Bennington Chamber Director Named Chair Of State Council
State of Vermont New Release
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing announced that Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Bennington Regional Chamber of Commerce, has been selected as the new Chair of the Vermont Travel & Recreation Council (TRC).
“Matt brings fresh energy and sharp marketing insights to the Travel and Recreation Council,” said Wendy Knight, Commissioner of Vermont’s Department of Tourism and Marketing. “He’s been an essential partner in our marketing and workforce recruitment efforts, and we are excited for his leadership.”
The TRC is responsible for advising the Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development on matters relating to state travel and recreation policy, state travel and recreation promotion programs and other programs overseen by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. Harrington replaces Vicky Tebbetts, who has served as chair of the TRC since 2017.
Harrington is the executive director of the Bennington Regional Chamber of Commerce, which has expanded its marketing and business services to represent all of the Bennington County communities. Under his leadership, the Chamber has boosted its membership by 40%, increased its annual budget by 20%, retooled and refueled The Shires of Vermont brand, and emphasized economic development in the region. Bennington Regional Chamber of Commerce is one of the four original partners in Vermont’s new Stay To Stay Weekend program to encourage tourists to become full-time residents, and was a featured destination in a segment on NBC’s Nightly News about the Stay To Stay Weekends.
“I’m honored to be named Chair of the TRC and look forward to bringing my experience in marketing and young professional development to the TRC,” said Harrington. “The State of Vermont and its tourism sector are at a pivotal time between a proud past and a vibrant, modern future. I’m excited to be one of many stakeholders leading the charge.”