We Need Your Help

Dear Friend,  The Hardest Part is Asking We have reached that point where we need your help. In order for us to grow our Chamber outreach and programming we need to strengthen our membership numbers. And, we need your help to make that happen. Please take a minute and think of one business or organization that you feel would benefit from being a member of the Chamber and invite them to our Member Social this coming Thursday. We need your help.

Memberships Drive the Chamber Fact, the Regional Chamber of Commerce is one of the few organizations that exists with the single focus to promote the business, tourism and culture in our County. We have no other agenda - Lisamarie and I come to work each day to support you, period. Fact, I attend between 12-15 gatherings a month just to represent the best interest of the Chamber membership and to build relationships at meetings that members themselves cannot attend. Fact, the Chamber is funded completely by member dues and member sponsorship. We receive no outside funding. Fact, without you, there is no Chamber.      Is Membership Worth It?  Good question. All social research shows that membership in community organizations is driven by perceived value. For the past two years, our team has been working diligently to build a Chamber presence throughout the county that brings definite value to the membership. We divide our time into the critical areas that, in some way, meet the needs of every business and organization. Networking, education, legislation, community investment, communications and business promotion. Value? Yes, the Chamber IS working for you.     I Need Your Support Thursday night, 5:30 pm, in the Bliss Room - we will be hosting a Member/Guest Social to answer questions and share more about the value we being to the table. Free food, cash bar, sign ups and referral incentives. Please come, bring a friend, we want to keep building on a good thing. RSVPs Requested Did You Know? Society as a whole benefits enormously from the social ties forged by those who choose connective strategies in pursuit of their particular goals. We know from many studies that social capital can have what economists call "positive externalities." That is, quite apart from their utility in solving the immediate problem, interpersonal ties are useful for many other purposes. (Better Together, Robert Putnam)

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

Dave Southwick

Quick!!

Dear Friend,  Software, Can't Live Without It If you want to be successful in business then you have to find those three or four monster apps or software tools that just make your job that much easier. The days of doing everything by hand went out with churning butter. Not that I ever churned butter but I did crank out a few tubs of ice cream. And a pint of Ben & Jerry's Fish Food is still the way to go. But I digress...

Accounting for Idiots I know, right, idiots should not be doing accounting. But if you have the right tools, a little bit of computer common sense, the right software and a great accounting consultant well then you can do your own books. I am living proof. QuickBooks has saved my accounting bacon. And with a few tricks up my sleeve, thanks to my friend Gina Clark, I can even knock out the bills, reconcile the check books (yes, I saidbooks), make deposits, enter the payroll, produce the board reports and even generate an invoice. And you thought I was just another pretty face.      How Did That Happen?  Start by picking the right software - we use QuickBooks but their are others, then get a good consultant to train you up, use memorized transactions, keep good notes and make it a routine. It also helps to have manual close by for quick references on those tough to remember combinations of key strokes. In no time you will be doing the books without a nervous breakdown.    We'll Help You Out This week, our Strategies for Success Seminar is Quick Tips for QuickBooks featuring Gina Clark and her magical touch. Join us to get the inside scoop on just how easy it can be to accomplish the basics of small business bookkeeping. Note the new day,Wednesday, October 28 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at the St. Albans Library on Maiden Lane. Reserve Your Spot Now - CLICK HERE. Did You Know? Before the first hapless accountant was called a 'bean counter' the phrase was also used as the name of a place where beans were sold, especially in the USA where 'pork and bean counters' were commonplace in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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

Dave Southwick

Takin' Care of Business

Dear Friend,  It Snowed! Most of you experienced a bit of your first snow this weekend, some more than others. I woke up this morning and still have a significant "dusting" on the ground. Well, I always tell folks when they ask me how long our winters are; make sure your Halloween Costume fits over your parka and that your Easter Bonnet is fleece lined. But, then again, I like winter.

