Southern Vermont Economy Summit

The theme of the 2026 Summit is “Envision. Act. Grow!” Throughout the day, presentations, panels, workshops and discussions will investigate ways that our region can envision a path to growth through local and regional action.

Registration information and a full schedule of the day’s events can be found at www.sovermontzone.com/summit.

Opening the day is Keynote Speaker Sarah Waring, executive director of the Northern Border Regional Commission. Waring will discuss the important role that Federal agencies play in supporting economic and community development in rural communities. She’ll also explore the importance of having a regional perspective and how we, as community leaders, can continue to envision and work towards growth for our region in an economic and funding environment marked by instability and change.

Following the Keynote, Summit attendees can choose from more than 15 different breakout sessions and interactive workshops. Community, municipal, and business leaders will all find a range of engaging sessions, with topics that include: examining the impact of AI on rural economic development; a discussion about leadership succession and shared leadership models for organizations of all sizes; and a panel showcasing how new tools like scenario planning can help communities achieve clarity and direction.

The day wraps up with small group roundtables, discussions, and information sessions designed to help attendees act on all they have learned, and connect with resources and networks. This will include the opportunity to connect one on one with regional business support professionals, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Municipal Operations Support team, and more.

The Southern Vermont Economy Summit is the flagship event of Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC)’s Southern Vermont Economy Project, which helps build capacity, expertise, and shared resources across the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone. It is the year’s best opportunity for Southern Vermont’s movers and shakers to connect with peers, listen to experts, ask questions, and learn effective ways of dealing with the myriad economic challenges faced by the region.

The event is co-hosted by BDCC, Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies, and Bennington County Regional Commission.

The 2026 Summit is made possible in part by this year’s sponsors, including Brattleboro Savings and Loan, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, MSK Engineering, UVM Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, M&T Bank, Weston and Sampson Engineers, M&S Development, Community College of Vermont, Science and Technology Research Initiative for the VT Economy (STRIVE), The Vermont Community Foundation, The Richards Group, Vermont Economic Development Authority, Efficiency Vermont, Green Mountain Power, Better Business Bureau–NE Region, Merritt and Merritt Law, Vermont Community Loan Fund and the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center. Media sponsors include Vermont News Media, Minuteman Press Brattleboro, and Front Porch Forum.