BURLINGTON & BRATTLEBORO, VT — Ahead of Small Business Saturday and the busy holiday season, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, visited with small business owners in Burlington and Brattleboro. Senator Welch celebrated Vermont’s nearly 82,000 small businesses and reminded Vermonters to shop small and locally this holiday season.

In Burlington, Senator Welch visited Outdoor Gear Exchange, Kountry Kart Deli, and Phoenix Books—where he purchased Dog Show, a book of poems by former Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Prior to meeting small businesses, he received a tour of the new AC hotel (which will also be home to new apartments) in downtown Burlington, led by Vermont-based construction company S.D. Ireland. In Brattleboro, Senator Welch visited the Brattleboro Food Co-op, Burrow’s Sports, and the Hatch Space—a woodworking school and community workshop located downtown.

“Vermont’s small businesses power our Main Streets—they’re a source of great pride for the state, employing thousands and supporting our local economy. This holiday season, I encourage Vermonters to join me in shopping small and supporting local businesses and workers,” said Sen. Welch ahead of his tour.

View photos here and on Senator Welch’s website:  

Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state. Small businesses employ more than 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average.   

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