40 Mile Circle

Dear Friend,  Sphere of Influence  Take a map and draw a circle around your business or organization, let's say a circle with a radius of 40 miles. Notice something about that circle? Sure it reaches into most of Franklin and Grand Isle counties and a good chunk of Lamoille and Chittenden counties as well. But a good third of that circle is cut off by the US-Canadian border (another big chunk is in the lake and NY). So without a passport or an enhanced driver's license a large part of your sphere of influence goes untapped.

One New Friend I may have mentioned this before so forgive me, but I made it a goal that as soon as the snow and ice cleared in 2016 I was going to make one new friend north of the border. I was going to wander across and find one person I could have lunch with. Why? Because as enticing as having great cross border relationships with Montreal might sound - it is a far reach. Why not meet a next door neighbor? Good News For the past month or so, a team of Franklin County folks have been reaching across the border and making new friends. To date we have had four home and away visits and we are making friends one handshake at a time. The good news, I now have at least 20 new friends I can can call by name. And we all agree that this is a good thing for businesses on both sides of the border. We are working on bringing our new friends to town so that you can meet them and so they can see what you are up to. Ne Parle Pas Francais? Neither do I. Big deal. Can you say Bonjour or Merci? You have got a great start. I have found that if you just make one small effort - Bingo - the doors swing wide open. Want to learn more? Well good thing, cause that is how this county rocks. CCV is offering a French class for people who want to learn conversational French in a business or tourism setting. I mean how cool, not to mention, timely? I will now be able to say something a bit more relevant than "Ma mere est dans la cuisine." Sign Up Today 40 Mile Circle My 40 mile circle is starting to fill out. Join me in the adventure. Did You Know? The Canada-United States border (French: Frontière entre le Canada et les États-Unis), officially known as the International Boundary, is the longest international border in the world. Established by no less than nine international treaties, it is commonly referred to as the world's longest undefended border. Just try crossing it without reporting and you'll see just how undefended it is!

Dave Southwick

Grants, Grant, Grants

Dear Friend,  How Come That Money Doesn't Come My Way? Ever wonder why the grant opportunities that cross your desk never quite match what you are looking for? Does it seen like every grant is written for someone other than you and your organization? Are you getting discouraged with the whole funding scene? Well, have I got a deal for you!!!

CVNHP A couple of years ago, we were approached by the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership to serve as a Regional Stakeholder Coordinator for the CVNHP grant program. That means that we are directed to identify organizations within Franklin County who might be interested in grant monies the CVNHP receives from the Lake Champlain Basin Program - think; history, conservation, education, commerce and community. Things that are important to most of us. The Cool Part So this is where it gets fun. Once we have identified interested groups - we invite them to a party! And at that party - you get to tell the CVNHP coordinators how you would like to see the LCBP money spent in the future. I know you are thinking that's the fun part but wait for it... then they listen and actually write down every one of your ideas. I know, right? Could It Get Any Cooler? These parties take place on all three sides of the lake; NY, VT & QC. Once all the ideas are collected, the regional stakeholder coordinators and other LCBP/CVNHP steering committee members gather to review and rank your ideas. And I can tell you that they all get looked at. Some float to the top and get approved for grantshipdom, while others that fall a bit short might get shelved for another time and place. But again, every idea gets attention. Oh yeah, then, these grant opportunities show up on your desk and they look more appealing and a whole lot more like your organization - you apply for them and the rest is history or conservation or education, you get the picture. How Do I Sign Up? The next Stakeholders meeting is June 14th - Click Here for all the Details. Did You Know? In 2015, the LCBP awarded the CVNHP $37,948 for eight Local Heritage Grants and $25,000 for five Conservation & Community Grants.  Read More

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

Global Big Day = STEM

Dear Friend,  Global Big Day = STEM, WHAT? OK, stick with me, I am going to get to a point or you can jump ahead and read the punch line. Definitions: in the bird watching (birding) world a "Big <insert period of time>" is the total number of different species of birds you see in that period. For example, a Big Year is all the different birds you see in a year. See the movie. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - an educational movement to increase our student's involvement and interest in these disciplines. Now here we go!

