Parlez-vous des Velos

Dear Friend,  First, a Word from Breakfast Thank you to our Franklin County Legislators for coming out this morning to listen to the concerns and suggestions of their constituents. We had a very productive and cordial exchange on many very difficult topics. We are being listened to and it is making a difference.  Now, a very special shout out to Linda's Restaurant on Lake Street for saving our bacon. After it became apparent that our original venue was not going to open to our needs in time, Linda's graciously threw open their doors and let us flood in to hold our meeting. And, I have to say - they make a much better cup of coffee than we were offering. Just another great example of friends helping friends. Pay it forward folks - stop in and say thanks the next time you pass by - and try the breakfast special!

What's This About Bicycles? This coming August, the Chamber has been asked to partner with the Collins-Perley Sports and Fitness Complex to host between 1,500 -1,800 bicyclist from the Montreal area who will be traveling through our county on one of their summer tours. They will be setting up camp at the Complex for a couple of days and they will be looking for ways to "experience" Franklin County. We are right now working out the details but here are a few opportunities you can start to plan for. Catering and Bistro We will be providing two dinners and two breakfasts for the entire group. We need caterers. We will be serving local food products where ever we can - we need Healthy Roots. We will be hosting a "Bistro Bar" for two nights including music, local beer and local wine - we need a night club. And we need an endless cup of coffee and other food options during their stay. Streetside Village Market We will be hosting, at the complex, a two day sidewalk sale and farmer's market combination with local music as well. Here is an opportunity to share your food and products with our closest international market. Not only will they be here for two days with a willingness to buy, but they live close enough that if you make an impression - they can come back. We are looking to have it set up so that local musicians can be performing during the market hours on both days.  Roadside Attractions During one day of their visit they will be cycling throughout the county on one of five different routes. We are looking for roadside stands where cyclist can eat their lunch or experience local products. We are also interested in promoting local activities, museums, sights and adventures. Our guests want to see and feel the real Vermont. Interested?  I have started to communicate with some businesses about this event so the ball is rolling. Anyone who is interested in any part that I have mentioned above should get in touch with me just as soon as you can. This coming Thursday from 2-3 at the complex, we will be meeting with the tour company to answer questions about the catering portion of the program. If this is something you are even remotely interested in, I would encourage you to attend this meeting. Just let me know if you are planning on attending so we can set up enough chairs. I'm excited, are you excited? Did You Know? The Pony Express was an important commodity to many communities, so much so that Chambers of Commerce would bid to have the ponies ride through their town. Yet, sometimes we are looking in the wrong direction. Chambers that were putting their eggs in the railroad basket soon found the golden goose - the telegraph. These lines ran along side the railroad tracks and would soon put the Pony Express out to pasture.

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

Dave Southwick