Nationally, states compete against each other to lure large employers with elaborate incentive packages. As important as these public investments are for those states, the Roundtable recognizes that Vermont cannot compete with them in supplying an array of expensive economic incentives for targeted business recruitment. However, we can certainly become a business relocation destination for all types of business and industry by building on an existing asset, and creating one of the best preK through higher education systems in the country. Businesses’ first need is a well-prepared and adaptable workforce so, by investing aggressively in our human capital beginning with our youngest children, Vermont can create a positive environment to attract new business and their workers at the same time that we bolster our existing businesses and ultimately create the workforce we need. Continue reading “Ventriss Op-Ed: Investing in Vermont’s Children: The Business Case”
Tag: Op-Ed
Op-Ed: Accuracy is Critical to Energy Debate
Op – Ed by Lisa Ventriss, President of Vermont Business Roundtable
As the debate over Vermont’s energy future moves ahead, it is imperative that the public debate – and the resulting decisions – be based on a full analysis of the most current information available. The recent paper issued by Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) sets out an ambitious vision, but fails that most basic of tests and threatens to create unrealistic expectations and promises. VPIRG would like Vermonters to believe that Vermont Yankee power can be replaced with renewable energy at a lower price, but while this may sound appealing, it is simply not true. Continue reading “Op-Ed: Accuracy is Critical to Energy Debate”
Op-Ed: Put on Your Rally Caps!
Op – Ed by Lisa Ventriss, President of Vermont Business Roundtable
Economic development comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes it’s disguised as a preschooler wearing a baseball cap, an outsized glove, and singing ‘Take me out to the ballgame!” That’s right; Vermont’s Lake Monsters, the farm team for the Nationals, is an economic engine. The team is also a community builder, a family therapist, a source of good clean fun, and a ladder to the big leagues for the likes of Red Sox standout Jason Bay and others who have had the privilege of playing on our various teams over the years. Vermonters and our visitors love our minor league baseball; its traditions, players, and memory-making games. Continue reading “Op-Ed: Put on Your Rally Caps!”
My Turn: Vermont’s Competitive Advantage
Op – Ed by Bill Stritzler, Smugglers’ Notch President and Vermont Business Roundtable Chair
Many of today’s visitors to Smugglers’ Notch Resort are too young to remember when Gov. Phil Hoff’s administration launched their enormously successful “beckoning country” campaign in the 1960s. Their actions threw open the state’s doors to down-country people yearning for fresh air, open space and a slower pace of life. They came in droves back then, and they still do today. This influx of visitors generates an economic bonanza, bringing in over $1.5 billion per year to this state and supporting over 33,000 jobs. Continue reading “My Turn: Vermont’s Competitive Advantage”
Op-Ed: If School Funding is Far From ‘Broken,’ Then What Isn’t?
Op – Ed by David Coates, KPMG (Retired Managing Partner) and Member, Vermont Business Roundtable
Paul Cillo may be correct in his recent article (School Funding Far from “Broken”) whenhe describes the Education Fund as “it ain’t broke.” But, I would suggest that the General andTransportation Funds are just about on life support due in large part to our high level ofmandatory educational-related expenditures. Continue reading “Op-Ed: If School Funding is Far From ‘Broken,’ Then What Isn’t?”
Op-Ed: Dangerous Trends Require Action
Op – Ed by David Coates, KPMG (Retired Managing Partner) and Member, Vermont Business Roundtable
Rising mandatory expenditures in the state of Vermont mean that there are less discretionary dollars to support important programs to serve needy Vermonters. And in these difficult economic times, that is unfortunate news indeed. Yet, these “promises” made to certain constituencies must be kept. At issue, however, between debt service, retirement plans for state employees and teachers, and other post-employment benefits, is that those promises have become unsustainable. It is time to recognize the nature and severity of the problem and begin talking about how to change from the path we’re on.
Op-Ed: Opportunity to Restructure State Government Never Better
Op – Ed by Doug Wacek
In late 2003, Governor Douglas appointed seven private citizens to undertake an independent review of Vermont’s largest employer – state government. As a result, the Vermont Institute on Government Effectiveness was created as a non-profit organization with private funding. Its mission was to recommend ways to improve state government’s overall effectiveness, understanding that this complex organization represented (in 2005) 9,800 employees with 62 business units and annual expenditures in excess of $3.6 billion. Continue reading “Op-Ed: Opportunity to Restructure State Government Never Better”