Uncovering Vermont's Hidden Wealth: Treasurer's Statewide Tour Recovers Millions in Unclaimed Assets

In a remarkable effort to reunite Vermonters with their lost financial assets, State Treasurer Mike Pieciak embarked on a two-day, 14-county tour to return a staggering $150,000 in unclaimed property to businesses, nonprofits, and service providers across the state. This initiative, dubbed the "Unclaimed Property Road Tour," aimed to raise awareness about the more than $130 million in unclaimed assets held by the Treasurer's Office, providing a lifeline to organizations and individuals in need.

Reclaiming Vermont's Forgotten Fortunes

Uncovering the Unclaimed Treasure Trove

The Treasurer's Office safeguards a vast array of unclaimed assets, including forgotten checks, security deposits, investments, insurance proceeds, and other financial properties that have been reported and turned over by financial institutions. These unclaimed funds, which can range from a few dollars to thousands, often go unnoticed by their rightful owners, leaving them in the custody of the state. Pieciak's tour sought to change that, empowering Vermonters to search for and reclaim their missing money.

Returning Funds to Strengthen Communities

When the Treasurer's Office returns unclaimed property, the impact extends far beyond the individual recipients. These recovered funds often find their way back into the local economy, supporting businesses, nonprofits, and service providers that are vital to the well-being of Vermont's communities. As organizations face challenges such as workforce shortages, rising healthcare costs, and flood recovery efforts, the influx of these reclaimed assets can provide a much-needed boost.

Record-Breaking Recoveries and Growing Unclaimed Wealth

The Treasurer's Office has seen remarkable success in its efforts to reunite Vermonters with their lost assets. In the past fiscal year, the office returned a record 19,010 individual properties, totaling $5.8 million. However, the state also collected an additional $18.14 million in unclaimed property, the highest amount in 20 years. This growing pool of unclaimed wealth underscores the importance of Pieciak's statewide tour and the ongoing need to raise awareness about this valuable resource.

Empowering Vermonters to Reclaim Their Forgotten Fortunes

Pieciak's message is clear: unclaimed property is not just an individual concern, but a shared responsibility. Businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and even the state itself may have forgotten assets held by the Treasurer's Office. By encouraging Vermonters to search for their own names, as well as those of their friends and family members, the Treasurer aims to ensure that no one misses out on the opportunity to recover their missing money.

A Streamlined and Accessible Claims Process

The process of claiming unclaimed property is designed to be quick and easy. Vermonters can visit the state's official unclaimed property website, missingmoney.com, to search for and initiate the claims process. For those needing assistance, the Unclaimed Property Division of the Treasurer's Office is available to provide guidance and support, ensuring that the rightful owners can seamlessly reclaim their forgotten assets.

Transforming Lives and Strengthening Communities

The impact of the Unclaimed Property Road Tour extends far beyond the financial benefits. Pieciak's visits have provided a glimpse into the real-world implications of these recovered funds, as he has heard firsthand how businesses and organizations plan to utilize their newfound resources. From staff appreciation events to scholarship programs and animal rescue efforts, these unclaimed assets are poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of Vermonters and the communities they serve.As the Treasurer's Office continues to safeguard and return unclaimed property, the message is clear: Vermont's hidden wealth is waiting to be discovered, and the time to act is now. By empowering Vermonters to search for and reclaim their missing money, the state is not only reuniting individuals with their rightful assets but also strengthening the very fabric of its communities.