Vermont seeks steady funding to expand international business recruitment beyond Quebec

Brett Long, deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development, told the Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs committee that the department has focused recruitment and trade work on Quebec and would like steady base funding to expand into other markets.

The department is asking the Legislature to convert one-time appropriations used for contractor-led lead generation into recurring base funding (department staff described a proposed base level of roughly $350,000) so Vermont can sustain in‑market representation, marketing and consultant support in additional international markets including parts of Asia and Northern Europe. "The principal area of attractiveness is Quebec," Long said, noting proximity and an existing corridor of aerospace and high‑tech firms.

Why it matters: committee members were told the state's past investments produced a measurable pipeline of opportunities and that continued funding would support lead generation, recruitment and eventual job creation. Department staff emphasized that in‑market agents and retained consultants shorten the path from first contact to a firm locating or expanding in Vermont.

What officials told the committee

- Long said the department…