Getting Ready Each change of season causes us to pause and take an inventory to make sure we are ready for the upcoming challenges. All of the summer deck furniture is put away, the pool is closed, the boat out of the water, cars are scheduled to go in and have their winter tires put on and I'm back in the gym getting in shape for the ski season. I still need to tape up a few windows and doors but for the most part we have been taking care of the business of getting ready for a new season.     Holiday Seasons  As November and December approach we start to understand that the days are getting shorter. Not just the amount of sunlight but also the fact that for many this is a busy time of the year. There don't seem to be as many hours in the day as we see in the rest of the year. A lot goes on and we need to be taking care of business to get us through these final few months.       Business Matters We need to make the same adjustments for our businesses as well. Are we prepared for the end of year rush? Are we prepared to move into 2016 with a new sense of hope and excitement? Are we in good physical and mental shape to take on the extra hours, extra calories and extra, you know, stress that goes with the territory? Are we taking care of our employees and customers and managing our businesses with the day to day joy and passion that got us to where we are today? Stop for a minute, stand tall and ask yourself, am I taking care of business?  Did You Know? Randy Bachman first wrote a song inspired by a hard working recording technician who actually took the 8:15 train into the city each day and wore a white collared shirt. Originally titled, White Collar Worker, Bachman later heard a local radio DJ exclaim; 'We're takin' care of business' and before you know it Bachman-Turner Overdrive has a smash hit on their hands becoming one of BTO's most enduring and well known songs.

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

Dave Southwick

Fall Colors

Dear Friend, Fall For most Vermonters, it is difficult to not be impressed with the magnificent colors that adorn our trees in late September and early October. Fall in New England is a time for all of us to take a step back and stand in awe of the beauty that surrounds us. We are so fortunate.

Fall Visitors For many Vermonters, Fall represents that time of the year when our shops, restaurants and attractions are filled to the brim with our annual "leaf peeper" visitors. Long lines, slow traffic, crowded markets are all welcomed signs that our economy is bursting in color as well. Guests mean business and in a state known for its diverse beauty and ever changing scenery, guests have plenty of reasons to visit time and time again.     Fall Hosts  Members of this vibrant community, have the opportunity to share the warm and spectacular spirit that defines the true heart and soul of a visit to Vermont. A smile, a wave, or a simple nod of the head all send a welcoming message to a traveler looking for a simple reassurance that they have come to the right spot. Any visitors who feels they have connected with the "locals" is sure to make a return trip in the not too distant future.     Fall Family Fall visitors may help keep our economy alive, but the turn of the season also fuels the closeness we feel with our friends and family. Students returning for Fall Break, hunters taking to the woods with old friends and families bringing in the crops in preparation for colder weather all remind us that it is the value of these deep relationships that keeps Vermont, well, Vermont. Happy Fall! Did You Know? According to some sources, Vermont attracts 3.5 million visitors and $460 million in spending a year during foliage season, which reaches its peak around Columbus Day. I saw a few of them this past weekend.

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

Dave Southwick

Businesses as Educators

Dear Friend,  The Mandate The state of Vermont has mandated that every high school student have a Personalized Learning Plan (PLPs) and an increased access to some form of a Work-Based Learning Experience. They call it Act 77, codename: Flexible Pathways. Read more...

