Vermont outdoor businesses urge $250,000 for technical assistance and expanded workforce training

Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee members heard February 12 from leaders in Vermont’s outdoor recreation industry seeking state support for business technical assistance and workforce training.

Kelly Elkins, executive director of the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance, told the committee the outdoor sector contributed about $2.1 billion to Vermont’s gross domestic product in 2023 — roughly 4.8% of the state economy — and employs more than 16,000 people according to U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. “We are thrilled to be here to talk about the outdoor economy,” Elkins said.

Elkins said the alliance, a 2018 nonprofit with roughly 140 members, is asking the Legislature for two targeted investments: $250,000 for a climate-focused technical assistance program to help firms adapt facilities and operations to changing visitation and supply‑chain patterns, and continued funding to expand a workforce education and professional development program that VOVA has piloted with grant support. “We heard in our survey that 58% of respondents reported being impacted by recent climate events,” Elkins said, adding businesses want help accessing state and federal grants, business planning and marketing analysis.

The testimony described workforce demand and barriers. Elkins said 65% of surveyed businesses plan to hire one to five employees in the next 12 months but face housing, cost‑of‑living and applicant shortages. She thanked the committee for existing investments in affordable employee housing and the Office of Workforce Development and asked for continued backing of VOVA’s workforce programs.

Emily Foster, director of People and Planet Impact at Burton Snowboards, described company efforts on recycling, repair and supply‑chain emissions reductions and urged the state to invest in a circular economy and workforce training for repair and recovery jobs. “Being a B Corp is more than just earning a new credential. It’s continual progression,” Foster said, noting Burton employs about 330 Vermonters at its Burlington headquarters and nearly 1,000 employees globally.

Small and mid‑sized businesses described climate impacts and the value of technical assistance. Jonas Cole, owner of Vermont Bike and Brew, said flooding in 2023 and 2024 destroyed roads and partner businesses, costing revenue and forcing route changes. He credited VOVA advocacy with securing a small recovery grant after an initial denial and urged continued investment in recreation infrastructure such as a proposed Route 5 bike corridor, workforce training for mechanics and more technical assistance for business planning.

Dave Beckwith, director of mountain sports for Killington Resort, described large‑scale operations and investments in energy efficiency and workforce housing. Beckwith said Killington employs roughly 300 year‑round and about 1,500 seasonal staff at peak season, provides housing for about 463 employees across multiple properties and runs bus transportation for staff. He said Killington saved nearly 435,000 kilowatt hours annually from energy upgrades and about $1 million in energy costs over two seasons through efficiency projects, and purchased more than 1,100,000 kilowatt hours annually from local renewable generators.

VOVA and speakers said their work is funded in part by grants and partnerships, including an EDA grant, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation funding, and support from the Department of Tourism and Marketing. The witnesses described collaborations with Efficiency Vermont, Ski Vermont, Vermont State University and local businesses that provide internships and hands‑on training.

Committee members asked for data breakdowns and follow‑up on visa use for seasonal workers; Elkins said she would follow up with additional information and named a colleague who could provide visa details. Committee members and witnesses also discussed efforts to expand nationally recognized training for bike mechanics and ski technicians; Elkins described a VOVA certificate built on the Park Tool School curriculum and a planned expansion to about 40 students in the spring cohorts.

The presenters framed the requests as investments that would strengthen rural and urban economies, reduce climate vulnerability and expand career pathways in Vermont’s outdoor sector. No formal committee action or vote occurred during the session.