Welcome to Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
Greetings! We have exciting news! Our chamber has received the 2011 All Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc., the trusted marketing advisor to more than half a million small organizations worldwide. Each year, a select group of Constant Contact customers are honored with the All Star Award for their exemplary marketing results. Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce's results ranked among the top 10% of Constant Contact's customer base in the country!
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We are bringing the regional guidebook in house. We have taken over the sales from SRE Marketing. We will be honoring last years guidebook ad rates and will offer an add on of having your guidebook enhanced listing and/or ad placed also on our new website for $100 more (saving $50). Ad sales close April 12 so please call the chamber office to reserve your ad today.
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Before Memorial Day, we will have our new summer guidebook ready for distribution and will be launching our "new and improved" website and calendar contest after that. You will be pleased with the new features, search, events, look and feel. The marketing committee and your Board of Directors have been working on this for a while to better serve our communities' and guests' needs.
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On April 2 we are having our 2nd Legislative Breakfast at the Fullerton Inn in Chester from 8:30-9:30am. Representative Leigh Dakin, representing Andover, Baltimore, Chester and North Springfield, a member of the Vermont House Committee on Health Care, will speak about the legislation before the Vermont General Assembly regarding the implementation of universal health care in Vermont. This breakfast meeting will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the current status of the health care legislation and to have an opportunity to have your questions answered about the health care legislation being discussed in the state legislature. Please attend and invite guests.
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On April 3 the River Valley Technical Center, 307 South Street in Springfield is having an Employment Fair from 1:30-6pm. If you are looking for full-time or part time employees and would like to be part of the fair;
Contact Jaynie Smith: 802-591-0163 or jsmith@ssdvt.org This event is sponsored in part by the Vermont Department of Labor and Vermont State GEAR UP, a federal College Access program. This allows us to offer it to you at NO CHARGE to the employers or the public.
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Please watch our show on lpctv.org this month. I interviewed Ron Theissen, CPA in Chester and Julie-Lynn and Michael Wood of the Golden Stage Inn in Proctorsville
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We have just completed 3 trade shows in Boston, New York and Connecticut. We met with travel writers, tourists, and handed out 24 cases of guidebooks along with maps and special packages.### April 4 is Employer Day at the Statehouse. Let Marji know if you want to come so we can arrange transportation. Agenda: 8-9am Informal coffee and talk with legislators 9-10:30am - Joint hearing and discussion with Senate Economic Development and House Commerce Committees. 10:45-11:30 - Updates from Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell, Speaker Shap Smith and Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Lawrence Miller. 11:30-12n - walk to Capitol Plaza Hotel, State Street Montpelier Noon - 1:30pm - Luncheon with Governor Peter Shumlin and Lt. Governor Phil Scott. Registration and payment is only required in order to attend the luncheon. Contact Marji asap if you want to attend and stay for lunch. We will arrive back in Ludlow by 3:30pm. ### April 12 is the deadline to reserve your spot for our Home, Energy and Business Expo scheduled on Saturday, May 12 from 10am-3pm at Jackson Gore Inn. Platinum sponsors include Efficiency Vermont and HB Energy Solutions; Diamond Sponsors include Net Zero, Cota & Cota and Same Sun of VT plus over 20 business exhibitors so far. Last year attracted over 400 people coming through the show. By combining the 2nd Annual Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission Home and Energy Show with our 4th Annual Chambers Business Expo, we will attract the public who will learn the latest in home and energy savings. Our speakers include Efficiency Vermont and HB Energy Solutions. We will have restaurant tastings and promote the event with a live remote! Please mark your calendars now. Sponsorships are available and tables are $99. We urge you to reserve today if you want to be included in the advertising of this event. You must fill out an application. Call the Chamber office and we'll email or fax it to you! Deadline April 12th. ### Be sure to watch your email tomorrow for "Just Between Us" April deals. We would need your offer, discount, or promotion to your fellow business owners on the 25th of the month to be included in May 2nd e-blast.### We attended the March 8 alternatives presentation meeting for the Main Street Bridge No 25 over the Black River in Ludlow. The bridge project is scheduled for Summer 2014 (after June 15) for 4-6 weeks. The local traffic will be routed High Street to Depot Street. Truck traffic will be routed Route 11 to Route 100.
