Question 1

What is the Welcome Wagon?

Accepted Answer

The Upper Valley Welcome Wagon is community-building initiative launched in 2025 by GMEDC. We help get folks connected to their neighbors in the Upper Valley. Our mission, simply put, is to bring our region together and strengthen ties to our local businesses, organizations, and each other.

Question 2

Is this only for new residents?

Accepted Answer

Nope, everyone is welcome! Bring your friends, family, new neighbors, and anyone else who likes building community and meeting new people.

Question 3

Are all Upper Valley residents (VT & NH) able to attend?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Although we are funded by a grant from the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, the UV Welcome Wagon is open to anyone living in the broadly defined Upper Valley. The point is to meet your neighbors and build community, even if you happen to be separated by a river.

Question 4

Who organizes this event?

Accepted Answer

Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC) is the host organization for the Upper Valley Welcome Wagon. We are a private, nonprofit economic development organization serving our region as one of twelve certified regional development corporations(RDCs) in Vermont.

Question 5

Where does the funding come from?

Accepted Answer

Funding for Welcome Wagon events comes from Vermont's Agency for Commerce and Community Development, through the Department of Tourism and Marketing's Grants for Relocation and Outreach Work (GROW) program. For more information, visit https://accd.vermont.gov/tourism/funding-and-incent

Upper Valley Welcome Wagon