Spring?

Dear Friend,  I Want to be Warm Even with a fresh blanket of snow on my lawn yesterday, Easter was spent enjoying the promise of Spring with brilliant sunshine and moments above 40 degrees. My brother's dog even took off his housecoat for a bit during his romp through the house and yard. Yet, again this morning, I am frozen. Has anybody seen that groundhog?

FCCQ COREX Roundup As I mentioned, last week I attended the FCCQ, the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce's launch of Programme COREX, their newest program to stimulate trade between Quebec and Northeastern US. For all intents and purposes, this is a web-based dating service for companies seeking international business partners. The first step will be to get the system loaded with interested partners. Then, you'll be able to connect with potential partners through a matching service. To get things started on your end - go to www.corexb2b.com and register your company. More will follow. What's Happening with That Bill - You know, that one? As we move faster and further into this legislative session, it is easy to lose track of what is happening with our favorite bill of the day. Everybody has their favorite tool or service to keep them abreast - I happen to like the VTDigger Tool "Statehouse Topic Tracker" - pretty easy to use and always up to date. It even has links directly into the Vermont General Assembly site.  Disaster Planning Workshop - A Success Host Steve Paddock did a wonderful job presenting the basics of "Disaster Recovery Planning." His calendar filled up pretty quickly with groups interested in meeting with him one on one to work on specific plans for local companies. Never too early to get your head wrapped around recovery planning. Contact the Chamber office and we'll get you in touch with Steve.  Did You Know? In 1931, after the local bank had closed, the Tenino (WA) Chamber of Commerce began to issue wooden coins backed by prominent citizens. Denominations of 25 cents, 50 cents, $1, $5 and $10 were made from local spruce trees. Proceeds from the sale were used to purchase back the bank and eventually convert the wooden standard back to the gold standard.

Please make a Chamber membership part of your success strategy. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick

International Trade

Dear Friend,  Tuesday with FCCQ Tomorrow morning I will be heading nord to visit with the La Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) as they launch their new Programme COREX and I understand just enough French to know what that all means.

Opportunity for Trade The FCCQ, the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce (I bet you got that part) has invited a team of commerce executives from New England to join them as they unveil their newest program to stimulate trade between Quebec and their neighbors sud de la frontière. Is This a Good Thing? If we take a look at the infrastructure changes that are being put into place on the Canadian side alone, we can see this is another step in bringing more commerce and tourism into Franklin County. Fourteen miles of four lane highway has been opened just nord de la frontière that now speeds up the commute between our businesses and and St. Jean, Brossard and Montreal. That is Good! What Are We Going to Learn? Well, here is what I see, Franklin County is one of the major gateways between nord un sud. No matter what they propose, it will most likely have to come through our neighborhood. The more we know about what le Programme CODEX offers, the better prepared we will be to welcome them as they cross la frontière. We'll know much more when we come home tomorrow afternoon than we did when we head out in the morning. I'll keep you posted.    Ah, Disaster Planning Last week we had planned to host Steve Paddock and "Disaster Recovery Planning"when disaster struck - Steve got the flu. Good thing we had a back up plan - we have rescheduled the seminar for this Thursday from 4:00 - 5:30 pm at the St. Albans Libray. Please respond to this email if you can make this rescheduled event - even if you were registered for the first one, we'd still like to hear from you yes or no. Thanks.  Did You Know? On March 14, 1909, Isaïe Préfontaine, president of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, sent his sister boards of trade a circular letter announcing the first meeting of what would become the Fédération des chambres de commerce de la province de Québec (FCCPQ) on April 15, 1909. Today, with its network of more than 140 chambers of commerce, the FCCQ represents more than 60,000 businesses and 150,000 business people involved in all sectors of the economy throughout Québec.

I heard it said this week; "The Chamber represents everybody but, not everybody is a member of the Chamber." Please make Chamber membership a part of your success strategy. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick

Expo.Expo.Disaster!

