Economic development
When I first ran for the senate in 1992, candidate Bill Clinton kept reminding us, "It's the economy stupid." In 2009, we need no reminder of that phrase.
Small business has been, and will continue to be, the bedrock of our Vermont economy. Day-to-day, week-to-week and year-to-year, much of our state's job growth and community investment comes from our hard working small business people and entrepreneurs. In fact, the first patent issued in the United States was to Samuel Hopkins of Pittsford, Vermont for the making of potash.
Vermont is also very fortunate to have a number of large employers that are located throughout our state. It is very important that we do our best to support the needs of these companies as they seek to remain globally competitive while operating in Vermont and providing good jobs. Our state is so special because of people, place and community.
I believe that economic development is best accomplished at the regional level. Even though we are a small state, there are very different goals and strategies for our different regions. Our economic development dollars would be invested regionally in a Bartlett Administration. Each region would have the money and time necessary to grow good jobs in their areas.
Vermont needs an economic plan that has specific goals that will take our entire state to the next level of creating good jobs.
· We must strategically redesign our economic development programs and services to make them lean, nimble, strategic and effective.
· We need to create economic development that complements the people, our communities, our environment and the sense of place that defines Vermont.
· We must always nurture the best of what we have, but constantly look forward for the next great idea that will lead to job growth in Vermont.
· We must invest in education and workforce development programs that help Vermonters to improve their skills, be able to earn more, and create more value in the goods and services crafted in our state.
The Vermont brand is globally appreciated; we need to improve on that image. Vermont must complete the build-out of a high-speed broadband service throughout the state so that these services are universal in all key economic centers in Vermont.
Agriculture has been and will remain a core business in Vermont. We all know that our dairy farmers are struggling and many are failing. We need to find solutions that support the long-term stability of Vermont's agricultural industry.
The Bartlett Administration will work aggressively and passionately to keep our farmland in farming. We will seek to provide our Vermont farmers with the tools and assistance they need to diversify innovate and stay strong in the face of constant change.
Throughout this campaign, I will work with Vermont employers, entrepreneurs and innovators all over our state to turn their ideas and suggestions into concrete plans to grow good jobs for working Vermonters.
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Thank you for your support! Please contact me to visit your area to explore the challenges and successes in your part of Vermont, or just to talk.
Sincerely,
Susan Bartlett
Bartlett for Governor