The Power of Powerful Storytelling

Dear Friend, Tell Me A Story For the past year, we have been promoting conversation and storytelling as a way of growing community. People sharing about their roots, their struggles, their successes and their dreams are all part of growing movement to increase community awareness and to promote social capital. Community Matters Breakfasts, Conversation Cafe's, 63 Seconds of Unabashed Self-Promotion and Curbside Chats are all safe places to share a story.

Have We Got A Story for You! Each year, The Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts their Annual Awards Dinner. This year it is on Friday, May 6 at the American Legion Hall in St. Albans. Doors open at 5:00 pm.  The Chamber is thrilled to welcome humanitarian, physician and author Dr. Dilip Joseph as our guest storyteller for the evening. Dr. Joseph has spent considerable time working in Afghanistan, bringing training, aid and education to families who have no access to medical treatment or facilities.  In 2012, he was kidnapped and held hostage by Taliban insurgents, and was ultimately rescued in a daring mission led by Navy Seal Team Six. In 2014, Dr. Joseph put a pen to his story and wrote of his ordeal in his first book, "Kidnapped by the Taliban - A Story of Terror, Hope, and Rescue by SEAL Team Six."  Dr. Joseph has been speaking about his experience, what it taught him, and how it has formed his future work as a physician and humanitarian. I might add that his work spans developing and established countries, providing internships and work experience in public health and clinical medicine. He is most interested in incorporating his medical experience into positive and proactive endeavors in developing nations. I Don't Think You Are Going to Want to Miss This One Spoiler Alert, when I first heard Dr. Joseph speak, I could not breath for 45 minutes.  Tickets On Sale NOW! Hors-d'oeuvres & cocktails; Buffet dinner catered by Twiggs; Cash bar. Admission is $45 per person or $320 for tables of 8 people. Online reservations are available at www.fcrccvt.com. You may also reserve your seats in person at the Chamber Office.  Did You Know? The Chamber will also be recognizing the following businesses and individuals for their amazing contribution to Franklin County. Outstanding Large Business of the Year - Peoples Trust Company. Outstanding Small Business of the Year - Champlain Insuring. Tim Bovat Civic Involvement Award - Peter Garceau. Rising Star Award - Grunts Move Junk. Come on out and help celebrate the celebrated.

Please make a Chamber membership part of your success strategy. Join or Renew Today. And, thank you for investing your support in the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick