Vermont witnesses early business disruption from recent tariffs; lawmakers urged to assemble resource hub

With tariff announcements and a subsequent 90‑day pause still leaving high effective rates, Vermont business leaders told the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee on an hourly‑long briefing that small companies face immediate cash‑flow strain and uncertainty about supply chains and pricing.

"Anything I'm about to say is only good for the next 15 minutes because who knows what we're gonna face today, tomorrow, next week," said Chris Delia, president of the Vermont Bankers Association, summarizing the view that day‑to‑day volatility is impeding planning. He and other witnesses described a near‑universal pause in expansion plans and a scramble over contract pricing and inventory costs.

The concern centers on how to help mainly small businesses that lack the negotiating power or cash reserves of larger firms. Cassie Palimas, chief executive officer of the Vermont Economic Development Authority, said small firms "don't have the resources on staff to pursue alternatives and options" and endorsed the idea of a coordinated assistance effort to connect companies with available services. Mike Pichak, Vermont state treasurer, urged a similar approach and…