Addison County Chamber and ACEDC Receive Grant to GROW Region

For Immediate Release 
January 22, 2024

MIDDLEBURY, VT – The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has awarded grant funds to 12 partner organizations through the Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) Program. The grants support regional organizations conducting new resident relocation, recruitment, and retention activities in Vermont. In Addison County, grant funds will be utilized by a partnership between the Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) and the Addison County Chamber of Commerce (ACCoC), with ACCoC taking the lead, providing primary staff, and undertaking most activities, and ACEDC acting as grant administrator, fiscal agent, and involving employers in the project. 

There are two GROW grant tracks: the Regional Relocation Network Track and the Outreach Track. The ACCoC/ACEDC partnership grant involves both tracks. The Regional Relocation Network Track funds will complement and support the state’s relocation lead generation and distribution system on ThinkVermont.com. The Addison County partnership will connect with out-of-state residents interested in moving to Addison County. Outreach Track funds will be utilized to organize events and activities that promote Addison County to prospective residents and/or help new residents feel welcome in their new community. 

The Regional Relocation Network Track in Addison County will build on the successful partnerships, collateral, DEI impacts, and momentum established through the “48 Hours in Addison County” campaign undertaken in 2021-2022 with a Tourism & Economic Recovery grant. Activities will include: 

• A concierge service to connect and nurture relocation leads from state and local sources, providing information about why Addison County is the best place to live, work and play.
• Creation of a lead tracking system. 
• Development of a relocation resource subsite on AddisonCounty.com. 
• Development of social media channels for the GROW Program in Addison County.
• Building partnerships with realtors, employers, school districts, recreation providers, and others to provide information for prospective new residents. 

The Outreach Track will focus on bringing people together to include the recently relocated and those considering relocation with the local community. Community engagement activities will include connecting new and potential residents with resources for finding employment, housing, education, childcare, etc. In addition, events and activities including receptions, dinners, mixers, job fairs, and other family and business friendly opportunities will be scheduled. Outreach will also encourage new residents to participate in established regional events such as ACCoC and ACEDC mixers, the Middlebury Car Show, Vergennes Day, and the Bristol Harvest Festival. 

ACCoC and ACEDC have strong relationships within the community that will facilitate robust participation from varying sectors, including tourism, business, workforce development, real estate, and education. Partnerships with community organizations including the Better Middlebury Partnership, the Vergennes Partnership, and Bristol CORE, as well as a strong relationship with the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, will also be utilized to ensure community buy-in and project success. 

About the Addison County Chamber of Commerce 

The Addison County Chamber of Commerce (ACCoC) is an association of individuals working together to promote commercial business, non-profit organizations, and tourism in Addison County. With over 300 members and partnerships in Addison County, ACCoC also administers community events throughout the year including Vergennes Day, the Bristol Harvest Festival and in partnership with BMP, the Middlebury Car Show and Fall Festival. ACCoC manages the Addison County Visitor Center located in the historic Ferrisburgh/Vergennes Train Depot. The Chamber can be found on the web at www.addisoncounty.com.

About Addison County Economic Development Corporation 

The Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) is dedicated to helping all businesses, regardless of background, size, sector, or stage of growth to retain and create good-paying jobs in Addison County. Organized to promote the common business and economic interests of commercial enterprises in Addison County, ACEDC strives to create an entrepreneurial and innovative environment that nurtures businesses to launch, grow, and thrive. For more information on ACEDC visit: www.addisoncountyedc.org.

ACEDC activities are made possible, in part, by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Loan programs are made possible by USDA/Rural Development. ACEDC is an equal opportunity service provider and lender, with all services and funds available on a non-discriminatory basis. 

GROW activities are made possible by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Tourism and Marketing. 

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