This federally recognized Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Project is well underway.  The 2019 plan created by Windham and Bennington County stakeholders is a long term strategy to grow the Southern Vermont Economy Zone – a region facing significant economic challenges recognized by the Vermont State Legislature in 2015.  Once completed, the 2019 one CEDS will replace the 2014 Windham Region CEDS.

The 2018 Southern Vermont Economy Summit at Mount Snow in May served as a kick off for the overall project.  Following this event a series of five public input sessions through Bennington and Windham County took in information on assets, challenges and projects needed.

In July and August of 2018 a series of focus group discussions are taking place with stakeholders in sectors identified as having significant challenges or opportunities.  Notes from those sessions will be posted at the bottom of this page.

Please plan to join us at any or all of the upcoming Public Input Sessions in September and November.  We will be reporting out on what we have heard, what the data is telling us and what 5 year goals the SeVEDS and Bennington Regional Economic Development (RED) Committee are recommending economic and community development strategies be crafted for.