Evolving Brand Vermont: A Discussion On Montpelier Public TV

Onion River Community Access (ORCA) Television invited Chief Brandthropologist Matthew Dodds onto its “Vote for Vermont” program. Host Pat McDonald led a wide-ranging discussion about Brand Vermont and positioning the state for economic development. The half-hour show also discussed Bill H83 “Vermont Brand; Economic Development and Tourism Strategy”, currently being discussed in the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

Matt discussed his vision for a new positioning for the state “Vermont: Innovative By Nature”. He explained the need for the state to expand beyond its traditional focus on marketing tourism and agriculture, adding an economic development narrative. As Matt explained, “We need to put one foot in the pasture and one foot in the future.”

The Chief Brandthropologist also had a chance to discuss some of his background in global marketing and its influence on his thinking regarding the Vermont Brand. Matt pitched for a new vision for Vermont environmentalism, “one that embraces not only the natural environment, but the economic environment as well”.