Montpelier, Vt. — Vermont Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) announced the Stay-to-Stay initiative, a new economic development tourism program designed to help visitors relocate to Vermont.
“We have about 16,000 fewer workers than we did in 2009. That’s why expanding our workforce is one of the top priorities of my administration,” said Scott. “We must think outside the box to help more Vermonters enter the labor force and attract more working families and young professionals to Vermont. That’s exactly what the Department of Tourism and Marketing did with this program for out-of-state visitors who may be interested in living full-time in Vermont, and I’m excited to see it move forward.”
A Stay-to-Stay Weekend will begin with a Friday evening reception hosted by a local chamber or young professional’s network, followed by the opportunity to explore the region and its many attractions throughout the weekend. On Monday, guests will meet with employers who are hiring, take a tour with a realtor, or visit an incubator/co-working space to meet with entrepreneurs and professionals in pre-arranged excursions to learn about living and working here.
“Thirteen million people come to Vermont each year, and many of them express a desire to stay permanently as residents,” said Wendy Knight, commissioner of VDTM. “The Stay-to-Stay program helps make that day-dream of living in Vermont a reality. We’re excited to launch this innovative initiative with our local chamber and young professional networks and appreciate their work in recruiting businesses and workers, strengthening our economy, creating vibrant communities and welcoming visitors and future residents, alike.”
The initiative will be piloted in Rutland, Brattleboro and the Bennington-Manchester communities on four specific weekends throughout the year: April 6-9, June 1-4, August 10-13 and October 19-22. The three-day lodging and networking package will connect visitors interested in becoming Vermont residents with local employers, entrepreneurs, community leaders and potential neighbors during their weekend stay.
The Stay-to Stay program will be administered by VTDM with support from regional partners, including Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce, Rutland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rutland Young Professional Network, Bennington County Industrial Corporation and The Shires of Vermont, representing the Bennington and Manchester regions.
For more information about the Stay-to-Stay initiative, visit www.VermontVacation.com/staytostay.