The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce unveiled the Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation, a newly formed charitable organization dedicated to advancing the regional economy through workforce development, business growth, leadership, research, and community investment. That announcement came during the Chamber's Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, which was held at the Monument Arts and Cultural Center and brought together more than 100 hundred Chamber members, board directors, staff, and regional stakeholders.

The Manchester Business Association, in partnership with The Shires of Southwestern Vermont Destination Marketing Organization, presented the Shires Holiday Inn Tours during the 2025 holiday season, marking a record-breaking year for fundraising in the event’s more than 30-year history.

“This year, through the generosity of our lodging partners, the Holiday Inn Tours raised a little over $5,000,” comments John Burnham, executive director of the Manchester Business Association and producer of the event. “It was a year of firsts and records being broken. It was the first time offering online ticket sales and sixteen lodging properties participating from Dorset to Bennington. Records were broken in the number of guests welcomed over two consecutive weekends and the most money raised exceeding $5,000 which will go to food cupboards and shelves across the region. We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of our local lodging partners.”