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We thank Kasia from Green Mountain Marketing and Advertising for presenting our 2nd educational program that was held on 3/21 re: google analytics at the Village Green Gallery in Weston. ### The ABA Top 100 Committee meeting is being held in Vermont June 3-6. Fifteen decision-making tour operators will be in our State for 3 days (meeting to select the Top 100 Events in North America for 2013) and have been invited to a pre-meeting FAM tour. The committee is being hosted by Linda Edelman of Custom Tours, Karen Ballard of Vermont Tourism Network and Christiane Skinner of VDTM. I am catering a dinner for the group on June 2 to speak about the Okemo Valley and recommending President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site 4th of July event be recognized as a Top 100 event. ### On August 17 & 18, the VT Challenge will be in Ludlow.(www.vtchallenge.com). The Vermont Challenge is the only bicycle Challenge that circumvents Southern and Central Vermont over 3 or 4 days and draws upon the creative energy of local businesses and people of Vermont, key ski resorts, restaurants and farms in each local community that they visit. We would like to be able to offer discounted dining options. Please email Marji if you are interested. You will be mentioned on the vtchallenge.com website. They are also looking for sponsors and volunteers for the event. Call me for more information. ### |
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Chamber Mixers
Join us for our monthly Chamber Mixers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Bring a door prize if you can.
2012 MIXER LINE UP
All Mixers are from 5:30-7:30pm
April 11 - Papa Johns Sugar House - Mount Holly
May 9 - Good Commons - Plymouth
May 12 - Home, Energy & Business Expo - Jackson Gore Inn 10am - 3pm. Tables are $99 and sponsorships are available. (SWCRPC 2nd Home & Energy Show combined with OVRCC's 4th Annual Business Expo) Ludlow
June 13 - WestonVT & VT Country Store, Weston
July 11 - WaterMusicArt and Hugging Bear Inn-Chester
August 8 - Stone Hearth Inn - Chester
September 12 - Heritage Family Credit Union - Ludlow
September 19 - OVRCC Golf Tournament - Ludlow
October 10 - The Richards Group - Ludlow
November 14 - Jackson Gore Inn - Ludlow
December 12 - Annual Meeting & Holiday Party at Echo Lake Inn - Plymouth
Already reserving 2013 dates. Call soon.
February 2013 - Country Girl Diner - Chester
July 2013 - Route 103 Auto Repair - Chester
November 2013 - Jackson Gore Inn - Ludlow
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Membership Committee News
Why Do Retailers Need the Chamber?
For the equivalent price of two small newspaper ads, or your daily cup of coffee, membership with the Chamber is one of the best deals around.
Just a few of the benefits to which you have access:
Promotional / Marketing Support That Includes:
Listing in the Guidebook, Website, and Mobile App
Display of Brochures in the Information Centers
Co-Op Advertising Opportunities
Referrals from Other Members
Access to News Channels
Support For Running Your Business:
Dental & Health Insurance
"Just Between Us" Monthly Deals
Member-2-Member Benefits Package
Community Support and Networking:
Mixers
Educational Programs
Events Publicized
Membership means that, while you may be in business by yourself, you are still part of a larger community. The Chamber has the capability, and willingness, to rally the resources necessary to meet the needs and challenges of its members. It also gives you the opportunity to be the one to provide that help as well to your fellow business owners and neighbors. Being a member of the chamber isn't just about what you can get - it is about what you can give as well.
Being a member of the Chamber gives you the opportunity to be part of something larger, and to have a voice within an organization that has the ability to influence not only our individual businesses, but the community and State as a whole. Let's all make our voices heard, and let's do what we can to ensure we continue to positively influence the Okemo Valley.
It is the Chamber policy that half your dues must be paid, or a payment plan is in place, BEFORE getting in the summer edition of our Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce guidebook.
All members receive a FREE listing in our Regional Guidebook twice/year with a distribution of 20,000; a FREE listing on our mobile application; a FREE listing on our website; SAVINGS using your M2M Benefit card, FREE educational programs, FREE "Just Between Us" deals, FREE and fun mixers, referrals and being part of a bigger community.
Notes from the membership committee meeting:
We discussed the possibility of having one 4-season Regional Guidebook vs. two. It could be from May - May to include summer and winter. We have been discussing this in committees and if it makes sense will bring to the board. If you have an opinion one way or the other, please email Marji.
* The next chamber mixer is April 11 at Papa Johns Sugar House, Healdville Road (across from Harrys) in Mount Holly. Our next membership committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 20th at 9am at Java Babas. |
Welcome New Members
The Chamber welcomes the following new members in March:
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Marketing Committee News:
The marketing committee met on March 29th at the Cool Moose Cafe in Ludlow and discussed over a dozen issues regarding the marketing of the chamber and its members.