Dear Friends,  Expo, Take One Despite the biting cold weather yesterday, another Rotary Home Show and Expo is in the books and by all accounts it was a success. How fortunate we are to have an event where close to 5,000 people get to check out our businesses and services - for free. Thanks again to People's Trust for taking care of the admission fees. I hope you found a new customer or a new vendor - oh yeah, and something good to eat.  Expo, Take Two So you just got back from the Home Show and you found something you just can't live without. Better find the right job so you can afford to bring it home. Whether you are looking for your first job or thinking about making a career change - the Franklin Region Career/Job Expo is the place for you. This Thursday, Collins-Perley is once again home to another important Expo. This time, 65 businesses will be on hand to answer questions and let you see what they have for job opening and career opportunities. Polish up your resume, dust off your good clothes and get ready to make an impression.

Disaster Preparedness!!! How many remember Irene? How many are still cleaning up? How many are worried she might come back? Well floods are just one type of disaster that can shut down our business or organization. Power outages, power surges, power struggles can all raise havoc. A truck runs through your store front window or doesn't show up with a critical supply of materials for over a week. Are you prepared - do you have a plan? Cleaning Up is Just Part One This Thursday, the Strategies for Success Seminar series presents "Disaster Recovery for Your Business." This is the perfect opportunity to find out all you need to know to make sure your business is ready should something nasty strike. Those businesses and organizations who have a recovery plan in place are much more likely to be back in business sooner and with a smaller hit on the bottom line. Steve Paddock, from the Vermont Small Business Center will share tips on how you can right-size your recovery plan. You are going to want to hear what he has to say. Click here to register - free to members and $10 for guests    Speaking of Steve Steve Densham (also from the VTSBDC) said something in a Strategies for Success seminar last year that still rings as one of the most important bits of wisdom I have heard in quite awhile. "You have to take time out from working in your business to work on your business." This Thursday from 4:00 - 5:30 pm is the perfect opportunity to take time out to make a difference in your success.  Did You Know? Successful entrepreneurs have high character qualities. They are positive, disciplined and hold a mindset of success. They are resilient and agile in their response to challenges, and they also have a clear vision of what they want to achieve.

Membership renewals have slowed down, please consider your Chamber membership as part of your success strategy. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick

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

Time of Refreshing

Dear Friend,  All That Travel and I'm Still Cold I took a bit of time over the past few weeks to seek out family and warm weather. After 6,500 miles, 13 states, 4 airports, 8 different beds and many Facebook posts, I managed to see the majority of my children, their significant others and many of their friends. Sadly, I had to wear long pants, sweaters and my parka more often than I was able to wear shorts. So, while I feel refreshed from all the hugs, I still have a few more weeks of cold before I have a real chance at being warm.

Time of Refreshing When you travel, you have the opportunity to explore and investigate what other towns and cities have to offer. It gives you a chance to compare what others are doing and to look into ideas that might translate well at home. It is a time to reflect and ponder. What are we doing well? Where can we make improvements? I can tell you that after all that travel, I am still convinced that Franklin County is headed in the right direction. Time to Respond As I come in off the road into the early signs of spring, the Chamber has a list of refreshing events on tap. A business mixer in Enosburg Falls, a Strategies for Success seminar on Disaster Planning and a new event called "Business Matters" - a breakfast round-table with business owners and chamber leaders. That's not all, planning for the Annual Awards Dinner is in full swing. Stay tuned for more details for all of these events in the upcoming weekly newsletters. Time to Reply  Chamber renewals and event sponsorship are the only funding that the Chamber of Commerce receives. Now is a critical time for renewals. In order to continue to be a part of the growth and promotion of Franklin County, the Chamber needs your support.Please take a few minutes to renew your membership today. We want to be able to continue to support you and your business. Did You Know? The Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, formed in January of 1927, raised $100,000 for 'winter sports programs' including a 30 mile speedway for auto racing along the beach. Twenty years later, the first meeting of the National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR) was held at the Streamline Inn Motel in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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

Dave Southwick

Golden Opportunity

Dear Friend,  People Care About Franklin County It is not often that you get your county delegates, the Lt. Governor, the Governor and your U.S. Congressman to all show up in your town - without a parade! But that is what is happening in our corner of the state.

