The Chamber would like to thank its members for supporting its marketing efforts.  Your participation in our Chamber has helped us achieve the following accomplishments:

* Implemented our strategic plan.

* Created new member packets with                      benefits of membership.

* Increased membership by 50, exceeding our   goal of 350.  Currently 372 members.
 

* Hired part-time marketing assistant.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

1.     Membership grew to 372 members.

2.     Marketing included co-ops in Vermont Vacation Guide, (inside front and inside back covers);  So. VT Arts & Living; Travelhost of Vermont; and online website banner ads on visitvt.com. 

3.    Two television programs:

        a.  Outside Television (formerly RSN)

        b.  LPCTV, monthly program called "Okemo Valley, Your Place In Vermont".

4.   Trade Shows - NY Times Travel Show and Big E.  5.   Saved the Chamber money by moving the website to Got2Web in Rutland.

6.    Increased revenue by moving our regional guidebook to Spring River Enterprises in Ludlow.

7.   Added non-dues revenue income: Men of Okemo Valley 2010 Calendar, A Taste of Every Season 2011 dining calendar, Business Showcase, and Travel with the Chamber programs.

8.    Streamlined operations for greater efficiency.

9.    Worked closely with the Board of Directors to promote the Chamber's Vision and Mission statement.

10.     Added Customer Service training,  the Ambassador program, and the Scenic & Recreational Route 100 byway project.

       11.  We are a leadership organization in our Okemo Valley community and play a key role in communicating the Chamber's image and direction by attending events, leading legislative trips to Montpelier, attending Travel & Recreation Council meetings, Vermont Association of Chamber Executives (VACE) meetings, and town events.  Your executive director also sits on the board of the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. (NEACCE)

      12.  Delivered 13 FREE education Programs including;

            *   "Delivering a Branded Customer Experience"          which resulted in our Customer Promise

            *    "Email Marketing" with Constant Contact training

            *   Introduced "Ambassador Program" and INFO signs.  40 businesses participated.

            *  "Leadership Practices" with Guy Payne

            *   "Efficiency" panel discussion with members and Efficiency Vermont

            *  "Social Media" at Good Commons

            *   State's Branding Study led by Christine Werneke, Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Vermont.

            *  Looking at your business" seminar presented by VtSBDC and sponsored by TD Bank.

            *  "Getting Your Business Online" by Patrick Ripley; e-vermont broadband specialist.

            *   "Merchant Services" sponsored by TD Bank

            *   "Health Care Reform" seminar by Northern Benefits

            *   Collette Tours travel with the Chamber: Tuscany 2010 and Ireland 2011.

            *   Legislative Breakfast sponsored by Peoples United Bank in Chester and Ludlow.

    13.  Improved website functionality; added more value to members:

                   *   Enhanced listings now have an entire page

                   *   Banner ads

                   *   Restaurant menus

                   *   Pictures we can change out seasonally

                   *   Videos from Outside Media added

                             to enhanced listings

                   *   Special Package page

                   *   Orbitz widget (You Can Get Here From There)

     14.  Added 2 online versions of our Okemo Valley Regional Guidebook. 

                   *   Interactive Online Version

                   *   Downloadable pdf

     15.  Hosted successful annual golf outing.

     16.  Sought out resources & benefits such as VtSBDC (Small Business Development Center) and SBA (Small Business Administration) programs to bring to Towns.

      17.  Formed a wedding sub committee and created a Weddings & Meetings header on our websites navigation bar.                                  

Our 2011 goals include:

1.   Hire part-time membership person.

2.   Outsource billing - twice a month.

3.   Review strategic plan, update as necessary and continue to implement.

4.   Host business breakfasts in each Town, once a year, and identify what resources the Chamber can bring to their communities.

5.   Implement an Okemo Valley App for mobile devices to increase Okemo Valley's visibility.

6.   Continued co-op advertising opportunities in Yankee Magazine, So. VT Arts & Living Wedding Issue, Vermont Vacations Guides (inside front and back covers), Travelhost Magazine, Chamber Mail, online at Vermont.com, VT Living.com, Vermont vacations.com, TV with Outside Media "Okemo Valley Your Place In Vermont" show and lpctv monthly show.

7.  Offer additional new member benefits i.e. free notary service and certificates of origin.

8.   Continue Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on website - pay per click, increased keywords.

9.   Increase membership to reach 400 members in 2011.

10.  Attend NY Times Travel Show, Boston Globe Travel Show, AAA and Big E shows to increase Okemo Valley visibility.

11.  Chamber hosts Legislative Day in Montpelier on February 17th.

12.  Route 100 byway project designation.

13.  Continued sales and marketing of "A Taste of Every Season" 2011 dining calendar to showcase exceptional dining in the Okemo Valley.

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Thank you Duncan Winton, Long Term Care Planning Specialist from Northern Benefits for speaking with us about Health Care Reform.  And thanks to Andy at the Pointe for hosting this for us.

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Thank you Killarney for hosting our Collette Tour informational seminar on Ireland.  $250 trip deposit is due 12/2/2010.  Balance due March 2, 2011.

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Thank you People's United Bank of Ludlow and Chester for hosting our Legislative Breakfast.

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Thank you Ruxana of Ruxana's Home Interiors for decorating the Chamber office.

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Be sure to watch the interview with Ruxana on lpctv.org this month.

Please fax in your ballot to 228-7642 or bring it with you to the Annual Meeting.

SAVE THE DATE:

December 8 is our Annual meeting at The Fullerton Inn in Chester from 5:30pm-7:30pm.  Our tentative guest speaker is Governor-Elect Peter Shumlin and Deputy Commissioner Steve Cook from the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.  RSVP to the Chamber.  Dinner is available for purchase after the meeting.

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