One of the big items, and something we want to remind all our members about, is the May 12th Expo. The new format has attracted many new members to the chamber, and should prove very beneficial to not only the B2B members, but the B2C members as well. Last year the event attracted over 400+ people, so this is an awesome marketing opportunity for everyone.
Sales have begun for the Summer/Fall Guidebook. Make sure your dues are current so that you are listed! Several of our contracts have been renegotiated and so this should be a very successful endeavor for the chamber and for the region. We discussed having one Regional Guidebook starting next May-May. It would save the members money as well as the Chamber. This will be brought up to the Board of Directors at our April meeting.
The new chamber web site launch will most likely be postponed until early June. Priority of resources right now is being focused on the Guidebook. The Calendar Photo Contest will begin with the launch of the new site.
Other items of particular importance to our members:
There will be Eight "Just Between Us" deals offered this month. Check your email tomorrow!
The History Exchange with Windsor, CT has been moved to late July 27-29.
The Chamber will be renewing its inside Front/Back cover ad space in the Vermont Vacation Guide. Winter 2013 deadline is May 8th.
We have a half page in this May's Yankee Magazine,
"Best of New England" issue.
We have an opportunity to advertise in the New York Yankee sports team Magazine any 3 months from August- October. We will also have tickets to games. Let me know if you're interested and I'll put together a full page co-op.
We had 20 members attend the "Google Analytics" educational presentation.
The next committee meeting is set for April 26th. Please send your comments and ideas to Marji before then to be included in the agenda.
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Deadlines for Advertising:
April 12 deadline for the 2012 Summer/Fall edition of our Okemo Valley Regional Guidebook. An expanded listing is only $90 and display ads start at $265. For a little more, your expanded listing and/or ad can also be placed on our new and improved website. The Chamber is now producing this guidebook in-house, so call the Chamber office directly. May 9 deadline for inside front or inside back cover of the Winter 2013 Vermont Vacation Guide. Distribution is 100,000 and ad cost is $370. We fill inside front cover first, so first come, first served. |
Upcoming Events:
Please let us know of your 1, 5 or 10 year celebrations. (or increments of 5). We would like to promote that for you!!
Do you have an event that would qualify for Vermont's Top 10 Summer or Winter Event? Let us know so we can nominate your event.
Please submit your events to us 2 weeks in advance.
If you don't see your event in the calendar, please call us. www.YourPlaceInVermont.com |
News From our Members
FROM MILNE TRAVEL: Looking for a special summer vacation that will take you to some of America's beautiful National Parks. Join Brendan Vacations on an escorted tour, called the National Parks Wonders.
Experience the great National Parks of North America on an 8 day Escorted Vacation. Begin in Salt Lake City and venture through the American Landscape visiting Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial on your journey. Highlights also include overnight stays in Jackson and Sheridan in Wyoming and Rapid City in Utah.
Your Travel Value Includes:
Airport transfers on days 1 and 8
Twin-bedded rooms in hotels listed or similar; hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling
Welcome Reception with appetizers and wine
7 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D), including a Highlight Dinner with wine (HD), a "You're Personally Invited" dinner (PI), a Farewell Dinner with wine (FD)
Services of a professional Tour Director
Local Yellowstone Expert
Private luxury motor coach with reclining seats, air conditioning and restroom facilities.
Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in the itinerary, including admission charges Brendan provides headsets for included sightseeing, so you can easily hear your guide's commentary
Portfolio of travel documents
Souvenir group photo
Prices start at $1850 per person, not including air travel. Departures start May 20, 2012, and continue through September 23, 2012.
Please contact Sheila Satzow, Milne Travel American Express, at 603 542 8355 for more details.
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FROM THE LITTLE SCHOOL:
Open Enrollment for 2012/13 School Year:
The Little School in Weston is excited to announce that our Open Enrollment has begun and we are now registering children for next year. We have openings in all three of our classrooms for 2-5 year olds. We invite you to visit the school and meet our teachers! Tuition rates and more information can be found at http://www.littleschoolvt.org/#!__enrollment
The Little School provides high quality early childhood education programs and believes that children learn naturally through play, especially when that play is supported by qualified adults who create a program based on the children's differing developmental capabilities and interests.
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), The Little School's program goals and curriculum have been developed to promote the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of each child. Through daily activities, children are provided with extensive opportunities to explore their surroundings and to learn and develop their maximum individual potential. The Little School maintains high educational and training requirements for staff. Financial aid is available, and there's a significant tuition reduction for residents in Windsor SW Supervisory Union via the Preschool Collaborative (Chester, Andover, Cavendish, Baltimore, Landgrove, Londonderry & Peru).
