President’s Message: The Value of Tourism

DOWNLOAD THE APRIL ISSUE OF 60 MAIN STREET NEWS HERE

As you read this edition of Main Street News the first flushes of spring are being felt and the region is preparing for the first waves of warmer weather tourists. While all of us work to ensure the creation and expansion of value-added businesses, it is important to take time to express appreciation for and an understanding of, the value of our tourism and hospitality industry.

This sector not only provides financial stability to the region and to the state, it also perpetually etches in the minds of Vermonters and visitors the iconic images that draw visitors to us. Never was the importance and fragility of this industry made clearer than during the spring and fall floods a couple of years ago. We saw firsthand the financial effect on the state’s coffers and painfully witnessed the struggles that Vermont’s businesses endured to survive and come out better and stronger.

The Chamber has redoubled its efforts and focus on the tourism sector. We have redesigned our website and collateral materials to appeal to audiences that we know have a direct affinity for our region. We are venturing across the border into Canada to attend trade shows and to work with their growing agritourism industry. We continue to work to secure year-round air service to and from Toronto via Porter Air. There is good work that can be accomplished through collaboration that will grow economies and on both sides of the border. Once again we will offer our staff and others in the industry conversational French classes through the generosity of Ernie Pomerleau and the staff of Alliance Francaise of the Lake Champlain Region.

Understanding the importance of a clean and healthy Lake Champlain to our economy, your chamber is advocating for state funding of the priorities outlined by the Agency of Natural Resources that will begin returning the waters of the lake to an even higher quality than we enjoy today. While we do not agree that tax and fee increases are necessary to accomplish this, we are committed to finding an equitable solution. After all, if clean water is as high a priority as it is professed to be, then certainly we can find the 10-15 million dollars a year required to make real progress within a 1 billion dollar state budget.

As always, if you have ideas to share or are looking to get involved with the chamber, please feel free to contact me or any of the staff. This really is your chamber.

— Tom Torti, President, LCRCC

Chamber Education Center: Improve Your Bottom Line with Online Courses

The LCRCC Education Center combines online learning with our own social media capability, providing an environment where Chamber members and their employees can take online courses in a wide range of subjects from basic accounting and succession planning to employee ownership and customer service. The Chamber is committed to providing high quality educational programs that are available outside of a fixed schedule – at the convenience of our members and their employees.

We recognize the growing demand on our members’ time and resources and have developed an online learning network that links members to cutting edge courses that will help them to be more successful in their businesses. These courses are available 24/7/365 and can be taken from home, the office or “on the road”.

We recognize that employee professional development is very important to business growth and stability and have made the creation of pertinent educational programs a priority. With round the clock access to these programs, employees are able to fit their own training requirements into their busy schedules.

To have access to our Education Center you must be a member of the Chamber. Currently members of the LCRCC have access to a wide variety of products and services from issue advocacy to health insurance. Now, the LCRCC is the “go to” place for our Members and their employees to access training and educational resources.

You are invited to log on to the portal at https://lcrcc.globalclassroom.us. Contact Cari Kelley at cari@vermont.org or by phone at 802-863-3489, ext. 227 to receive your username and password.

- Cari Kelley, LCRCC

Kick Off Spring at Saba Marine on April 18

Come experience Colchester’s Saba Marine – Vermont’s Premier Full Service Boat Dealer – and network from the bow of your next boat on April 18, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm! With delicious food, great drinks, and the rare opportunity to have a glass of Wolaver’s aboard a showroom speedboat, you won’t want to miss this networking event.

Co-sponsored by Guild & Company, Wolaver’s, Larry Brett’s Jukebox, and Farm Fresh Radio 102.9 FM. Saba Marine is located at 390 Prim Road in Colchester just 10 minutes away from downtown Burlington. Saba Marine will have their 8,000 square foot showroom alive and full of 18’ to 33’ boats to view and relax in, while enjoying a cocktail, delicious food and summer music to get you in the mood for warm weather and of course there will be door prizes!

One of the event’s sponsors, Guild & Company on Williston Road in South Burlington, is a farm-to-table steakhouse featuring dry aged, local beef grilled over Vermont hardwood. The menu offers classic steakhouse entrees, seafood and vegetarian options, and an innovative cocktail program. More casual fare, such as local beef burgers, fish & chips, salads, meatloaf, and sandwiches are available for dining out any night of the week. Find out more at http://www.guildandcompany.com. Kick off spring, think summer and we hope to see you there! Register at Vermont.org.

– Jenn Jarecki, Events Coordinator, LCRCC

Linking Learning to Life Changes Name to Navicate

Linking Learning to Life, an education non-profit, announces the re-branding of its organization to Navicate (www.navicate.org). The name change reflects the evolving role the organization has played in helping Vermont’s young people navigate next steps while also highlighting the roles its had in the transformation of education in the state.