This Past Week Governor Shumlin was said to have paid us a visit on Friday and U.S. Congressman Peter Welch held court at The Traveled Cup on Saturday. Indications are that people were able to meet and spend quality time with these leaders. Today This afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 pm Lt. Governor Phil Scott and his staff will be hosting the "Franklin/Grand Isle Economy Pitch" to be held in the Bliss Room of the St. Albans Historical Society and Museum. You will have the opportunity to hear 15 local businesses and organizations 'pitch' their ideas for boosting our economy. This is free and open to the public plus snacks will be served in a nice warm room. All good reasons to get out there this afternoon and support your neighbors as they share their ideas that will eventually help you. Tomorrow  Tomorrow morning at 11:00 am in One Federal Restaurant, Governor Peter Shumlin will be once again be in town joining the St. Albans City leaders as they hold a press conference to unveil plans for a new Lake Street hotel. You have heard the rumors, now come and hear the real news. Following the press conference, the Governor will then be joining the St. Albans Rotary Club for lunch and another Q&A session. Reservations are requested so that the Rotarians can prepare enough food. You can contact me and I'll get word through. And I Have to Say it Again How fortunate we are to live in a state where we have up close and personal relationships with those who represent us in state and federal government. That is just awesome. The fact that they care enough about us to come to our house and visit face to face is something we should never take for granted. This is our opportunity.  Oh yeah, Dues Please take a few minutes to renew your membership today. We want to be able to continue to support you and your business. Did You Know? On April 7, 1930, the Jersey City Chamber was the first organization to distribute 50 television outlets around town to broadcast local events and programs. Their "feeble broadcast" was the first attempt at bringing their town out of radio and into television. We are very lucky to have Northwest Access TV covering our community.

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

Dave Southwick

Vermont Economy Pitch

Dear Friend,  Did You Say Pitch? To start out the 2015 legislative session, Lt. Gov. Phil Scott hosted an event he called a "Vermont Economy Pitch." And to quote Mr. Scott, "that's with a "P" not a "B." His intend was to create an event where people would have five minutes to pitch their ideas for improving the economy in Vermont.

Now it is Our Turn The Lt. Gov. found a few good nuggets in the first Pitch session that have actually been turned into Bills, so he announced that he would like to take the show on the road and conduct a few more. Today, he will be in Rutland and next Monday, February 16th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, he will be bringing the show to Franklin/Grand Isle County to hear from you. And yes, I do realize that next Monday is President's Day - scheduling is tight and I think both Washington and Lincoln would be in favor of us using their day to do a bit of Patriotic pitching.    How Does it Work? The session will be dedicated to 5 minute pitches from floor of the Bliss Room in the St. Albans Historical Society and Museum. Mr. Scott, his staff and county legislators from Franklin and Grand Isle counties will be in attendance to just listen and search for those golden morsels that can help make a difference in our economy. No interruptions, no rebuttals, maybe a clarifying question but for the most part this is about you presenting your ideas for consideration. Remember, this is with a "P" not a "B." I Have an Idea - Where Do I Sign Up? We are limited in time to just 15, five minute presenters. If you have an idea and would like to present it to our guests next Monday, click on this link and submit your name, your company, some contact information and a brief description of your idea. All requests will be reviewed and 15 will be chosen to present. We will be looking to avoid overlapping of ideas and a balanced representation of business types. We may even ask similar groups to pool your ideas and present as one group. Whether you have an idea or not, this is another wonderful opportunity to be in close contact with our delegates. You will want to carve out some time to hear your neighbors present their ideas on how we can improve our economy in Vermont. This Week in the Statehouse - click to see the most up to date legislative news. Did You Know? Since 1947, the Loveland, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the Loveland post office and 60 volunteers have been bringing love, hope and sentiments to people in all 50 states and more than 110 countries with a special cachet stamp and message postmarked from LOVELAND. More than 160,000 valentines get mailed each year from mothers to sons, grandfathers to granddaughters and everyone in between.

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

Dave Southwick