Spring Has Sprung

Dear Friend,  Know How I Know Spring Is Here? The same way you do. Ice is out, flowers are beginning to pop, mud, construction, a cacophony of bird songs (I stole that one from the Bird Diva), sunny days, warmth on my face, plow is put away (it's off the truck), graduation invitations, white legs, bicycle is in the shop, walked outside today and THE VT MAPLE FESTIVAL is in town. Got Maple? Check out all these other Spring Activities.

How About Those Young Professionals? Last week 20-30, 20-40 yos, took over Guy's Yard and Farm and knocked it out of the park. There is a tremendous amount of great energy being generated by this generation. They are hooking up, asking tough questions, talking solutions and making super noises for their home area. Get on board with this group - they are for real. Read more  Spring Mixer You have been wearing that parka and you have been cooped up since October. Check out BodySoul Massage this afternoon for the Chamber Mixer. Any business with Hope as an owner and Healing in their name has to be awesome. Come on by, meet some new people, share a bite and sip, see what Hope and her team have to offer and take home a soulful door prize. Tonight, 5:30, 375 Lake Road. Pay at the door. Annual Dinner One sure sign of Spring around this Chamber office is the frenzied preparation for the Annual Awards Dinner. I gotta tell ya, Lisamarie and her team go above and beyond to make this a special evening. Great decorations, fabulous food, not your ordinary silent auctions (that's right plural), awards for our incredible members and a "whoa, did I just hear that?" guest speaker. Oh yea, and I wear a coat and tie! Great opportunity for a selfie with the ED. Don't wait, Spring does not last that long. Details   Did You Know? I was the first to hear the 2016 Vermont Maple Festival Window Display winners. That almost never happens. Spoiler alert! 3rd Place - What a Yarn & Antiques; 2nd Place - Eaton's Fine Jewelry; and (drum roll please) your 2016 VMFWD Champion is: RAIL CITY SALON. woo hoo....

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

The Vermont Futures Project

Dear Friend, Data, Data, Data I teach an Applied Math Concepts course on the St. Albans campus of CCV. A rewarding and interesting pursuit. One of the sections we dip into is Statistics. In my experience you either love statistics or your hate 'em. I have never met anyone who says "Oh Stats, yeah, well, they're OK." Me, I love stats. Give me a graph or a pile of data and I can keep myself amused.

Why Is Data Important to Vermont? Let me introduce you to The Vermont Futures Project, a collaboration based on the collection of data that can help us see into and plan for the future. Here is what they have to say about themselves. The Vermont Futures Project believes that we need a carefully thought out vision for an economic future which provides opportunity for everyone, as they define it, grows in productivity, and yields tax revenue sufficient to meet our shared goals of fairness, environmental strength, and compassion.  The Vermont Futures Project was launched by the Vermont Chamber Foundation to build a shared vision for the  economy in collaboration with partner organizations, academic institutions, and thought leaders. We are setting a course toward a vibrant economic future through research, policy development and long-term strategies in order to realize that vision. The Vermont Futures Project is committed to addressing the challenges facing Vermont in workforce, demographics, productivity, industrial mix, and infrastructure. The Vermont Futures Project believes that Vermonters need a shared vision about the economy - one that is as strong as the vision we share for environment and for our social safety net.  Why Should I Be Interested? (Hint: answer is in bold) That's a great question and it will be on the quiz. In my opinion, data is most useful when the focus of that data hit closest to home. So, in order to get greater input from our home, "The Vermont Futures Project is convening a statewide discussion series regarding the future of Vermont with a goal of enhancing and sustaining a robust and growing economy.  We invite you to join us at the Swanton Village Municipal office Building on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM to join in this work." Register with Tim Smith at 524-2194 or Tim@fcidc.com or Kathy Lavoie at Kathy.Lavoie2@myfairpoint.net or 802-782-1924. BTW, I'll be there.   Did You Know? That 86% of all statistics are made up.

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

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