Program supports relocation, recruitment, and retention of residents in Vermont
On Wednesday, Jan. 10, the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) announced that 12 partner organizations were approved for grant funding from the inaugural Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) program. The grants support local, regional, county-wide, or state-wide organizations conducting new resident relocation, recruitment, and retention activities.
The Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) was among the dozen selected.
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“For eight years our regional marketing initiative has highlighted why our county is special,” said CEDRR Executive Director Lyle Jepson last week. “It has been hard work by many people and it is the people that cause us to stand out from the rest. CEDRR has been informed that we will be receiving a grant to help continue our efforts and we are very thankful for the support.”
“Welcoming new Vermonters to our communities is a top priority for my administration, and this funding can help,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Vermont needs more people and more workers, and GROW is an important tool in our toolbox. I want to thank our regional partners for taking on this important and challenging role.”
“We are thrilled to be able to better support our longstanding regional partners to bring in new Vermonters and keep the ones we already have,” said Heather Pelham, Vermont tourism and marketing commissioner. “Recruiting and retaining residents is important one-on-one work that takes time and commitment. Many grantees have been doing this work on a volunteer basis and we’re grateful the legislature set aside this money to support them as they work to grow our population.”
There are two types of GROW grants, the Regional Relocation Network Track and the Outreach Track. Some awardees, including CEDRR, received grants from both tracks.
Those receiving the Regional Relocation Network Track grants will complement and support the state’s relocation lead generation and distribution system on ThinkVermont.com. Grantees will be required to connect with and follow up on generated leads of potential residents interested in moving to their area. Awardees are:
- Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region
- Addison County Economic Development Corporation
- Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
- Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation
- Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Montpelier Downtown Community Association
- Northern Forest Center
- Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
- Vermont Professionals of Color Network
Those receiving the Outreach Track grants will organize events and/or conduct activities that promote their region to prospective residents and/or help new residents feel welcome in their new community. Events can target recently relocated families and individuals or potential new residents to support their relocation to Vermont. This track could also include the creation of regional marketing assets to assist with outreach. Awardees are:
- Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region
- Addison County Economic Development Corporation
- Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
- Chandler Center for the Arts
- Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Montpelier Downtown Community Association
- Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Northern Forest Center
- Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
- Vital Communities
Grantees gathered Thursday, Jan. 11 in Rutland to share best practices and learn more about the program and the data driving the need for this important work.
Grantees will be required to submit monthly reports and deliverables specific to their approved scope of work to track progress and make any adjustments as necessary in their activities to meet GROW program goals.
