|
NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
DIRECTOR and OFFICER ELECTIONS
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce will next meet on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm in The Cliver Room at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace. This will be a general business meeting as well as a reorganization. There will be elections for new Board members and Officers. For more information, contact the Chamber.
|
HOLIDAY SEASON 2012
(both residential and commercial categories)
Dec. 1 and Dec. 14 |
|
EXCITING HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION
ONE MORE REMINDER:
LEARN MORE ABOUT 2012 HEALTH INSURANCE. INFORMATIONAL MEETING WILL BE HELD TUES., NOV. 15
AT 7 PM AT THE STEPHEN A DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE.
The Chamber-sponsored health insurance plan through VACE, has announced tremendous news for 2012. The Chamber, in conjunction with Holden Financial Agency, will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 pm at the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace to talk about this plan. The meeting is open to all Chamber members and members of the community interested in this insurance plan. Here are highlights of the changes:
- NO RATE INCREASE IN 2012
- Change in carrier from Cigna to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont (a Vermont company)
- Ease of transition - No enrollment paperwork
- Access to the expansive Blue Card national network of providers
- New benefit additions include: annual vision exam, new wellness drug rider, no limitations on home health or skilled nursing, and no co-pays on in- and out-patient services.
- Lower out-of-pocket maximum on the $2500 plan
- Full H.S.A. compatibility on the $2000 plan
- If you had been on the VACE Cigna plan and dropped it within the past 18 months, VACE is waiving the 18-month re-enrollment clause through February 28, 2012
For more information, contact the Chamber.
Delta Dental has also announced there will be no increase in rates for either 2012 or 2013. The 2011 rates will remain the same, with all current benefits in place!
Rate sheet
|
 | |
The official Leaf People for the $50 Fall Foliage Giveaway program were Autumn and Leif (now back in dry storage until next year!)
|
BRANDON $50 FALL FOLIAGE GIVEAWAY UPDATE
As you may remember, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, the Chamber partnered with the Town of Brandon to offer an incentive for people to stay in Brandon during the fall foliage season. We offered up to 100 packets of $50 Brandon Bucks to anyone who stayed at least two nights in a Brandon lodging location. The Town of Brandon paid for the certificates from their Economic Development budget. Between September 20 and October 31, 79 packets of Brandon Bucks were distributed. That represented 158 room nights booked in town. Many of the guests used their Certificates at area eateries but the Bucks were also used extensively to fill up the car, buy gifts, art, souvenirs, and maple syrup. They were used at convenience stores, the supermarket and the pharmacy. In other words, the money was spread all throughout town!
Our math shows that if the average priced lodging room was $100 a night x 158 room nights plus $4,000 worth of Certificates, this program added upwards of $20,000 into the local economy during an especially difficult time period. Many thanks to the Town of Brandon Selectboard for approving this program and helping boost the local economy! |
BRANDON T-SHIRTS - All sizes are back in stock
YOUTH SIZES - $12 ~ ADULT SIZES - $15
Great-looking Brandon commemorative T-shirts with the Chamber's popular logo on the front are available for sale at the Brandon Inn. Sizes Youth to XL. Shirts available with and without the "250th" commemorative line and in stonewashed blue and stonewashed green. These shirts have been very popular and make great gifts! To see more info on the shirts, click here.
|
NESHOBE PTO HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Come One, Come All! The Neshobe PTO is holding its 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza in Neshobe School gymnasium on November 19th from 12-4 PM. There will be many great area vendors and crafters on hand with items to help with holiday gift giving or just a treat for yourself. Items available will include Jams & Jellies, Candles, Clocks, Jewelry, Wooden Items, Hand Crafted Textiles, Baked Goods, Salsa, Neshobe T-shirts and much more! There will be Activities for the Children, a Silent Auction, Door Prizes, and Refreshments! Come join the fun and get into the holiday spirit! Neshobe School is located on RT 73 in Brandon, watch for the signs! For more information www.neshobePTO.com
|
MAPLE VIEW FARM ALPACAS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE will host its ninth annual holiday open house on November 26 and 27. Guests are invited to learn about alpacas, raised for breeding as well as their luxurious fiber. See carding and spinning demonstrations. Then browse the farm store for great holiday gifts made from luxurious alpaca.
 Dates: Nov. 26 - 27, 2011 Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Directions: From US Rte. 7, north of Brandon, turn west onto Arnold District Rd. Continue 1.1 miles, then left onto Adams Rd. House is at the end of the road; barns are behind the house and not visible from driveway.
Contact: Deb Bratton. Email: mvfalpacas@earthlink.net
|
|
CAFE PROVENCE CLASSES and EVENTS
Cafe Provence:Cooking Classes
Monday November 28th - 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Cafe Provence Chicken Favorites
Monday December 12th - 5:30 PM 8:00 PM Learn how to Make the Best Soufflé Every Way!
Monday December 19th - 2:30 PM 5:00 PM Learn How to make some of the best Café Provence Hors d'oeuvres
Monday December 26th - 5:30 PM 8:00 PM Braised Signature Items from Café Provence
Wine Tasting / Dinner:
Join us Thursday November 17th to celebrate the arrival of the
BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU!
5:30pm-7pm: Tasting in the Private Dining Room.
Come taste the 2011 Beaujolais & other great wines from the area, with Peter Bourque of G.Housen. $12/person
7pm-9pm at Center Street Bar: Nouveau by the Glass ($5/glass)
Fun prizes will be given away!!!
