Birong sees statewide workforce shortage

VERGENNES — Matt Birong, owner of the Three Squares Café in Vergennes and a state representative, has been in contact regularly with statewide hospitality and restaurant groups, chambers of commerce, and other trade organizations outside of hospitality. When asking how everyone is doing with staffing shortages, he has heard the same message time and again. “This is an industry-wide problem across the country,” said Birong, a Vergennes Democrat. “Everyone needs help right now, and they’re desperately trying … (read more)

VERGENNES — Addison-3 Reps. Diane Lanpher and Matt Birong, both D-Vergennes, cruised to re-election on Tuesday over two GOP challengers.  Lanpher won her seventh term to the Vermont House of Representatives, while Birong will return to Montpelier for his … (read more)

This has been a difficult year for most Vermonters, but none have struggled more than people facing homelessness and food insecurity. More than 200 people in Addison County found themselves in shelters and motel rooms at the height of the pandemic. Even m … (read more)

My husband Steve and I moved to Vergennes in Winter of 2006 and recently sold our house last year, moving us closer to our restaurant in Middlebury. I first met Matt Birong when he bought the cafe in town. I remember that he immediately reached out to the … (read more)