Markowitz calls for Dubie to pull anti-Vermont ad

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010
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Markowitz calls for Dubie to pull Anti-Vermont Ad

Business leaders agree that Dubie’s approach hurts economic development

BURLINGTON–Secretary of State Deb Markowitz said today that Brian Dubie should stop his advertisement on the New York Times website that suggests Vermont is a bad place to do business. Markowitz said Dubie’s advertisement was playing politics with Vermont’s economy, and her message as a candidate–and actions as governor–would be to encourage job creation in Vermont.



“When I am governor I will send a positive message about doing business in Vermont. I will take actions to help new businesses start up and existing businesses succeed.” Markowitz said. “Unfortunately, Brian Dubie is continuing a tradition of trashing Vermont and it has to end. He is literally advertising to a national audience that businesses shouldn’t think about Vermont.

Dubie’s web advertisement (attached) on the New York Times opinion section states: “Vermont ranks as the 47th best state to do business. Is that good enough? Yes or No.” If a user clicks on either of the answers they are directed to Dubie’s supporter sign up page on his website.

“Playing politics with our economy is inappropriate especially when we have more than 20,000 Vermonters without jobs. It doesn’t help make our state better and it is discouraging to businesses who already make their home in Vermont. This kind of talk may help Brian’s campaign, but it won’t help Vermont.” Markowitz said. “As Governor, I will help jump start job growth by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, just like I did as Secretary of State. I will take a good look at our tax code to ensure that we are creating incentives for success and I will leverage our assets as a state – our highly educated work force, our beautiful natural environment and our great quality of life. As Governor, I will send a positive message about the state I want to lead.”

Business leaders in Vermont agreed with Markowitz that Dubie’s methods hurt the state’s economic development efforts.



“A positive message about Vermont’s business environment is key to encouraging entrepreneurial interest,” said Rocki-Lee DeWitt, the former dean of the University of Vermont’s School of Business Administration. “It is disappointing that any gubernatorial candidate would lead with a message that paints Vermont in a bad light to a large and influential audience.”

Tim Volk, a partner at the marketing firm Kelliher Samets Volk in Burlington and former Chairman of the Vermont Business Roundtable, said that Vermont needs some fixes but Dubie’s advertisement could have adverse effects.

“I have never sold a client’s product by telling the world it was bad,” Volk said. “Our economic development efforts must be focused on the long list of positives that exist for businesses in Vermont, while we adjust the incentives we need to make it even better. As a business owner, I am dedicated to furthering Vermont’s business climate. The first step to make Vermont a great place to do business is by electing a Governor with the energy and vision to leverage Vermont’s strengths and communicate a positive message about doing business in Vermont.”