Governor Shumlin’s “K-Through-Job” proposal emphasizes creating flexible pathways to secondary school completion, including increased investment in dual-enrollment, internships, and early college programs. This could mean more pressure put on schools to get students into their communities doing work-based and service learning. “We are working on professionalizing the field for those educators and employers that are creating these experiences for students. It needs to be done in a quality way across the board. In fact, we are excited to launch a work-based learning training for educators this spring,” says Rich Tulikangas, Executive Director.

“Our new name better positions us to share the stories of our alumni that are leading successful careers, in whatever interest they decided to follow, remarks Tulikangas.”

As board member and program alumni, Mohamed Basha, testified at last year’s 15th anniversary event “I’m 26, running a company in Vermont and employ over 200 people in Vermont and New Hampshire. We make a difference in people’s lives…being an entrepreneur is because of what I learned through LLL [Navicate]. …That really gave me a jump start in life.”
The organization hopes to leverage stories like these to attract new funders and expand their capacity to reach even more students, schools, and employers through programs and trainings. “We’re helping to build a new system…one where hands-on learning is mainstream and accepted. One where young people are treated as individuals. Here’s to our next chapter!” Lathrop excitedly shares.

– Contributed by Kerry Hill, Career Development Coordinator, Navicate

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: CHANGE

We’re undergoing quite a few changes here at LCRCC. Similar to our members, we recognize the need to readily adapt to the evolving business landscape. The new energy amongst your Chamber staff is inspiring, and this excitement is evidenced by significant changes taking place and on the horizon.

In addition to the sizable change in merging with the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber, we have also been subtly changing behind the scenes for the past year. Our events have a new flare to them, with themes, videos, and more. Our email strategy has changed drastically, focusing our information into a once a week email, The Chamber Weekly. Additionally, members and member employees can subscribe to tailored emails for Event Invitations, Legislative Updates, Burlington Young Professionals, and Tourism Marketing information. You can read about other changes throughout this edition of the Main Street News.

The Main Street News is also receiving new attention.The Lake Champlain Chamber is one of the last business organizations producing a monthly newsletter and, as much as we accept new modes of communication, the old adage ‘don’t mess with success’ rings in our ears. However, based on feedback from members, focus group input, and a review of best practice models, we have decided that our newsletter must evolve.

As we roll out these changes, our hope is to both provide you with timely and useful information that is forward looking while maintaining the ‘look back’ features that many note as the reason they enjoy our monthly publication. The MSN will continue to showcase your great work and the many programs offered by your Chamber.

For an overview of our programs, affiliations, benefits, and how to get involved, please flip to page 7. You can also find important announcements about events and more on the back of the New Member insert.

As we embrace change, we appreciate your feedback! For our organization to continue to help your business and community thrive, we need to cater to the ever-changing needs of our membership. Please send any feedback to Tom@vermont.org.

- Tom Torti, President, LCRCC

 

To download the March Main Street News, March 2013 MSN.

If you are a member, and are not receiving the print Newsletter and would like to, please email amanda@vermont.org.

 

THE SILENT AUCTION EVOLVES

One of the Chamber’s most highly anticipated events is just around the corner: the 21st Annual Ambassadors’ Silent Auction which will be held Thursday, March 28 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. This popular and energetic networking event showcases must-have contributions from members all over the state and helps raise money for the Paul Gallagher Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund. This fund is a partnership with VSAC that assists one Vermont business student with their higher education costs. With nearly 500 guests expected to attend this year’s event – which boasts some very exciting changes – you and your colleagues won’t want to miss the opportunity to showcase your products and meet hundreds of community members.

What’s New?
Venue: This year’s event will be held at the spectacular University of Vermont Davis Center, in both the Grand Maple Ballroom and the Livak Fireplace Lounge. Parking? No problem! With over 900 free spots in the Jeffords Lot, we’ve got you covered!

New Auction Varieties: This year we’re incredibly fortunate to have Jamie Polli of GameshowsVT emceeing the entire event, culminating in a brand new live auction portion. We’ll also be bundling together fantastic prizes for a raffle auction, in addition to the traditional table bidding.

Petals Partnership: Green Mountain Florist Supply is generously donating dozens of flowers to adorn our Auction’s tables. Though each vase will be uniform, the talented staffs at Chappell’s Florist, Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse, & Perennial Farm, and Kathy & Company Flowers will each have the opportunity to create a unique centerpiece, showcasing their individual strengths.

