Is Vermont Committed to Job Creation?

posted by   Ian Wyatt   |    February 3, 2010

Posted in   Economy   |   Comments

Losing is never fun. Especially if you lose when you think you should have won.

Last Thursday, I presented my company’s application to the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive Program (VEGI) in Montpelier, Vermont. Despite my plans for the creation of 15 new well-paid jobs in Vermont, the Vermont Economic Progress Council ruled against my application.

As an entrepreneur and small business owner, I can honestly say that I’m used to having my way.  And I thought that my application to VEGI far exceeded the criteria of the program and would result in a positive ruling by the council, approval of my application and tax incentives to create jobs in Vermont.

While I’m disappointed by the council's decision, I’m more concerned about what anti-job growth rulings such as this mean for the state of Vermont and our ability to recover from the current economic recession that has left thousands in this state unemployed. I hope that the feedback I provide proves helpful to other entrepreneurs considering relocation to Vermont and application to the VEGI program, and shares my unique prospective on this program with residents, business owners and government leaders in Vermont.

In my next several blog posts, I’ll share my thoughts on the application process, the Vermont Economic Progress Council’s decision against my application, discuss my criticisms of VEGI, and the role of this program in creating jobs in Vermont. Please stay tuned…

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