There is ample evidence to illustrate why workforce development is essential.
Vermont’s rate of job growth lags behind the national average. Colleges have closed with more likely to fail. Employment has shrunk and not entirely due to COVID. Vermont is the second grayest state in the nation and many of our companies are facing a labor shortage crisis with the retirement of their skilled workforce. Some of our wealthier retirees disappear to Florida, taking their tax dollars and accumulated wisdom with them — a double loss for those of us left behind. The youth too flee the state, largely for jobs and affordable housing.
Yet, there is so much reason to be optimistic. The data is clear: startups are the biggest driver of wealth creation in both urban and…
