Expo.Expo.Disaster!

Dear Friends,  Expo, Take One Despite the biting cold weather yesterday, another Rotary Home Show and Expo is in the books and by all accounts it was a success. How fortunate we are to have an event where close to 5,000 people get to check out our businesses and services - for free. Thanks again to People's Trust for taking care of the admission fees. I hope you found a new customer or a new vendor - oh yeah, and something good to eat.  Expo, Take Two So you just got back from the Home Show and you found something you just can't live without. Better find the right job so you can afford to bring it home. Whether you are looking for your first job or thinking about making a career change - the Franklin Region Career/Job Expo is the place for you. This Thursday, Collins-Perley is once again home to another important Expo. This time, 65 businesses will be on hand to answer questions and let you see what they have for job opening and career opportunities. Polish up your resume, dust off your good clothes and get ready to make an impression.

Disaster Preparedness!!! How many remember Irene? How many are still cleaning up? How many are worried she might come back? Well floods are just one type of disaster that can shut down our business or organization. Power outages, power surges, power struggles can all raise havoc. A truck runs through your store front window or doesn't show up with a critical supply of materials for over a week. Are you prepared - do you have a plan? Cleaning Up is Just Part One This Thursday, the Strategies for Success Seminar series presents "Disaster Recovery for Your Business." This is the perfect opportunity to find out all you need to know to make sure your business is ready should something nasty strike. Those businesses and organizations who have a recovery plan in place are much more likely to be back in business sooner and with a smaller hit on the bottom line. Steve Paddock, from the Vermont Small Business Center will share tips on how you can right-size your recovery plan. You are going to want to hear what he has to say. Click here to register - free to members and $10 for guests    Speaking of Steve Steve Densham (also from the VTSBDC) said something in a Strategies for Success seminar last year that still rings as one of the most important bits of wisdom I have heard in quite awhile. "You have to take time out from working in your business to work on your business." This Thursday from 4:00 - 5:30 pm is the perfect opportunity to take time out to make a difference in your success.  Did You Know? Successful entrepreneurs have high character qualities. They are positive, disciplined and hold a mindset of success. They are resilient and agile in their response to challenges, and they also have a clear vision of what they want to achieve.

Membership renewals have slowed down, please consider your Chamber membership as part of your success strategy. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick