Collaboration

Dear Friend, All Roads Lead to the Summit Over the past two days I have had the opportunity, neigh, the privilege of participating in two very important gatherings on behalf of Franklin County. On Monday, I was in Plattsburgh, NY at the 2014 International Summit of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership. Tuesday, I went to Burlington, VT to sit in on InnoVaTe 2014, the second annual Economic Development Summit sponsored by the Vermont Department of Economic Development. I left both Summits with a single charge - Collaboration.

CVNHP The Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership is a division of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. In a nutshell, the mission is to conserve our land and preserve our heritage as it relates to Lake Champlain. The FCRCC has been selected as a Regional Stakeholders Group (RSG) coordinator. Our task is to gather people, groups, and opinions that best represent the ideals of Franklin County. A couple times a year, the Franklin County RSG meets to share ideas for conservation and heritage promotion in Franklin County. These ideas are consolidated with other RSGs and presented to the Steering Committee for funding consideration.    2014 was our first year as a RSG and our turnout was sparse but vocal. Several of our ideas are under consideration for grant opportunities in the near future. We can do better. This is our chance to collaborate with RSGs from the rest of Vermont, New York and Quebec and to impact the types of grant opportunities that come back to our area to help us fund the programs we believe will make a difference.   If you are not currently on the CVNHP mailing list and want to be part of the Franklin County Regional Stakeholder Group sign up today.  SIGN UP HERE   Economic Development InnoVaTe 2014 was a celebration of the economic development success in the state of Vermont. And while I will not bore you with the details, I will point out that innovation, collaboration and a positive environment were the clear topics of the day. The majority of the presentations were from young, innovative entrepreneurs who have bravely chosen Vermont as home to their business endeavors. Why? Quality of life? Yes. Social and Environmental Responsibility? Yes. But most importantly, a support system of collaborators and partners willing to take chances on new growth ideas. We must continually look for ways to support the budding ideas in Franklin County.    I have a few growing thoughts on how we can make more of this happen. Keep your eyes open for upcoming forums where we can build on what we already have. But don't wait, if you have an idea today, let's talk.      Did You Know? Local Chambers of Commerce lobbied long and hard to have the new Transcontinental Railroad come through their towns. Their insight into the future of rail travel and commerce helped to transform small villages into thriving business centers.

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

Dave Southwick

Four Things to Click On

Dear Friend, Get Your Finger Ready On the average, I attend about 12-15 meetings a month. I go as the representative and voice of the members of the Chamber of Commerce. These meetings concern zoning issues, Brownsfield clean-ups, community actions, legislative discussions, business development, water quality, healthy citizen strategies and scarecrow contests. We discuss branding ideas, rest areas, mentoring, fountain restorations, vandalism, walking routes and Civil War re-enactments. We chat about Enosburg, Swanton, Richford, Georgia, Fairfax, Fairfield, Berkshire, Bakersfield, Franklin, Montgomery, Sheldon, Fletcher, Highgate and Clemson.   I go willingly, it's what I do, it's my job.

This is What I've Heard (lately) 1. The physical and mental health of your employees is good for your business or organization. Studies show the clear health and economic benefits of a worksite wellness program: decreased absenteeism and employee turnover, lower health care costs, and savings on downtime and temporary help needed due to illness.   But in order for these people to serve you best, you have to take a few minutes to complete their Worksite Wellness Survey. Click #1   2. People have funding available to train your employees. They want to use these moneys in Franklin County.    But in order for these people to address the training and education needs of your incumbent and potential employees, they need you to tell them what you need. Click #2   3. I have just met with a new resource to our area. He is a consultant with Google Business Pages and is in our town to help you promote your business through the most widely visited mapping system in the world.    But in order for you to take advantage of this opportunity, you have to take time to work on your business - next Thursday, Oct 30, 3:30 - 5:00, and, oh yes, you have to sign up. Click #3   Help Reach Others The success of the Chamber is based on memberships, we are a volunteer, not-for-profit organization. Share your experiences with others, let them know how the Chamber has helped your business or organization. Share a story with them and encourage them to meet with us today. We are here to help.   Final Click If you received this email from a friend, join our Chamber Chat List today. Click #4   Did You Know? In 1923, a real estate development company called Hollywood Land erected a giant sign on a nearby cliff to promote their fine properties. The land deal was a bust and the sign fell into disrepair - the letters LAND having fallen off. The neighbors wanted to tear down the eyesore but the local Chamber of Commerce stepped in, refurbished the sign to help promote the local economy creating the most recognized (and most visited) town sign in history.

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

Dave Southwick

Community Value

Dear Friend, Chamber of Commerce - Community Value The senatorial and representative candidates come to the Bliss Room in the St. Albans Historical Society & Museum this Thursday, October 9 at 5:00 pm to meet with you and answer your questions. This is your opportunity to hear how the candidates respond to your concerns before we go to the polls in one month.

You Will be Heard More than 25 different individuals and organizations have submitted questions for our senatorial candidates. While we won't have time for every question, each candidate will receive a copy of every question as part of their lovely parting gifts for participating in this forum. Both senatorial and representative candidates alike will take home your concerns and will have time to reflect on them as they prepare their final speeches and campaign stops. In addition, those who are fortunate to be elected will have those same questions in their hands as they head off to Montpelier. You will be heard.    Limited Seating We will be limited in the number of guests we can accommodate for the forum so please come early. We will also want to get the "meet and greet" portion of the program started right at 5:00 pm to allow the most time possible for personal interaction.   Table Topics The final portion of the evening will see our senatorial candidate rotating between smaller groups at five different table clusters. Each cluster will have a table host who will monitor questions. In an effort to add some shape to the discussions, table clusters will be formed around political topics. As you are called to move from the general forum to the small groups, select a table cluster under a topic that best matches your concerns. While the table cluster is not bound to that topic only, it will add some variety to the types of questions presented to the candidates. Topics will probably include: Education, Water Quality, Economic Development, Healthcare, and Government. Transportation will be squeezed in there as well.   Questions  You can still have a little time to contribute your questions for the candidates at Ask a Question. If you have questions about the evening, please feel free to contact the Chamber office. See you Thursday.   Did You Know? The St. Louis Chamber of Commerce saw a great opportunity when it funded young Charles Lindbergh and "The Spirit of St. Louis" enabling it to beat a Brooklyn Chamber backed plane to be the first to complete a transatlantic flight. This single, timely event put St. Louis on the map and gave it a much needed boost in the launch of a very lucrative aviation industry. Ever hear of the "Auspices of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce?" I didn't think so.

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

Dave Southwick