Customs. Community. Collaboration. A Border-Focused Trade Event in Burlington, VT

Highgate Springs Border Crossing Tour and Presentations

Thursday, September 25, 2025 

Join the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT) for a tour of the Highgate border crossing, and a short day of informative presentations by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officials, State of Vermont government representatives, Canadian trade experts, and U.S importers and exporters navigating the current trade terrain.

This will be an engaging and unique opportunity to meet and speak with CBP, state and local government officials, as well as importers and exporters walking the new path of cross border trade.

The day will include presentations, keynote luncheon, coach transportation to and from the hotel, and a tour of Highgate Springs Border Crossing. This full day event will close with a networking reception. 

Event Highlights

Morning Sessions & Luncheon Keynote at Hotel Champlain

• Expert presentations from U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
• Keynotes and insights from Vermont state leaders
• Explore cross-border trade updates, compliance trends, and supply chain security
• Connect with importers, exporters, and logistics professionals from U.S. and Canada
• Confirmed Speakers
  
  • Senator Peter Welch, U.S. Senator, VT
  • Representative Becca Balint, U.S. Representative, Vermont
  • Mark FeDuke, Director of Trade Compliance & Policy, North America, VLM Foods USA Ltd
    
  • William Ferrara, Former Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations, U.S. CBP
  • Timothy Lacasse, Assistant Director of Field Operations ADFO, U.S. CBP
  • Aaron Libbey, Chief Growth Officer, Altana

Afternoon Border Tour

• Behind-the-scenes tour of Highgate Springs Border Crossing
• Roundtrip transportation provided via coach bus
• Hear from CBP’s Area Port of Vermont Senior Official

Networking reception will be held at Hotel Champlain after returning from the tour. 

Speakers

Please click on the names below to read the speaker bios. 

	Senator Peter Welch U.S. Senator, Vermont		Representative Becca Balint U.S. Representative, Vermont
	William Ferrara Former Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations, U.S. CBP Co-Founder, Harbour Island Consulting		Timothy Lacasse Assistant Director of Field Operations ADFO U.S. CBP
	Mark FeDuke  Director of Trade Compliance & Policy, North America VLM Foods USA Ltd		Aaron Libbey Chief Growth Officer Altana
	Tammy Hetrick Senior Trade Consultant A.N. Deringer		Kelly Cornell Leadership April Cornell
	Missy Forey Global Trade Compliance, Logistics Keurig Dr Pepper

Registration Fees:

Hotel Room Block: A group block is available to attendees; the link is available upon request. Please email Susan at sbeland@conect.org. 

Room rate is $209/night, plus tax (parking and daily fee waived). 

 This event is approved for 4 CCS/MCS, CES/MES, LCB credit type(s). 

Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Susan, sbeland@conect.org

Event sponsors: