CHESTER, Vt. – Recognizing the need to build a stronger and more vibrant community, the Chester Selectboard appointed the Chester Economic Development Commission (CEDC) in December of 2025. The seven-member commission, consisting of four citizen members (Carl Henshaw, Phil Perlah, Bryan Santiago, and Damon Tyler) and three professional members (Bob Flint, of the Springfield Regional Development Corporation, Town Manager Julie Hance, and Town Planner Preston Bristow) has been meeting since January of 2026.
The first tasks of the CEDC are to create a comprehensive directory of all active businesses in Chester, and to gather insights through community surveys to inform strategic planning decisions.
Community surveys are now available and can be found at www.chestervermont.net, or by scanning the QR code with this article.
To generate the most specific and useful information possible, there are eight community survey options: Business Constraints Survey, What is Chester Missing Survey, Vacationing Visitors Survey, Out-of-State Property Owners Survey, Older Residents Survey, Young Adults & Families Survey, Farmers Survey, and Town Employees Survey.
Each survey is brief, with ample opportunity for comment. The CEDC encourages written comments, and all comments will be read and considered.
Your voice matters. Please complete one or more surveys and help shape the future of Chester.
For more information, contact Preston Bristow, Chester town planner, at preston.bristow@chestervt.gov or at 802-875-2173.