Vermont Governor Visits Orvis Rod Shop in Manchester

For one day of the year, each of Vermont’s fourteen counties becomes “Capitol for a Day,” hosting Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and his cabinet, along with their staffs. Capitol for a Day–launched by Scott in June 2018–gives local constituents, municipal government leaders, and other partners the opportunity to connect directly with state leadership and staff. September 24 was Bennington County’s turn, and the governor and his staff kicked off the day with a tour of the Orvis Rod Shop in Manchester.

Director of Manufacturing Don Swanson took 35 members of Scott’s cabinet and staff through the facility, where Orvis manufactures all but its entry-level fly rods, explaining the process and answering questions about everything from fly-rod materials to staffing.

Afterward, the governor walked to the Orvis Flagship Store and broke in his new fly rod with a casting lesson from legendary Head Fly Fishing Instructor Truel Myers. Let’s hope that this is the start of a new passion for Governor Scott, who is a longtime race-car driver.