News from Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

September, 2009

Welcome to Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

Greetings!

There have been many changes this past month. Romano Publishing three year contract had expired for our Regional Guidebook. We put a request for proposal out to 27 companies. We received 3 proposals back by the deadline and the Board chose Spring River Enterprises. Many of you know Ken Saccardo. He is a Ludlow resident, on the Ludlow Rotary, and has been an active member in our Chamber for seven years. In his proposal he packaged the guidebook with an Okemo Valley Regional Map and coupon book. This will save our members money and offer more exposure. We thank Lee Romano for all the years of service to this Chamber.

The State of Vermont has taken out paid ads in Yankee Magazine promoting the midweek special. Please make sure you get your specials on the State's site. This is FREE. Here's an example from Bonnie's Bundles on their mid-week special during September and October, being posted at VermontVacation.com

"Grammie's Tea Party - Mid-Week Special at Bonnie's Bundles Dolls. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during September and October, rain or shine, 2 to 4 o'clock, tea and home baked cookies will be served especially to grandmothers. If she brings her grandchild or a picture, she will receive a Calico Paper Doll. As a bonus any doll order or purchase will thank her thoughtfulness with a 10 per cent saving. Dolls of all sizes, colors and personalities are waiting to meet you."

Great job, Bonnie. Get creative and have fun. If you don't want to give something off, may I suggest donating to a charity?

The State will also be promoting the apples to ipod promotion at the Big E.

We have several committees and are looking for more members in each committee. Remember, you get out of the Chamber what you are willing to put in.

Marketing Committee will now be chaired by Michael Alon of DaVallia Arts and Accents in Chester. Rob Hodgkins, former chair, has left the Board and Okemo to go to Jay Peak. Also on the committee is Tesha Buss of Good Commons and The Good Bus; Sheldon Ghetler of Stone Hearth Inn; and Liz Crowley of CZ Construction Management.

The Membership committee consists of:
Laura Tuttle-Williams of Calm Moments Spa Services as the chair; Ken Saccardo of SRE Enterprises; and Jack Smart from Giggs Antiques.

The Wedding committee consists of: Liz Crowley, Lisa Cormier of The Castle; Ruxana Oosman of Echo Lake Inn; Jessica Alberty of Hawk Mountain Inn and Resort; and Susan Scacchi of Wedding Resource Publishing and Rini Mayer from Okemo.

Last by not least, we have a Guidebook subcommittee to assist Spring River Enterprises. Members consist of Marji Graf and Sandy Gregg, OVRCC staff; Michael Alon from DaVallia Art & Accents and Laurie Marcheux of Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts.

Hopefully you have signed up for our September 16th Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Okemo Valley Golf Club at 1:30p. Call Mary Knight or Mary-Rita TODAY!!! It's not too late.

We are participating in the Big E in Agawam MA on September 23 & 24th. If you would like to participate but cannot attend, I can take your brochures with me for $25. Call the chamber office and let me know.

We will be attending the the New York Times Travel show in February 26-28, 2010. You can join us for $250/day or $25 for your rack cards to come. Call Marji if you would like to attend. We are sharing the booth with the State so we have very limited space.

Okemo Valley Regional Guidebook, Map and Coupon Book

Spring River Enterprises (SRE) is pleased to partner with the chamber to market the Okemo Valley area. Many of you know us as the producer of the Chester and Ludlow Area Maps. We are pleased to produce for you the upcoming 2009/2010 Winter Guidebook and excited to introduce the NEW Okemo Valley Coupon book.

The guidebook will remain largely unchanged. Some refinements include: adding a complete alphabetized member index so you can quickly find chamber businesses and refining regional and local advertiser maps. You can expect the same level of quality from this top area publication.

The Ludlow area map is being re-engineered this year. The new Okemo Valley Regional map will include more local content, things to do, and event information, as well as broader coverage of the entire region.

This year we are also adding an Okemo Valley coupon book. A coupon page in this book is offered FREE with any display ad advertising. This important new piece will help drive people to your door.

You will receive your full media Kit in less than two weeks. Look for reduced price packages, and new this year NO added color charges for the guidebook.

We look forward to serving you and marketing your business.