Time to Visit

Dear Friends,  What a Gorgeous Start Anytime you wake up on a Monday morning and the warm sun is flooding your space, you know you are off to a great week. I love the crisp nights and warm mornings. It is refreshing to see people walking the streets in short sleeves and smiles.

Community Matters Breakfasts Last week we spoke of the value of community and our responsibility to learn as much as we can about each other to generate "Social Capital." This week, thanks to our host Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty, we are announcing the launch of our firstCommunity Matters Breakfast on the morning of June 2nd. Space is intentionally limited to allow for depth of conversation but don't fret if you get closed out for this is only the first of several dates we will be offering. I just get a little excited about getting this off the ground. Register Here for June 2. More registration dates will be announced soon. Community Mixer Thursday, May 21st - gather to network with your community colleagues, friends and soon-to-be friends. Help support Creative Workforce Solutions and their team of community minded specialists. Register. Community Strategy for Success Thursday, May 28th - IT Needs for Small Businesses. Mike is a pro at designing the right system to help support your business needs. Anything from computers to security to training, this team is equipped to answer your computing needs. Register. Did You Know? On January 15, 1901, the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce entertain Winston Churchill a "dashing young war correspondent" on the floor of their Merchant's Exchange. How about that for a guest speaker? BTW, Churchill and I are 8th cousins 1x removed. Small 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

Community, Community Community

Dear Friend,  Where Did The Week Go? Last thing I remember, we were all having a grand time at the Annual Awards Dinner and Celebration loving on our award winners and Dr. Bob. Next thing I know it's Thursday. BTW, thank you to all of you who could attend, it was great to share a meal and get caught up with so many friends. Y'all make Franklin County AWESOME!

Community I am going to sound like a broken record before this message is completed and for good reason. Community is all we have. We are nothing if we let our community suffer in any way. It is our responsibility to learn as much as we can about each other so that we can continue to build each other up and generate what sociologists, like Robert Putnam, refer to as "Social Capital."  Social Capital comes in the form of energy, enthusiasm, encouragement, cooperation, support and comfort. It can be organized as bonding social capital - that which keeps a group together or bridging social capital - that which bonds different groups together for a common cause. Community Franklin County is a community made up of a unique collection of diverse groups. It is our responsibility to know as much as we can about as many different groups as we can reach. It is only through communication and the gathering of people that we truly get to know what motivates or troubles our neighbors. While membership in individual organizations may be stagnant or in decline, the need for community is more crucial today than ever. We must continually look for ways to meet and understand. Community Beginning immediately, the Chamber will be conducting community meetings. We will be offering a couple different formats. First you will be invited to attend one or more of a series of "Community Matters" breakfast forums where we will learn more about each other and share our concerns. We are still working out the final details so sign up links will be available next week. If you would like to host one contact our office. Second, if groups aren't your thing and you would rather meet one on one - call today (802.524.2444) and we will schedule a time to sit down and share. Our goals is to be a catalyst for community growth and vibrancy. Did You Know? Music was once delivered on a vinyl disc called a "record." You retrieved the music from the disc by placing it on a "record player" which consisted of a turntable and an arm with an acoustic needle that converted the vibrations etched in the disc back into music and sent to an amplifier and out through the speakers. Or something like that. Anyway, it was not uncommon for the vinyl disc to get scratched or cracked in which case the needle would "skip" when it hit the deformity and usually bounce backwards repeating that portion of the song over and over. Thus, when someone repeats themselves over and over, they are often referred to as a "broken record."

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

Dave Southwick

Festivals & Legislators

Dear Friend,  I Love a Parade And I got to watch the 49th Annual Maple Festival Parade without having to wear my parka. As I posted throughout the weekend, it wouldn't be the REAL Maple Festival if it wasn't cold and threatening snow. But hats off to Joanne Rock and her band of faithful, hardworking volunteers that make the Festival what it is.

Festivals Why should we even care about a festival? Well, you probably don't need my help but I can think of four good reasons. First, tradition. Most festivals evolved as a time to celebrate after a season of hard work. And even with all of the advances in sugaring technologies, maple syrup production is still hard work. Second, economy. A state recognized event will bring people to your town. These same people will visit your business and buy your products. This weekend, I met with visitors from California, Texas, New Hampshire, and Newport, VT. They all said they would be back. Third, recognition. Awards for best syrup, best cook, Maple Ambassadors, crafts, talents, parade floats and more. People taking time to share their talents in many ways is a tremendous benefit to all. And fourth, community. How many people did you see this weekend that you haven't seen in the past month or two? How many hands did you shake, people did you hug or smiles did you share. Franklin County is a great place to be and the Maple Festival a great way to celebrate community.   Legislators Our politicians love a parade, too. I never get tired of seeing our leaders take time out to visit our streets and meet with our citizens. Take it from someone who has lived in cities where you NEVER see your leaders, this is a treat. Many of your most important legislative issues have been through the first phase of discussion and debate. Many are moving on to the next stage. But, it is not too late to share your concerns and get your voice heard. Take a minute to check on your pet bill and see where it stands. Let me know if we can help get your message into the right hands. We have direct access to every county legislator and have support from the Lake Champlain Chamber and the Vermont Chamber. You will be heard. Strategies for Success Dorey Demers from RiseVT and NMC will be conducting a seminar called "Using Social Media to Expand Your Business." You may know something about Facebook but Dorey knows great things about Facebook. Another free opportunity for Chamber members ($10 for non-members). As of this morning, there were only 2 spots left -Register Here. Did You Know? Membership in civic and social clubs and organizations hit its peak in the 1960's. Since then, there has been a steady decline in our willingness to "join." During that same time, we saw a decline in "social capital" defined as the expected collective or economic benefits derived from the preferential treatment and cooperation between individuals and groups. When people gather, good 'social' things happen. The current trend is that community involvement is on the rise again and we are seeing social capital accounts re-filling to the brim. That is Good news!

