to the report.
“Wildlife-based recreation is a huge part of Vermont’s economy, and what makes our state special,” said Louis Porter, commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. “Each year, nearly 80,000 people are licensed to hunt in Vermont, and more than 132,000 are licensed to fish.”
One important aspect of the contribution of hunting and fishing in Vermont is that much of the economic activity occurs in small and medium sized businesses, which are often located in more rural parts of Vermont.
“From game check-in stations located in stores to sporting good stores to meat cutters, many Vermonters own, manage, or work in small businesses like ours, which depend on hunters, anglers, and trappers,” said Theresa Elmer, co-owner of Mountain Deer Taxidermy in Northfield. “These businesses are important parts of their rural communities which don’t have all the economic opportunities that exist in Vermont’s more urban areas.”
Another important part of the economic contribution of hunting and fishing is the local, sustainable, and healthy food provided through these activities. Hunting of the state’s big game species alone provided more than 4 million servings of food in Vermont in 2018, according to a Vermont Fish and Wildlife analysis.
by Kelsey Price | Oct 21, 2019 | Food & Beverage, Incentives/Financing/Programs, News, VTP, Workforce Training
Groennfell Meadery, a Vermont craft beverage company, recently received a grant totaling $3,237.50 from the Vermont Training Program (VTP).
Groennfell, which means “Green Mountain” in old Norse, is Vermont’s premier craft meadery. Its mead is made from 100% True Source honey. Based in Colchester since opening in 2013, the meadery recently moved to St. Albans to focus more of its attention on production.
The company is also transitioning three part-time employees to full-time status. One will take on the role of regional sales manager, another will take on the role of senior brewer, and the other will take on the role of assistant brewer. VTP funding will be used to train these individuals for their respective roles. Brewers will be trained on brewing fundamentals as well as production training, while its sales manager will be receiving training in direct sales, market strategy, and employee management. Groennfell prides itself on caring for its employees and believes its employees will feel more job satisfaction with this training.
“Thanks to the Vermont Training Program, we were able to create more than just jobs; we created good jobs,” said Ricky Klein, Head Meadmaker of Groennfell Meadery. “We would never have had the resources to train so many people for new roles in the company without the support of VTP.”
“This is a clear example of how the Vermont Training Program can help companies both large and small to prepare their workforce as their business evolves and grows,” said Joan Goldstein, Department of Economic Development Commissioner. “Kudos to Groennfell Meadery for pursuing this opportunity and advancing operations in St. Albans.”
by Kelsey Price | Oct 18, 2019 | Agriculture, Food & Beverage, News, VTP, Workforce Training
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 the company 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.
by Kelsey Price | Oct 16, 2019 | Manufacturing, News, VTP, Workforce Training
Revision Ballistics, LTD., a manufacturer of protective helmets, armor, and other equipment for military, law enforcement, and special operations, has been awarded a workforce development grant totaling $160,967 from the Vermont Training Program (VTP).
The funding will support cross-training existing employees in manufacturing steps to increase capacity and productivity at the company’s Newport facility. Revision Ballistics is seeking to evolve production to Lean Manufacturing practices, which reduces waste while still ensuring top-quality products. The training will be led by in-house employee experts, with the support of Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) facilitators and trainers, who will work closely with Revision leadership to execute Kaizen cycles of improvement. The training is expected to last eight months.
“Customers continue to look to us for world class performance, innovative technology, and increased flexibility to customize and integrate our products and systems. As such, operations need to be efficient and flexible – and our manufacturing practices and workforce need to adapt to meet these evolving needs,” said Scott McClure, Plant Operations Director. “VTP has been instrumental in helping us create a plan to develop our workforce capabilities. This training will have a transformational effect in providing our customers world-class protection, growing the vitality of our operations here in Vermont, and expanding career opportunities for Vermonters.”
To date, Revision Ballistics has sold more than 1.1 million helmets to the U.S. military, an additional 300,000 helmets internationally and more than eight million units of spectacles, goggles, and Rx carrier adapters worldwide. The company has recently began manufacturing power management and integrated systems as well.
The Newport facility is the primary site for helmet and armor manufacturing. Between 2013 and 2016, the facility expanded by 16,000 square feet and the number of employees more than doubled. In 2017, the Newport facility had 186 employees and is looking grow to more than 200 people in the near future.
“Revision is a great example of a company continuing to grow, shipping their products around the globe while bolstering economic development here at home. This company’s success and expansion at the Newport facility brings benefits to the Northeast Kingdom region that ripple across the entire state,” said Commissioner Joan Goldstein of the Department of Economic Development.
by Kelsey Price | Sep 13, 2019 | Manufacturing, News, VTP, Workforce Training
Champlain Cable Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of high-performance wire and cable for use in extreme environments, has been granted $90,400 from the Vermont Training Program (VTP) to enhance employee skill sets and support business growth. The training will aide Champlain Cable’s efforts in product innovation, design, and management.
The grant will support operator training on the manufacturing floor as well as on the latest 3D modeling software and business analytics tools, ensuring Champlain Cable will continue to bring new products to market. Employees will also receive on-site technical training, which delivers real-time and hands-on experience in creating products to serve important business sectors.
“We believe investing in our people is a strategic part of our business. We have made a company-wide commitment to development and training. We are excited to have this grant assist us in our efforts,” said Bill Reichert, Champlain Cable President and CEO.
“Our employees are the key to our success and our ability to remain a leader in this highly-competitive industry. The funds from the Vermont Training Program are a great asset as we work to enhance the careers of all our employees,” said Jordan Mayer, Training & Development Specialist at Champlain Cable. “As we look to our future, investing in our current workforce is a win-win for all involved.”
Champlain Cable has a 60-year history of manufacturing and designing high-performance wires and cables for commercial, industrial, and military applications. The company’s products exceed standards of quality, durability, and safety in order to withstand harsh and challenging condition across applications.
“We are thrilled to co-invest with another Vermont company as they upskill their workforce,” said Department of Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein. “Champlain Cable is commended for efforts to strengthen their culture and encourage increased employee engagement through staff development efforts.”
