Burlington, Vt. – (March 25, 2026) – The Lake Champlain Chamber has been awarded $150,000 through the State of Vermont’s GROW (Grants for Relocation Outreach Work) Program to lead a regional effort to attract, welcome, and retain new residents in Northwest Vermont.
The GROW program, administered by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, supports local and regional partners in building Vermont’s workforce by connecting prospective residents with communities across the state.
“This is about turning interest into connection, and connection into community,” said Cathy Davis, president and CEO of the Lake Champlain Chamber. “We hear every day from people who are curious about Vermont. This initiative allows us to meet them where they are, build relationships over time, and help them see a future for themselves here in our region.”
With this funding, the Lake Champlain Chamber will implement a coordinated strategy focused on both relocation and retention. The work will be led by a dedicated staff member who will manage program activities and serve as a liaison with state and regional partners.
A core component of the effort is direct engagement with prospective residents. The Chamber will provide personalized follow-up to individuals expressing interest in Vermont, offering tailored information, answering questions, and maintaining ongoing communication to support their relocation journey.
In parallel, the Chamber will partner with a marketing agency to develop a regional talent attraction strategy, supported by new content, creative assets, and expanded relocation resources.
The initiative will also bring the region to life through events, including at least one annual relocation-focused experience designed to introduce prospective residents to Northwest Vermont’s communities, career opportunities, and quality of life.
By combining hands-on outreach with strategic marketing and partnerships, the Chamber’s GROW initiative is designed to build a sustainable pipeline of future residents who will strengthen the workforce, support local businesses, and contribute to vibrant communities across the region.
For more information, visit www.helloburlingtonvt.com.