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

Dave Southwick

Opportunities

Dear Friend,  When It Rains, It Pours And I mean that it a good way. Over the past couple of weeks I have been part of four different events/opportunities that can make tremendous difference in your organization. Our goal is to find as many ways as possible for you to be successful. Check these out.

Programme COREX I mentioned in a previous Director's Desk that the New England states plus New York were working with Quebec to improve cross border economic opportunities. During the launch luncheon in Montreal we were introduced to a new B2B platform that will improve communications between companies that want to do business. To get this product off the ground, any company that is even remotely interested in cross border relations should go to the following website and pre-register. More will follow.  http://www.corexb2b.com/ Area Guide Each year the Chamber partners with the St. Albans Messenger to publish an Area Guide to promote businesses and organizations in Franklin County. This guide reaches people throughout the Northeast including Quebec. The many people who pick up this guide are your direct customers - they are looking for you! The Messenger staff will be contacting you with an opportunity to place your ad in this year's guide. By the way, as a Chamber member you are offered a discount on the ad rates. If you haven't been contacted yet, you can start the process by contacting Jeremy at jeremy@samessenger.com. I love easy email addresses! Swanton Community Visit Phase 3 I cannot say enough about the excitement and possibilities that surround the Swanton Community Visit project. Once again the room was full of volunteers who want to see this corner of Franklin County blossom. The Phase 3 meeting was where the rubber begins to meet the road. People joined groups and began to carve out priorities and assets. People were raising their hands to say, Yes, this is an opportunity to make a difference. It is not too late to get involved. Contact Hank or Molly Lambert at hanklambert@comcast.net. Strategies for Success I know it is still a week away but this one has me pretty excited. Dorey Demers from RiseVT and NMC will be conducting a seminar called "Using Social Media to Expand Your Business." You may know something about Facebook but Dorey knows great things about Facebook. Another free opportunity for Chamber members ($10 for non-members). As of this morning, there were only 10 spots left - Register Here. Did You Know? "When people use your BRAND as a VERB, that is Remarkable." ~Meg Whitman For your brand to be used as a verb, your brand must be memorable and: deliver your promise clearly, relay your credibility, make an emotional connection with your target, motivate your audience to take action, and create unsurpassed customer loyalty. Get out there today and turn your BRAND into a VERB!

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

Dave Southwick

High of 73 Today

Dear Friend,  Warm: I Can Finally Feel my Toes I can't imagine that with all the technology out there these day, that you would be looking in this email for a weather update. But here it goes, it is currently 59 degrees and Sunny with a high of 73 later today. We love to bring you good news!

Instagram Speaking of technology, the Chamber has added another social media channel - another way to promote members to the rest of cyberland. We now have an Instagram profile at FCRCCVT and each post will feature a Chamber member with a photo and quick shout out. That same feature will be re-posted on our Twitter site as well so in essence, you are getting two for the price of one. I'm telling you, I love this warm weather. If you see my truck coming - smile! The Ladies are Coming Home If you are like the rest of us, you can't wait for our fountain to be re-installed in all its magnificent glory. Well that date is right around the corner. And to bring the Ladies home in style, the St. Albans Rotary is continuing their fund raising efforts. As part of their major drive they will be hosting the Chamber Mixer this Thursday at the Bliss Room in the St. Albans Historical Museum and Society. Doors open at 5:30. Click here to register. Dr. Bob Arnot: Annual Dinner Guest Speaker The Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner is right around the corner - Friday, May 8th. My wife found a copy of one of Dr. Bob's books while dusting a shelf this past weekend. As I was reading through a few random sections, I stumbled on a piece that he wrote about Alpine skiing back in 1995. Twenty years ago, Dr. Bob said skiing was good for me. I can't wait to thank him personally for a great day on the slopes yesterday. Make plans to come and hear what he has to say about what is good for you and your business. Tickets are limited - sign up today.  Did You Know? Like a scene out of WKRP Cincinnati, in 1939, in Rockingham, VA. turkeys were tossed from the roof of the First National Bank as part of a festival celebrating the "turkey capital of the world." The SPCA frowned on this "flinging of birds that were bred for heft rather than for waft." And so in future years the obvious solution was implemented: tossing birds out of a blimp, but with parachutes.

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

Dave Southwick

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