Birding This past Saturday, May 14th was designated as the Global Big Day. Which you now understand to mean, that it is a single day where birders from around the globe (Global) record all the different birds they see. That's a lot of binoculars. Results: 13,869 people turned in 36,945 check lists, identifying 5,826 different birds. And I helped. I checked out my backyard feeders, then joined a group at the St. Albans Town Forest and then drove around a bit. All told, I saw (or heard) 46 different birds, including a Yellow-rumped Warbler - while not necessarily rare, is certainly fun to say.  STEM Two days earlier, I was able to attend the STEM Challenge Initiative Recognition Night. This is a gathering of students, teachers and local businesses who are expanding STEM awareness in our area. We saw creative, bright students celebrate their projects and accomplishments. We listened as energetic, enthusiastic educators shared their ideas for engaging more students in STEM. We applauded the business leaders for their contribution to this wonderful movement. And, we gave a standing ovation to Christine Depatie, from the Swanton Elementary School, as she was handed the Mary S. Babcock Award for Excellence in all things STEM. Dena St. Amour, Swanton principal, described Ms. Depatie as "a cross between Miss Frizzle and Bill Nye the Science Guy." I was impressed that she is getting elementary students to turn off the lights. A BIG STEM Night.  Punch Line: The Connection Tim Smith, Chair of the STEM Challenge Initiative, warned that next year the number of STEM challenge project entries would be greater and that the number of students participating would jump and that the number of educators would multiply. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes, a GLOBAL STEM BIG DAY! Could you imagine a night where we celebrated 5,826 different STEM initiatives. Now we're talking. Did You Know? In 2012, 7.4 million employees reported working in a STEM-related field. By 2018, we could be expected to see more than 8.6 million people pursuing careers in STEM, not counting those that are self-employed. Fun facts: Mechanical engineering is the #1 major chosen by students who want to pursue a career in STEM. American Indians have the highest interest compared to other minorities in STEM subjects and careers. Females who show an interest in STEM studies choose to focus more on science education.

Dave Southwick

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

The Hunt for Red Hot Jobs

Dear Friend,

Deep Dark Sea
This weekend I happened upon the tension filled thriller, The Hunt for Red October. A collection of wonderful actors cast in the role of underwater hunt and be hunted. And while I am not sure there is a tight correlation, I sense that looking for jobs is a lot like floating around in the deep dark sea hunting for that right moment to connect with just the right employer. All the time, armed with nothing but a good sonar system.

Up Periscope!
What if we were to bring the whole game up to periscope depth and let you have a good look around at all the players and all the possibilities? What if we were to add professional translators to help you negotiate the foreign languages of a new industry? What if we threw in some trainers to help mold your skills? Hunting for a job might not seen like swimming around in the dark any more. That's the beauty of a Career/Job Expo. Read more on the 18th Annual Franklin Region Career/Job Expo. 

Will I Get to Sink a Sub?
There are a dedicated group of volunteers, in our community, who work very hard to provide employers and job seekers with an opportunity to check each other out right there in the wide open. Ask questions, explore possibilities and in some cases touch and feel the products and services. While you might not launch any torpedoes, I guarantee that you will get up close and personal with your target. 75+ businesses and organizations paired with schools of students and job seekers make for the right climate for scoring a direct hit. OK, now I am all out of submarine analogies - so just get there: Thursday, March 31 - Collins-Perley Sports Complex. Students in the morning, adults in the afternoon. I'll see you in the shallows.

Did You Know?
There were 3.6 million job openings at the end of 2012. About 80% of available jobs are never advertised. What do employers look for before making an offer? About 36% look for multitasking skills; 31% look for initiative; 21% look for creative thinking; and 12% look for something else in the candidate. And, on average, interviews last 40 minutes. After that, it usually takes 24 hours to two weeks to hear from the company with their decision.

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