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Makerspaces, regional development and industry groups propose local solutions for prototyping, space and infrastructure
Summary
Makerspaces, regional development corporations and trade associations told lawmakers that makerspaces, VMEC and local redevelopment programs help manufacturers but that broadband, industrial space and permitting remain major bottlenecks.
Regional development leaders, trade associations and makerspace operators told the Commerce & Economic Development committee that while networks such as Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) and regional development corporations provide critical support, gaps in industrial space, broadband and permitting slow manufacturers’ ability to scale.
Andy Julo, representing regional development corporations, thanked legislators and emphasized the role local development corporations can play by connecting manufacturers to regional services and resources. Bill Driscoll of Associated Industries Vermont and Amy Spear of the Vermont Chamber opened the hearing and framed manufacturing as a sector that produces about $3 billion in economic impact and employs roughly 30,000 people.
Meg Hammond described Generator makerspace’s statewide programming—tool training, youth design labs, an industrial skills pilot and a planned accelerator—and said makerspaces can serve as low‑cost prototyping and workforce‑entry points that reinforce local supply chains. “We are innovation hubs,” Hammond said, and described a planned $50,000 upgrade to Generator’s electronics lab funded by a separate award to support a GaN‑tech accelerator.
Speakers said industrial vacancy in Chittenden County is extremely low, making site selection one of the single biggest barriers to growth. Diane Adrizzini of Rigorous Technology said her company initially found space inside another firm’s renovated barn but ultimately had to cold‑call property owners to find a long‑term site. Adrizzini and others urged investments in broadband, public transportation for workers and streamlined permitting to reduce expansion delays.
Several presenters praised state incentive programs but asked for clearer, more navigable application and compliance information. Kippen and others described Veggie and brownfields programs as helpful when companies understood reporting requirements, but warned that administrative burdens can deter small firms from applying.
Ending: Committee members asked industry to continue sharing case studies and to host site visits; presenters offered to follow up with staff on specific program navigation and local infrastructure needs.
