Shedding the light on Vermont’s
25 designated downtowns.

About the VDC

We believe that thriving downtowns are Vermont’s economic engine and the vibrancy of our downtowns translates into a healthy and prosperous state. The work of the downtown organizations support the many economies that make up our state: the creative economy, outdoor recreation, food & beverage and retail entrepreneurs. Vermont downtowns are the lifeblood of our state’s commerce and community development as well as critical areas for growth, historic preservation and visitors.
Yet, we know Vermont’s downtowns are under threat. To that end, the Vermont Downtown Coalition was formed and our policy agenda builds on past efforts and adds to the continued investment into the heart of Vermont’s communities.

Contact Us

Karen Duguay

VDC Director
Karen Duguay has focused many years on strengthening Vermont communities through collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to local vitality. As the Executive Director of the Better Middlebury Partnership, she guided community development and business support initiatives, including leading Neighbors Together—a community stakeholder group that helped Middlebury navigate a major downtown construction project and went on to steer revitalization efforts that followed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen brought forward creative programs that kept residents connected, supported small businesses, and helped maintain the vibrancy of the town. She also played a central role in launching the Vermont Downtown Coalition, establishing a unified voice for advocacy and resource-sharing across the state’s designated downtowns—critical economic engines for Vermont’s long-term resilience and prosperity.
Following her tenure at the BMP, Karen served as Senior Director of Programming at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and as Assistant Director at the Addison County Economic Development Corporation, continuing her focus on elevating local businesses and building strong economic ecosystems. Passionate about vibrant, welcoming communities, she believes deeply in the power of engaged neighbors working together to create connection and belonging for all.
Rebecca Ramos

LOBBYIST LEAD
Rebecca is known for her swift strategic thinking and ability to rapidly comprehend complex problems to find winning solutions. She is a proven expert at navigating Vermont’s complicated political landscape to bring success to her client’s issues. She is enthusiastic, undeterred, and known for her warm and engaging manner. Rebecca strives to not only win the issue but to also grow leaders.
Rebecca has worked with some of Vermont’s finest political leaders since stepping into the Vermont political landscape in 1998. She was legal counsel and political liaison for Governor Howard Dean and then worked with now Congressman Peter Welch when he was Pro Tem in the Vermont Senate. Prior to joining Necrason Group, Rebecca was Chief of Staff for Vermont Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell.
Rebecca also spent a number of years working with individuals, non-profits, and businesses on leadership development, strategic thinking, and mentoring.