Time To Teach The long and the short of it is that the Education Gurus are acknowledging the power and wisdom in having our students see what the business world has to offer beforethey get out of high school. Why not get a real sense of just what skill sets a future employee will need while it is still possible to influence their personal education path? I like it. But, and there is always a but, that means that businesses in Franklin County have to expand the process of opening their doors and letting the students peek inside. And since we have a lot of students and they all need to take a peek, that means that all businesses, small and large will have to start allowing access. And this is a good thing. The more our students know about the employment opportunities that surround them in their home towns, the more likely they will want to do internships here and return here for their full time employment. And you are going to want them to do just that.       Let's Get Started: Op #1 On October 21st, the Franklin County Business and Professional Women along with the BFA Student Council and Business Department are hosting a Financial Literacy Day. Students from the Personal Finance and Career Exploration classes will visit 17 booths, manned by the business community - that's where you come in! Topics will cover Statistics, Banking, Housing, Utilities, Furniture, Groceries, Child Care, Transportation, Insurance, Life's Unexpected, Medical/Dental/Optical, Legal, Clothing, Pet & Vet, Charitable Donations, Entertainment, Travel and Financial Counseling. THEY NEED YOU - contact Barbara Fraser bfraser@fcsuvt.org, Marilyn Grunewald mlg1@aol.com or Jacqui Hood jacquih@comcast.net. Do it right now and do not make me beg. OK, PLEASE!   Let's Get Started: Op #2 Starting in November, the Chamber will be joining the NWTC to offer a series of Conversation Cafe' Breakfasts. This is similar to our Community Matters Breakfasts only these will include students and will focus on a single business type for each meeting. Think restaurants, then retail, then medical, then lodging, then manufacturing, then service, then who knows. Four or five reps from each business community will join a group of students and faculty for a lively discussion, open forum and food. Check these guys out for more insight: http://www.conversationcafe.org/. We will be introducing the dates and topics within the next week or so. In the meantime, sharpen up your round table meets speed dating techniques. These kids are going to love you. Contact me if you are interested in being part of a group.   Did You Know? At a matchmaking event he organized in 1998, Rabbi Yaacov Deyo brought along a gragger, the noisemaker Jews use during Purim. That night, in a Peet's Coffee & Tea in Beverly Hills, the Orthodox rabbi twirled his gragger to signal when it was time for the single men and women present to switch partners and spark up a conversation with the next stranger. "We thought 10 minutes for each date, because that was just an easier number to use in a busy coffeehouse," Deyo says. This entirely practical measure would inspire matchmakers all around the world.

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

Dave Southwick

Young and Professional

Dear Friend,  What's In A Name? When you mention the Franklin County Young Professionals, the first questions that come to mind are; 'what is young and what is a professional?' Don't think about this too hard. If you consider yourself young and you are working (or would like to be working) then you are a Franklin County Young Professional. Need more direction? Check This Out

The Future of Franklin County We've talked about this before, many times, so it should come as no surprise to anyone that we believe that the future of Franklin County lies in the hands and minds of our youth. Our young adults are the life and breath of tomorrow. They bring the spirit, the enthusiasm and the creativity to take the county to the next level. Our 'yooots' have definitely got game.       Why Another Organization? Today's young adults do not join organizations just for the sake of joining yet they still gravitate toward the idea of hanging out with like minded folks. Franklin County YP is just that, a collection of enthusiastic Franklin Countyites (or Countonians) who are looking to make a difference. These kids don't need a reason to gather - they just gather and create the reason. They care about their community and they want to seek out others who they can team up with to help them reach their dreams.  Don't Take My Word For It Tonight. Twiggs. 6:00. Recorded yesterday but worth watching today - Go Zach! Did You Know? For years young professionals have been to gathering to explore business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections. The Chamber has always been a logical partner. Beginning in 1920, the United States Junior Chamber (JCs or more commonly Jaycees) was developed as a leadership training and civic organization for people between the ages of 18 and 40. Today we support the Young Professionals. Talk to me about how you can help.

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

Dave Southwick

Last Second Legislative Forum

Dear Friend,  Mind Excavating.... I think I mentioned something last week about a need for a mind excavating. Oooh boy was I right. So let's get right to the point.

Legislative Forum  Tomorrow, the Chamber and the St. Albans Rotary are co-hosting a Legislative Forum featuring the team from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. This is the first in a series of opportunities that we will bring to St. Albans businesses to help garner a better understanding of recent legislation and what to expect during the 2016 legislative session.      What Is This? The Vermont Chamber of Commerce will be presenting information that will help us better understand what happened in 2015 and what we can expect in 2016. This is not a debate nor is it an exchange with our county legislators, it is a great opportunity to learn about the issues and understand how to impact the outcome. Bring your questions and be prepared to offer your thoughts and concerns to one of the groups that represent businesses in Montpelier.   Details When: Tuesday, September 22, 12:00 - 1:00 Where: St. Albans Rotary Hall, Franklin Lodge, 142 North Main Street, St. Albans Registration: Nope - just show up  Cost: Free Food: Yes, a catered lunch from Tatro's Deli and Catering Why: Because YOU CARE.   Did You Know? Sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they don't drift away from each other. Something to think about..

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

Dave Southwick Executive Director  802 524-2444