BDCC welcomed regional leaders to the first sessions of the Windham County Leadership Series, a thought provoking and engaging lunchtime presentation and conversation with Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project. Held at the Brattleboro Retreat’s Education Conference Center, this session brought together business owners, nonprofit leaders, municipal officials, and community partners for a shared look at the data shaping Vermont’s economic future and what it means for Windham County.
Chu offered a clear and compelling overview of statewide trends related to population and its impact on workforce and housing. Drawing on research he compiled as part of the Vermont Futures Vermont Economic Action Plan, he framed the challenges Vermont faces not as abstract statistics but as interconnected systems that directly affect employers, communities, and long term regional vitality.
A central theme of this conversation was alignment. Chu emphasized the importance of using shared data to guide decision making across sectors. He was able to highlight opportunities for collaboration and strategic investment that can help us move toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
