Beth McDermott
| Reporter assisted by AI
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing is funding 15 organizations through the Grants for Relocation Outreach Work program, according to a community announcement from the department.
The grants support efforts to attract and retain new residents.
The program, known as GROW, is considered a strategic investment in Vermont’s workforce and community vitality, said Lindsay Kurrle, secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, which oversees the department.
“By investing in locally led relocation and retention efforts, the program helps communities grow and reinforces the connections that keep new residents here,” Kurrle said.
The GROW program has two tracks: relocation and retention. Some organizations received grants for both tracks.
The relocation track supports the state’s relocation lead generation and distribution system via ThinkVermont.com. Grantees are required to connect with and follow up on leads of potential residents interested in moving to their area. Activities can include creating regional marketing assets for out-of-state advertising campaigns.
The organizations receiving relocation track grants are:
- Addison County Economic Development Corporation
- Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
- Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region
- Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation
- Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation
- Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Lamoille Economic Development Corporation
- Montpelier Downtown Community Association
- Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
- Out in the Open
- Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
- Vermont Professionals of Color Network
The retention track focuses on organizing events and activities to help new residents feel welcome in their communities, such as mixers, young professionals’ groups and Vermont Welcome Wagon programming.
The organizations receiving retention track grants are:
- Addison County Economic Development Corporation
- Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
- Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region
- Chandler Center for the Arts
- Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Montpelier Downtown Community Association
- Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
- Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
- Vermont Professionals of Color Network
- Vital Communities
Over the past two years, GROW funding has supported the relocation of 95 families, or 193 new Vermonters, according to the announcement. Retention of new residents is also a key focus of the program.
“GROW helps Vermont do more than attract new residents,” said Tinotenda Rutanhira, executive director of business development at the Vermont Professionals of Color Network. “It ensures people of color who choose Vermont can connect, contribute and stay long term. This work attracts more people to Vermont, increases diversity, strengthens our local economies and makes Vermont a stronger, more resilient state.”
The grants are approved for two-year periods and will run through 2027. Grantees are 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.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
