March 15th, 2006
Kevin Dorn - Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Topic - Government policies, and fostering a favorable business climate for the software industry
Zach Sears, a graduate student at UVM, is conducting a survey of Vermont software companies in order to gather factual information about our industry. Demographic information as well as attitude information is included in his research. Zach presented preliminary results from the survey, with complete results planned after the survey collection period is finished in the next few weeks.
Kevin Dorn, Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for the State of Vermont spoke to the group about what his agency does to promote various aspects of the Vermont economy, and he described which departments and which people might be helpful to us.
A spirited discussion followed, as people expressed concerns about different things they thought were constraints to their businesses, the software industry here, and the Vermont economy generally.
Affordable housing is an obstacle to people locating here, staying here, and being able to make a living here. Availability of financing is a sore point with a number of business owners. There was discussion about the role of banks, venture capitalists, and VEDA. The question was asked of Mr. Dorn "How does the software industry get on the radar of your agency?" His answer was essentially "Keep doing what you're doing."
The meeting ended with an agreement for VTSDA's new Government Communication Committee to continue defining the issues facing VTSDA members, and Mr. Dorn agreeing to make himself and his Agency available for ongoing dialog.
Thank you Mr. Dorn for contributing to a stimulating and productive exchange of ideas!