The Vermont Futures Project

Dear Friend, Data, Data, Data I teach an Applied Math Concepts course on the St. Albans campus of CCV. A rewarding and interesting pursuit. One of the sections we dip into is Statistics. In my experience you either love statistics or your hate 'em. I have never met anyone who says "Oh Stats, yeah, well, they're OK." Me, I love stats. Give me a graph or a pile of data and I can keep myself amused.

Why Is Data Important to Vermont? Let me introduce you to The Vermont Futures Project, a collaboration based on the collection of data that can help us see into and plan for the future. Here is what they have to say about themselves. The Vermont Futures Project believes that we need a carefully thought out vision for an economic future which provides opportunity for everyone, as they define it, grows in productivity, and yields tax revenue sufficient to meet our shared goals of fairness, environmental strength, and compassion.  The Vermont Futures Project was launched by the Vermont Chamber Foundation to build a shared vision for the  economy in collaboration with partner organizations, academic institutions, and thought leaders. We are setting a course toward a vibrant economic future through research, policy development and long-term strategies in order to realize that vision. The Vermont Futures Project is committed to addressing the challenges facing Vermont in workforce, demographics, productivity, industrial mix, and infrastructure. The Vermont Futures Project believes that Vermonters need a shared vision about the economy - one that is as strong as the vision we share for environment and for our social safety net.  Why Should I Be Interested? (Hint: answer is in bold) That's a great question and it will be on the quiz. In my opinion, data is most useful when the focus of that data hit closest to home. So, in order to get greater input from our home, "The Vermont Futures Project is convening a statewide discussion series regarding the future of Vermont with a goal of enhancing and sustaining a robust and growing economy.  We invite you to join us at the Swanton Village Municipal office Building on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM to join in this work." Register with Tim Smith at 524-2194 or Tim@fcidc.com or Kathy Lavoie at Kathy.Lavoie2@myfairpoint.net or 802-782-1924. BTW, I'll be there.   Did You Know? That 86% of all statistics are made up.

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Dave Southwick