The Vergennes Partnership was born in 1999 after Vergennes earned the coveted status as an official Vermont State Designated Downtown. One of 23 Designated Downtowns in the State, we benefit from tax credits, grants and programs for which other Vermont communities are not eligible. As a direct result of our Downtown Designation, business owners and property developers in our downtown have been able to take advantage of over $900,000 in state tax credits to rehabilitate, upgrade and improve their properties. Additionally, the City of Vergennes has received close to $300,000 in Downtown Transportation grants to make our streets and sidewalks more visually pleasing and accessible to residents and visitors. The tax credits have leveraged over 6 million dollars in additional private investments and the grants have resulted in over $600,000 in downtown streetscape projects.  The City of Vergennes has noticeably improved as a result of these investments. The Partnership is essential for Vergennes in order to keep its Designated Downtown status.  With the continued success of the Vergennes Partnership and its supporters, the opportunities for the Little City are endless.

Our Mission, Slogan & FY 23-24 Theme:

MISSION: To enhance the economic viability of Vergennes and preserve the beauty and character of its downtown.

SLOGAN: “Building Commerce, Community & Culture” speaks to the variety of activities and initiatives for which the Partnership is involved.

Our FY23-24 Board of Directors:

Vergennes designated downtown map

Vergennes designated downtown map

Executive Director - Julie Basol

Vergennes Partnership Accomplishments & On-Going Goals:

  • Direct a variety of year around promotions and events to draw shoppers and diners to Downtown Vergennes. [see Calendar]

  • Assist new businesses in opening or relocating to Vergennes.

  • Support existing business through promotion and consult.

  • Collaborate with area non-profits to assist in their community efforts.

  • Blenders & Merchant Meetings - networking gatherings for business, citizens, and city government.

  • 2023 Downtown Transportation Grant with its 80/20 match by the city - $38,493 grant to fund renovation of the Basin Block sidewalks.

  • Installed and maintain current equipment to provide free WiFi to visitors throughout downtown and the Otter Creek Basin.

  • Secured a $37,500 grant to fund 50% of the cost for pedestrian-triggered flashing lights at five busy crosswalks, installed in spring 2018.

  • Manage the VergennesDowntown.org website, social media and other communications, which serve as a resource for residents, tourists and businesses (current and prospective).

  • Administer the Vergennes Green Gift Certificate program which facilitates local shopping.

  • Collaborate with land and property owners to continually seek uses for vacant or underutilized properties.

Committees

Design: Capitalizes on Vergennes’ best assets; creates an inviting atmosphere that conveys a message about what Vergennes Downtown is and what it has to offer.

Organization: Builds consensus and cooperation among groups that have an important stake in the downtown district. 

Promotion: Promotes downtown Vergennes as the center of commerce, culture and community life for residents and visitors; Committee Chair:  Julie Basol, (802) 598-7424 vergennespartnership@gmail.com

Economic Development: Finds new purpose for downtown’s enterprises; helps businesses expand and recruits new ones to downtown; converts unused space into productive property and sharpens the competitiveness of the business enterprises. Committee Chair:  Renny Perry, (802) 877-1163.

Vergennes Partnership Bylaws:

Ideas and Volunteers Needed

The goal of the Partnership is to help enable and guide projects born from the ideas and needs of residents and business owners in Vergennes.  We welcome input and suggestions that will help ensure that the historic downtown survives, thrives, and is recognized as one of the special places in Vermont, New England, and the nation.

We also need volunteers.  If you would like to help with just one task or one project or get more information about the Vergennes Partnership, contact us:

Vergennes Partnership, Inc.
PO Box 304
Vergennes, VT 05491

Julie Basol, Executive Director
VergennesPartnership@gmail.com
802-877-1163 (O); 802-598-7424 (C)