Gov. Scott highlights push to turn tourists into residents

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont is hoping to help some tourists who enjoy skiing or fall-foliage trips to Vermont to move to the state full time.

The new “Stay-to-Stay Weekends” are part of an effort to reverse the declining workforce and boost state revenue, Gov. Phil Scott and state tourism officials said Thursday.

“We have about 16,000 fewer workers than we did in 2009. That’s why expanding our workforce is one of the top priorities of my administration,” the Republican governor said. “We must think outside the box to help more Vermonters enter the labor force and attract more working families and young professionals to Vermont.”

Vermont is promoting a series of four long weekends in Rutland, Bennington-Manchester and Brattleboro communities aimed at attracting potential transplants, New England Cable News reports . The weekends will include a reception hosted by a local chamber of commerce or young professional’s network, and opportunities to explore the region and attractions.

Guests also will meet with employers who are hiring, tour the area with a real estate agent or visit an incubator or co-working space to meet with entrepreneurs, Scott’s office said.

“Thirteen million people come to Vermont each year, and many of them express a desire to stay permanently as residents,” Wendy Knight, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing said. “The Stay-to-Stay program helps make that day-dream of living in Vermont a reality.”

The Stay-to-Stay Weekends will be held in April, June, August, and October. The state is thinking about expanding the initiative to other communities.