This letter is by five small business owners: Taryn Adamczyk of Sunnyside Coffee Company; Travis Noyes of Chapman’s General; Abby Copeland of Wrights Mountain Wellness Collective; Shelly Blodgett, a holistic energy healing practitioner; and Glynn Pellagrino of Glynn Pellagrino Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine.
History is defined by moments when individuals, organizations and communities choose to take a stand — or choose silence. Today, Vermont faces one of these defining moments.
Last month, more than 23,000 Vermonters took to the streets, protesting national leadership that threatens our legal systems, social infrastructure and the very foundations that sustain Vermont’s vibrant small business community. Central to these protests was a clear message against fascism, autocracy and unchecked power.
History provides sobering lessons on the dangers of unchecked surveillance and data misuse. Authoritarian regimes throughout history have relied heavily on surveillance and personal data collection to control, manipulate and oppress individuals. Today, the widespread collection of personal data by corporations poses similar risks, creating vast digital profiles that can be easily misused by governments and bad actors alike.
Europe’s rigorous privacy protections, known as General Data Protection Regulation, emerged directly from their experience with authoritarian regimes misusing personal information. Vermont now has a similar opportunity — and responsibility — to proactively safeguard our citizens’ privacy and dignity.
Yet, certain Vermont trade associations have opposed strong data privacy legislation championed by our state representative, Monique Priestley. Some have aligned with Big Tech members and industry groups, signaling troubling support for practices that turn human identities into commodities.
Experts warn us that surveillance and data collection efforts could increase significantly, targeting vulnerable groups such as immigrants, individuals seeking abortion services or those requiring gender-affirming health care. Even ordinary citizens can find their personal data weaponized against them by vigilantes or authoritarian regimes.
We must critically ask ourselves as Vermonters and small business owners: Are these practices we wish to support?
As rural small business owners deeply invested in Vermont’s future, we believe in an economy built on trust and respect for consumer privacy. Our customers deserve to know their information is secure, used only as necessary and protected from exploitation.
Trust and respect for people’s data isn’t just ethical — it’s crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of any business. Customers return to businesses they trust, and in an increasingly digital world, data privacy is foundational to maintaining that trust.
Vermont has proudly led the nation before as the first state to abolish slavery, legislatively pass marriage equality and require GMO labeling. We cherish community values over corporate interests. Now, we must confront big tech oligarchies intent on extracting profit at the expense of individual dignity and community integrity.
Priestley, a dedicated advocate for Vermont’s small business community, understands these challenges intimately. As a business owner herself and a leader who has served on local chamber of commerce boards, business association boards, and as chair of Green Mountain Economic Development and Vital Communities, she has consistently supported Vermont entrepreneurs.
She has provided technical assistance to hundreds of business owners and taught small business planning to empower Vermont entrepreneurs directly. With her extensive experience spanning technology, economic development, community finance and entrepreneurship, Priestley has courageously championed strong data privacy protections. Her bill upholds critical consumer rights enshrined in Vermont law since the 1960s — rights currently under threat.
Businesses hold a responsibility — not merely to profit but to uphold ethical practices and social justice. By supporting strong privacy protections, Vermont businesses send a powerful message: We value people over profits. We champion trust over exploitation.
We also call on consumers: Ask questions of the businesses you support. Check in with local owners and managers to understand where they stand. Your purchasing power is influential. Support businesses that prioritize your privacy and clearly align with protecting your rights.
This is our moment to choose clarity over complacency, responsibility over silence. History is watching. Let Vermont’s businesses proudly stand on the right side of history by protecting our neighbors, customers and communities — today and always.
