Advocate

Dear Friend, Hats Off to a Job Well Done Earlier this week, I attended a Legislative Water Quality Forum hosted by Denise Smith from the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain and a couple of other like-minded organizations. The format included a plea for help from Ms. Smith, testimonies from a few subject matter experts and then a spirited and well focused question and answer period. Legislators, candidates and citizens alike had ample time to be heard. I was almost late for dinner.

The Topic was Water Quality - The Spirit was Advocacy It was made quite clear that we have a water quality issue in Lake Champlain and Lake Carmi as well as other Vermont bodies of water. No one argued the over arching issue. Some had feelings about the sources of the problem and the overall breadth of the problem, but no one denied that we have an issue. Save Lake Carmi!    Our Legislators and Candidates Get It I found it commendable that all of our current and prospective legislative members have supported or will support whatever it takes to make a difference in our water quality. While a few might feel that it has not been enough - for the most part, it is difficult to argue that our representatives and senators don't care.   Where's The Problem? The way I see it, the water quality problem is only perceived a problem in our corner of the state. Yes, we get some support from Grand Isle and parts of Chittenden county but there is a whole lot of the state that have other fish to fry (which they won't have if we don't clean up the water!). Not everybody in the state sees the water quality as the number one, number two or number three priority in their corner of the pasture.   Advocate  I left that forum with a big "ah ha" moment. If I don't share our concerns with others that I know in the state, how will they ever know that our problems even exist? This may seem obvious to some of you but to this simple bear I can do a better job of advocating beyond my county borders. I belong to a state wide organization of Chamber Executives. When something becomes important to our county, I plan to let these colleagues know that we would like their support with our problems. I plan to advocate to the other choirs. I'll write my very first letter this month.   Speaking of Advocating... It is not too late to join the St. Albans Raid Half Marathon as a spirited part of the 150th Raid celebration. On Sunday, September 21st, you can "Run Like a Bandit" through the streets and trails of St. Albans. Be part of the most unique start of any race anywhere when a round of musket fire sets you on your way. Register online at www.active.com - keyword "Raid Race" - there is still time.

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick