Potpourri for 2015

Dear Friend,  Starting 2015 Off on the Right Foot We have a calendar full of events, classes, networking opportunities and plain ole stuff planned for 2015. In addition to our regular slate of activities, we are booking events in Enosburg, Swanton and Fairfax as we speak. In fact, if you know of a good place where we can hold a class for, say 10 - 12 in any of these towns, let me know - I have a fun class we can plug in to kick off the season.   CVNHP  In 2014, we were asked to serve as the CVNHP Coordinator for Franklin County entities who might consider themselves stakeholders in all things that concern conservation and culture. Museums, partnerships, "Friends of" organizations, municipalities, etc. come to mind. Businesses and groups with similar mission statements might qualify as well. I currently have about 45 names on my list but I don't think I have everyone. Last week I sent out a notice about a substantial National Endowment for the Arts Grant opportunity. If you didn't get it and think, "hey, I'd be interested in that," then click this link and put your name and email address on the list for future notices. Here is a link that better explains the mission and purpose of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership.  Over the past year we have met to discuss future funding directions for quite a bit of money that has a great chance of coming right back into our area. I have to believe that there are more of you out there who would find this interesting and important. If you sign up, you will receive regular notices of grants, invitation to attend stakeholder meetings and regular updates as to how funding activities are maturing. Sign Up Here Mixers There BACK! This Thursday we celebrate our first 2015 Chamber Networking Mixer. Good people getting together to shake hands, share food, win a few door prizes and remind ourselves just how much we love working in Franklin County. Be there,Thursday, Jan 15th beginning around 5:30 at People's Trust Company at 25 Kingman Street. Oh yeah, please register in advance - it helps! Register Here    Reminders For all membership renewals in January and February, the Chamber will make a donation to the Watershed Mentoring program Swanton Chamber members get a discount on their 2015 dues if they renew their Swanton Chamber membership when they renew their Franklin County Chamber dues Enosburg Business Association members get a discount on their 2015 dues if they renew their EBA membership when they renew their Franklin County Chamber dues The Northwest Technical Center is offering 15% off their courses for all Chamber members (does not include on-line classes)

Did You Know? Immigration laws might make 2015 headlines but, beginning in as early as 1797, Chambers in Kentucky, Louisiana and California were striking immigration agreements to attract new businesses to their communities. Some worked, some failed but the vision was set.

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

Dave Southwick