The 31st Annual Garlic Town USA, held September 5th in downtown Bennington, welcomed more than 6,000 attendees for a day of food, music, demonstrations, shopping and all things garlic. A newly completed post-event survey shows the festival's impact extended well beyond its gates — driving visitors into downtown businesses, creating overnight stays and supporting more than 130 vendors while achieving one of the festival's strongest sustainability performances to date. 

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.

A treasured tradition for more than three decades, the 2025 Shires’ Holiday Inn Tours—coordinated by the Manchester Business Association and The Shires of Southwestern Vermont—returns on Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13, inviting the public to explore some of Southern Vermont’s most charming and historic lodging properties.