The Little School was established in 1976 in a historic schoolhouse landmark dating from 1861. Serving approximately 60 children from 10 surrounding towns, The Little School is proud to provide a safe, healthy and nurturing program that is responsive to various developmental needs and accessible to all families.
i Raffle:
The Little School is also thrilled to announce our 2012 iRaffle!! Black Fly Ball 2012 is offering you a 1 in 200 chance to win a brand new 32Gb iPad HD 4G/Wi-fi, compliments of Landscape Constructions in Rawsonville. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by contacting littleschoolfundraising@gmail.com or Christine Anderson at michael@sugarrock.com. The lucky winner will be announced at the 2012 Black Fly Ball - -Saturday, May 5th @ the Landgrove Inn. You do not need to be present to win, however the Black Fly Ball is wonderful evening of fun. This year we are featuring food from Solo Farm & Table, The Garden Cafe and The Landgrove Inn. In addition to a wonderful sampling of food, there will be a live and silent auction and entertainment by Chester local, Emily Burkland! Join us on Saturday, May 5th, 6pm at InView Center for the Arts at the Landgrove Inn. Tickets are $40 per person ($45 at the door).
Summer Camp 2012:
Now is the time to begin planning for Summer Camp. The Little School has an amazing summer program geared especially to young children, ages 3 to 7 years old. Each child who attends TLS summer camp is in a nurturing, creative and relaxing environment, where he or she can make new friends, learn new skills and enjoy a summer of fun. Our wonderful Vermont summer weather allows us to spend most of the day outdoors on our huge, grassy play space surrounded by the beautiful hills of Weston. We also will be planning trips to the Weston Recreation center for swimming and other outdoor activities.
Camp starts mid-June after our school year program ends and runs through the end of August, 5 days a week, 8:30 am to 4 pm. You can chose whatever schedule you'd like--some children come to camp for only a couple of days on one week, while others are with us through the entire summer. Summer camp rates and more information can be found at http://www.littleschoolvt.org/#!__summer-camp-rates
Come for a visit, observe our classrooms, and learn about our programs. Just give us a call, or contact the school by email and we can answer questions, provide information & set up a date to visit.
Call 802-824-3405 for more information about The Little School or contact Jessica Citera, at admin@littleschoolvt.org. Visit us at http://www.littleschoolvt.org for more information and photos of our school!
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About Our Organization
Our Chamber provides the following member benefits:
*Health Insurance provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield *Dental Insurance provided by Delta Dental, *Free listing on our website with web link, *Free listing in our (twice/year) regional guidebook, *Free listing on our mobile app, *Free placement of your business brochures in our welcome centers in Ludlow and Chester, *Free monthly chamber mixers, *Free educational programs, *Member to member discounts, *Referrals, *Co-op advertising opportunities *Marketing and Promotion *Events publicized, *Google adword campaigns
*Facebook ads *Story ideas submitted to news outlets *And much, much more!!! Our Vision Statement:
The Okemo Valley region, consisting of the Towns of Andover, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mount Holly, Plymouth and Weston, is recognized as a four-season sustainable Vermont destination to be enjoyed by all.
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is recognized as an organization providing leadership, support and services vital to the health and future growth of the member businesses in the communities that we serve.
Chamber members are ambassadors for the Okemo Valley region, promoting the area as a vibrant place to live and to visit.
Our Mission Statement:
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-driven organization. It is the voice of its members and the business communities in the Towns of Andover, Cavendish, Chester, Ludlow, Mount Holly, Plymouth and Weston, Vermont. It provides advocacy, support and unified regional marketing to promote and enhance our regional businesses and four-season economy.
We are not affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. |
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OKEMO VALLEY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Marji Graf
CEO
mgraf@yourplaceinvermont.com
Staff
Gabrielle Macklin
Marketing Assistant
gmacklin@yourplaceinvermont.com
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Board:
President
Mark Verespy
The Killarney
Vice-President
Dan Cote
Inn Victoria
Treasurer
Barbara LeMire
People's United Bank
Secretary
Jim Szabo
The Vermont Counry Store
Regular Board:
Tesha Buss
Good Commons
Patrick Ciriello
Hawks Mountain Consulting
Liz Crowley
CZ Construction Management
Donald Dill
Images by Donald Dill
Sheldon Ghetler
Stone Hearth Inn & Tavern
Brian Halligan
Okemo Mountain Resort
Mary Knight
Knight Tubs, Pools & Spas
Ken Saccardo
Spring River Marketing
Laura Williams
Calm Moments Spa
Past President
William Dakin
Dakin & Benelli
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