 100v w, 610 px “/> Mark and Kathy Infante, owners of Ruthcliffe Lodge and restaurant on Isle La Motte, are struggling to find staff. Seen on Friday June 11, 2021. Photo by Glenn Russell / VTDigger</p>
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“We put ad after ad, after ad. We called so many places and so many people that we know, ”said Infante. “And we just can’t find people. Nobody wants to work. “
Hotel owners in the Lake Champlain Islands have had little trouble booking rooms this summer, and some say they are expecting record numbers of guests.
But many owners still struggle to find chefs and housekeepers, for example – a problem that is theirs back to business more than a year in the pandemic.
Brian Dye, general manager of the Apple Island Resort in South Hero, said the resort has been luckier in hiring than other companies in the area but still has some vacancies. Nevertheless, the course will be “pretty full” this season.
“Everyone’s looking for help,” said Dye.
The summer labor shortage was reported nationwide a trend that some experts have set for career changes this year and international travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic.
Governor Phil Scott signed legislation Last week, a state program expanded to offer financial reimbursements to people moving to Vermont for a job – starting July 1, grants of up to $ 5,000 will be awarded based on availability.
New Vermonters from areas with high unemployment or low wages could receive up to $ 7,500. Critics have questioned the program’s effectiveness, however, and the new law calls for a study to see if it actually achieves its goal.
A busy summer awaits
Still, “the mood in Grand Isle County is optimistic,” said Andy Julow, executive director of Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corp.
Several local institutions, including Hero’s Welcome General Store and Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant in North Hero, have stepped up their services under new ownership and could help draw visitors in, he said.
Marc Lamphier runs the Ferry Watch Inn, a hotel and wedding location on Grand Isle. He said the hospitality industry was “kind of written off” during the pandemic, but his space now has few spaces left for events.
 100v w, 300 px “/> The owners of Ruthcliffe Lodge and restaurant on Isle Lamotte are struggling to find staff. Photo by Glenn Russell / VTDigger</p>
<p>“The property is firmly booked for the summer and weddings have certainly been much busier than expected,” said Lamphier.</p>
<p>At Shore Acres, General Manager Jason Hanny said the number of guests this summer will be “much higher” than in previous years. The inn is planning to build and demand a bar by the lake, but has not yet been able to hire any staff. </p>
<p>“I’m surprised how few inquiries I have,” said Hanny. “People say they want to work, but they don’t come to the table and say, ‘OK, I’m here, I’m ready to go.'” </p>
<p>Infante of Ruthcliffe Lodge said his adjoining Italian restaurant is full but may have to operate at reduced capacity this summer unless he can hire more staff. </p>
<p>“We need the combination of both to make a living,” he said. </p>
<h2>On the border</h2>
<p>Many local businesses also need visitors from across the northern border, said Julow of Islands Economic Development Corp. For example, he said, Canadians moor their boats at local marinas and camp at local campsites.</p>
<p>Congressional delegation from Vermont <a href=)
“Small businesses in Canada and the United States are struggling to survive as regular cross-border travel has all but disappeared,” the delegation wrote in the letter. “Vermont companies across the state that have long relied on the tourism and activities of our Canadian neighbors have been particularly hard hit.”
Politico reported that the Canadian government is considering easing restrictions on June 22nd.
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