...And We are Here to Help.
It never gets old. Saturday with our U.S. Congressman and City Mayor and Monday with a half a dozen of our County Legislators. We are so fortunate to live in a state and community where we have the opportunity for personal, one-on-one, genuine conversations with our elected officials. All differences aside, when you have the chance to talk face to face with your government you have a much better feeling that they do care and that they are here to help.
So, What Did You Hear at the Traveled Cup?
Saturday morning, I asked Peter Welch, U.S. Congressman for the State of Vermont, "What is happening at the Federal level that will have a direct impact on Franklin County?" And while he couldn't point to anything that was "earmarked" for Franklin County, he did offer up the efforts surrounding the Transportation Bills that will improve our infrastructure and long term support for the state. And as most of us know, transportation is at the root of many of our employment issues. He also acknowledged the funding efforts that have supported the Downtown Enhancement Projects in St. Albans.
St. Albans City Mayor, Liz Gamache, shared the vision for the expansion of the streetscape project on Kingman and Lake Streets along with the plans for an improved Federal Street corridor. Funding is in place and construction will start with the warm weather. In addition, we can anticipate an major sidewalk and curb project to coincide with the repaving of the main thoroughfares.
And they make a great cup of coffee at the Traveled Cup.
Monday in the NWTC Hideaway, How'd that Go?
February is National CTE month - but you already knew that didn't you? Career & Technical Education Month is a celebration of the achievements of our CTE centers, formerly known as tech centers. The NWTC had invited our County Legislative team for a Conversation in the Hideaway. I really like that place.
Our representatives were keenly interested in how things are going and what barriers keep us from filling local jobs with local talent. Fine tuning curriculum, understanding job requirements and teasing apart the application process are areas that the NWTC sees as the critical paths to success. The legislators agreed. I truly appreciate the depth of the questions they ask, the compassion they exhibit while listening carefully and the pages of notes they take during these encounters. These elected officials care.
What Is Next?
Glad you asked. There is no shortage of opportunities for you to get your opinions heard. Check out this schedule:
- Mon., Feb 15, 6-7:00 pm. St. Albans Town Education Center. Public Hearing for Franklin County on the 2017 State Budget. Public encouraged to attend.
- Wed., Feb 17, 12-1 pm. Ethan Allen Room at the Statehouse, Legislative Discussion on the Senate marijuana bill with law enforcement. Public invited to attend.
- Sat., Feb 20, 8-9:30 am. Legislative breakfast at the Enosburg American Legion. Public invited to attend and participate in discussion.
- Mon., Mar 14, 8-9:30 am. Legislative breakfast, Bliss Room, St. Albans. Public required to attend (jk, encouraged).
Did You Know?
The definition of an Australian Ballot: a ballot containing the names of all the candidates for public office, printed and handed to the voter at the polling station to be marked in secret: so called because it originated in Australia. Ah, no kidding, you were hoping for something a bit more entertaining and mysterious, I know I was.
Please make a Chamber membership part of your success strategy. Join or Renew Today. And, thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.
Dave Southwick
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