The Taste of the Chamber, a staple of the Auction, is a gathering of member caterers and restaurants who serve their tastiest treats to keep bidders well-fed during the event. This year’s line-up is down right mouth-watering and includes: Ben & Jerry’s, Bluebird Tavern, Boloco, Cotton Candy Connection, Guild & Company, Leonardo’s Pizza, The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant, Tipped Cow Cookies, and Wetherbee’s Catering. In addition to holding court around the Auction items, many of this year’s Taste Participants will also be passing food throughout the Grand Maple Ballroom and Livak Fireplace Lounge, so there may be no need to leave those items you are keeping a watchful eye on!

An event such as this cannot be realized without the help of our very generous sponsors. This year’s group includes: The University of Vermont, Gordon’s Window Décor, Comcast, NeuEon, Inc., Farrell Distributing, Inc., Long Trail Brewing Company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, Green Mountain Concert Services, GameShows VT, Top Hat Entertainment, and Farm Fresh Radio 102.9 FM.

The Auction is our Ambassador Committee’s time to shine, so we encourage you to find one of these hardworking Chamber members March 28th, if they haven’t found you first! The Chamber Ambassadors are twenty dedicated members that volunteer their time and resources to help make each and every monthly networking event effective, welcoming, and successful for hosts and attendees alike. The Committee includes Heidi Auclair (Chair, Morway’s Moving and Storage), Andrew Becher (Curtis Lumber), Lisa Bodette (Northern Benefits), Laura Bowe (WCAX-TV), Maureen Carlo (NeuEon, Inc., event sponsor), Kelly Conklin (Gordon’s Window Décor, event sponsor), Theresa Ferrara (Attaca Realty), Christine Frenette (American Red Cross), Cynthea Hausman (Vice-Chair, Cynthea’s Spa), Jonathan Hayward (Liberty Mutual Insurance), Debby Jarecki (Ashley Furniture Homestore), Suzanne Johnson (American Red Cross), Joy Karnes Limoge (Law Offices of Joy Middlebrook Karnes, Esq.), Laurie Malenfant (Hampton Inn and Event Center), Nathan Miller (DominionTech), John Olson (Beacon Wealth Management, LLC), Bob Perry (Casella Waste Systems), Nikki Rivolta (Sovernet Communications), Scot Sweeney (ABLE), and Tyler Wood (The Vermont Agency).

To register for the Silent Auction, please click here.

Check out the contributed items by clicking here.

-  Jenn Jarecki, LCRCC Events Coordinator

VERMONT.ORG RE-LAUNCHES IN APRIL WITH NEW LOOK AND APPROACH

“W e saw the potential that LCRCC’s website had and knew we could add value, while also helping them to transform from their present static site into an online presence for the region and beyond. We set the goal of turning VERMONT.ORG into a more robust community centric property, as well as a way for chamber members to virtually connect in a more compelling manner, all while increasing traffic and page views.” Jeffrey Harkness, founder of HARK Digital. “VERMONT.ORG posed a unique challenge in that the web property is serving at least two large audiences with distinct needs and profiles. At the end of the day, design is about solving problems, and the solution is always there if you approach it with the right attitude and and process.”

A completely new VERMONT.ORG is launching in April. Not only will there be an updated look and approach, but the most notable change will be to the navigation of the site. VERMONT.ORG will become a destination for tourists and locals looking for information about visiting the region, local services and businesses, events, things to do, and much more! Therefore, information about the Chamber and our programs will be located on a “separate” site, VERMONT.ORG/Chamber. This represents a considerable change that might catch some of our members off guard; however, we have made this navigation change to improve the user experience of our site. Your business’s profile page on VERMONT.ORG will be easier to find and more useful. VERMONT.ORG’s current traffic is very strong, and with the re-design, we know our numbers will increase, as well as the site visitor experience and engagement with the site.
After a long RFP process back in Fall 2012, the Chamber awarded LCRCC member HARK digital the project. HARK Digital helps innovative companies tell their stories more effectively, guiding clients through the myriad of choices available in the online world today to create compelling communication experiences. Hark’s areas of focus are branding, digital strategy, web design and creative direction. To learn more about HARK, visit http://www.hark.bz.
Businesses and photographers can submit photography to be included on the site – photos should be submitted asap or by March 15 for the initial launch. VERMONT.ORG’s events calendar will become more robust and intuitive, and we need your events to populate the calendar!
Additionally, if you are interested in taking advantage of the re-launch of VERMONT.ORG as an advertiser or web sponsor, please contact Lauren@vermont.org.
Member feedback has been crucial throughout the re-design process – with member questionnaires, in-person member updates, and focus groups. If you are interested in being a part of the final stages of the website launch, please email me at sarah@vermont.org.

- Sarah Ramsdell Beal, Director of Communications, Marketing, and Tourism, LCRCC