5pm-9pm at Café: Beaujolais & Burgers
Dinner special in the restaurant: A glass of 2011 Beaujolais paired with a slider trio of lamb burger with goat cheese, turkey burger with orange cranberry chutney and local beef burger with blue Cheese
$20/person + tax & gratuity. Call (802)247-9997 for reservations
|
NOVEMBER FOLK AND TRADITIONAL MUSIC SERIES
at Brandon Music
Brandon Music will be hosting a series of concerts by Vermont bands on the three Sunday afternoons in November preceding Thanksgiving. These will be from 2 to 4 PM and will be free to the public. Donations are suggested and welcome.
|
Our third and final concert in the November folk and traditional music series is The Salt River Revue, which is a combination of two groups: The Saltash Serenaders and The Cold River Band. Separately and together, they have been playing for concerts and contra dances for the past 30 years.
This is definitely a family friendly concert with toe-tapping music, which may make it hard to sit still! The band is kindly donating any proceeds to the Brandon flood relief eforts.
REGISTER NOW
|
Brandon Music - Vermont's Classical Music Haven - is at 62 Country Club Road, opposite Neshobe Golf Club on Rte 73E. Brandon Music hosts the Divine Art CD Store, The Tea Room & Music Café, the Phonograph Room, The Gallery featuring an exhibition of work by Warren Kimble, and a gift shop selling vintage English china and other collectibles. For more information call Linda Banta at 802 465 4071 or linda@brandon-music.net
|
| |
|
| MEMORY TREE BULBS
Donations are now being accepted for Memory Tree bulbs in the memory of loved ones. The cost of the bulbs is $1.00 each.
In Memory Of:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Your Name & Phone Number:
Name: _______________________________
Phone: _______________________________
Send checks and forms to:
Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC)
PO Box 267, Brandon VT 05733.
Please do not send cash in the mail.
Names with cash or check may also be dropped off at Carr's Florist & Gifts or The Inside Scoop.
Deadline is Friday, Nov. 25, 2011. Tree lighting with singing and festivities will take place on Sun., Nov. 27 at 3:30 pm in Central Park
|
|
|
|
BRANDON BUCKS
(Brandon Green Gift Certificates to shop in Brandon!)
A membership benefit of belonging to the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is being able to accept Brandon Green - Gift Certificates to Shop in Brandon. Here is a copy of a certificate (some certificates are signed by Sam Glaser; the one pictured here is signed by Robert Schmidt. They are BOTH valid).
The certificates are light green in color and larger than a regular personal check. They are legal tender and can be deposited at any bank just like you would any other check. They only come in $5 increments. If someone pays you with Brandon Green and change is owed to them, you may give them change in cash because you will get the full $5 on deposit.
Brandon Green certificates are available for purchase at the Lake Sunapee Bank (downtown Brandon branch only). You may purchase any amount -- they are worth $5 each. They make excellent gifts and people appreciate receiving them. Members should make sure their employees are familiar with these Certificates so they will readily accept them when presented. If you have any questions about Brandon Bucks, please contact the Chamber. |
|
BUTTON UP WORKSHOP AT BRANDON LIBRARY
BUTTON UP WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15,
AT BRANDON FREE PUBLIC LIRBARY
PRESENTATION COVERS ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR HOMEOWNERS
BRANDON-As winter approaches, homeowners are invited to learn the best ways to save money by saving energy at a special workshop scheduled in Brandon. The Rutland Regional Planning Commission will host a Button Up Vermont workshop on Tuesday, November 15, at Brandon Free Public Library at 6:00 PM. Button Up Vermont is an informational session designed to help Vermonters learn the basics of building science and how to improve energy efficiency at home.
The free workshop includes an overview of why building efficiency is so important in Vermont, illustrates how homes lose energy, and outlines easy steps that homeowners can take to address this energy loss. A BPI-certified contractor will present and questions are encouraged. No prior knowledge is required. All are invited, and light refreshments will be served. Abundant free parking is available at the Library on Park Street.
Owners of homes and businesses in Brandon, Pittsford, and the surrounding area are invited to attend the two-hour session to learn about actions they can take to lower energy bills and make their homes and businesses more comfortable and affordable.
"We're offering this workshop in Brandon because efficiency is the best way to reduce heating costs," said Philip Picotte of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. "By sharing this information, we can help residents be more comfortable in their homes and gain greater control of their heating expenses." The presentation offers tips on the best places to seal out chilly winter air, selecting the right insulation, and other energy-saving habits. In addition, Richard Dow from NeighborWorks of Western Vermont will introduce HEAT Squad, a special program open to Rutland County residents that dramatically reduces the cost of home efficiency improvements.
Button Up Vermont workshops are being offered in communities around the state by Efficiency Vermont and Ventral Vermont Community Action Council. To learn more, visit www.ButtonUpVermont.org or call the Rutland Regional Planning Commission at 775-0871.
Event: Button Up Workshop
Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Brandon Free Public Library, 4 Franklin Street, downtown Brandon, VT 05733.
Summary: This free workshop shows homeowners the best ways to lower heating costs and improve comfort by taking easy steps to improve energy efficiency and weatherize the home.
Contact: Philip Picotte, Rutland Regional Planning Commission, 775-0871
|
ART
IN
THE
SNOW
FEB.
18-19
2012
|
HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY BRANDON
|
CONTACT INFO
| Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 267
Brandon VT 05733
802-247-6401
info@brandon.org
www.brandon.org
|
|
