Vermont Chamber Leaders Gather in Manchester for 2025 Annual Conference

Manchester, VT – November 12, 2025 – Chamber of commerce professionals from across Vermont gathered this week at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester for the 2025 Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) Annual Conference, themed “Collective Brilliance: Chambers Collaborating for a Better Vermont.”

The conference brought together chamber executives and economic development leaders for collaboration, professional development, and forward-looking conversations about the future of Vermont’s business communities and chambers of commerce.

The event opened Monday evening with a Welcome Dinner and Networking Social at the Copper Grouse, sponsored by the host chamber, the Southwestern Vermont Chamber. 

Tuesday’s agenda featured sessions on chamber sustainability, board engagement, membership strategy, and economic storytelling. Sessions were led by nationally recognized experts Bob Harris, CAE, and Frank Kenny focused on governance, board dynamics, and member engagement. Peer roundtables and breakout groups allowed Vermont chamber leaders to exchange best practices and explore collaborative strategies for addressing shared challenges - from workforce shortages to rural revitalization.

Wednesday featured a keynote presentation by Sheree Anne Kelly, President and CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), who shared insights from ACCE’s 2035 Horizon Initiative, a national foresight study exploring the trends shaping the next decade of community and business leadership.

“The Horizon Initiative reminds us that chambers must be nimble, innovative, and deeply human-centered,” said Kelly. “From demographic shifts to digital transformation, the future belongs to chambers that are connected, creative, and courageous in how they serve their communities.”

The Horizon 2035 research offers encouraging evidence of chambers’ enduring relevance. According to a national survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of ACCE, 81 percent of U.S. adults view their local chamber of commerce as a trusted resource and partner for businesses, while 90 percent believe chambers help grow local economies and 88 percent say chambers play a vital role in addressing community challenges. Developed through input from nearly 1,000 chambers of commerce, the study highlights how chambers nationwide are reimagining their purpose evolving from membership organizations into essential community catalysts that strengthen trust, talent, and regional resilience.

A highlight of the annual meeting was the presentation of the 2025 VACCE Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding leadership and impact in the chamber profession:

• Chamber of the Year – Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce
  This award honors an outstanding chamber that has demonstrated excellence in leadership, advocacy, programming, and measurable community impact. The Hartford Area Chamber was celebrated for its innovative partnerships, dynamic business support initiatives, and creative programming that have meaningfully strengthened both members and the region.
   

• New Executive of the Year – Loralee Tester, Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
  This award recognizes a chamber executive or new VACCE member (typically in their first three years) who has quickly made a positive mark on their chamber and community. Tester was recognized for her fresh perspective, proactive engagement, and strong commitment to collaboration and professional growth in the chamber field.
   

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Lyle Jepson, former executive director of the Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region
  Reserved for a chamber professional who has dedicated their career to advancing Vermont’s business and civic community, this award celebrates Jepson’s decades of leadership, mentorship, and tireless advocacy for chambers as vital engines of community development.

“This annual conference underscores the strength of Vermont’s chamber network and resilient nature,” said Matt Harrington, Chair of the VACCE Board and Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “When chamber leaders come together to share ideas, challenges, and solutions, we elevate our collective capacity to make Vermont a better place to live, work, and do business.”

About VACCE

The Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) is a statewide network supporting professional development, shared resources, and collaboration among Vermont’s chamber leaders. VACCE strengthens the collective voice and impact of local chambers as essential partners in community and economic growth across the Green Mountain State.

For more information, visit www.vtchamberexecutives.com.

Media Contact:

Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
Will Slattery
wslattery@vtchamber.com
www.vtchamberexecutives.com