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CHAMBER NEWSLETTERS 2003Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce 2008 newsletters Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce 2007 newsletters ~ Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce 2006 newsletters Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce 2005 newsletters ~ Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce 2004 newsletters Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce 2003 newsletters ~ Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce 2002 newsletters DECEMBER 2003 CHAMBER NEWS
CHAMBER=S 2004 NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS The Chamber is pleased to announce the election of new Board members and Officers for the 2004 year. New Board members are Mary Cliver of Mary Sullivan Cliver Landscape Design and Steve Kellogg of Holden Financial Services. Re-elected Board members include Bernie Carr of Carr=s Florist and Gifts, Scott Cooper of First Brandon National Bank, and Sarah Pattis of the Brandon Inn .
Stephanie Jerome was re-elected President. Bernie Carr was re-elected Vice-President. New officers include Scott Cooper as Treasurer and Mary Cliver as Secretary. Outgoing Board members, who have attained status as Honorary Directors are Bob Schmidt of Robert N. Schmidt, CPA, PC and Lois Jackson, retired innkeeper.
2004 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE CONTINUES The Chamber=s 2004 Membership Drive continues. We are happy to report more than 50% of our projected dues have been paid and we thank all the businesses and individuals who paid timely. However, we still have a long way to go before we are ready to publish our 2004 Membership Directory. If you receive a dues reminder invoice with this newsletter, please pay promptly.
CHAMBER MEMBERS COOK UP A STORM 
The Chamber recently had the pleasure of serving Thanksgiving dinner to a packed crowd at the Brandon Senior Citizen=s Center for their monthly dinner get-together. The Chamber gratefully thanks the following individuals and business owners who cooked, prepared, served and cleaned: Scott Lagasse and Lagasse=s Steakhouse for the incredible turkeys and gravy; Bruce Ness for his delicious bread; Lois Jackson for superb stuffing; Sheri Sullivan of Plan-It-Sheri Catering for exquisite vegetables; Bronia V.B. of Miss B=s Kitchen for appetizing squash; and Mary Cliver, landscape designer and Shelley Brown of Brown=s Pharmacy, for the flavorful cranberry relish; Mouth-watering apple pies and crisps were made by Stephanie Jerome of Visual Learning Co., Sarah Pattis of the Brandon Inn, Nancy Leary of Nancy Leary Design, Debbie Kirby of Kirby=s Happy Hoofers, and Cindy Thomas of the Old Mill Inn. A huge thanks to Jon Satz of Wood=s Market Gardens who donated veggies and apples for the occasion. And thanks to our distinguished kitchen crew: Lois Acinapura of Floral Impressions; Cindy and Ed Thomas; Dick Kirby (masterful turkey carver) of Kirby=s Welding, Anita Campeau of Blue Seal Feeds, Scott Cooper of First Brandon National Bank, Warren and Lorraine Kimble of Warren Kimble Gallery, Lois and Roy Jackson, Nancy and Sarah Leary, and Joel, Jessa and Ariel Mondlak of Antiques By The Falls.
BRANDON MEMORY TREES The trio of Memory Trees in Central Park gracefully illuminate Brandon. On Sunday, Nov. 30, many great folks helped in order to usher in the season with the Memory Tree Lighting and Festivities. Thanks to Judi Thompkins and her OV students for baking, Pat Roberts and the OV Chorale and Gene Childers and the Festival Singers for singing, Rev. John McDonald for the prayer, Ken Torrey for the hayrides, Thelma Miner for cocoa, and the Brandon Fire Department for bringing in Santa. Thanks to Chris and Cathy Lekberg for the donation of trees, Bernie Carr for his relentless work finding Ajust the right trees@ and getting them to the Park, Charlene Bryant for taking charge of the Memory Tree list, Jinny & Ross Worn for helping where needed, and Santa and Mrs. Claus for their cheer. A final thanks to Diane Bryant for putting the event together and braving yet another cold Memory Tree Lighting!
PARKING OFF-STREET HELPS EVERYONE Downtown Business Owners and Employees C Please Make Sure To Park Your Vehicles Off-Street to help your own business and your neighbor=s. Brandon=s downtown has substantially more businesses than we=ve had in many years. This is great news but with it brings more parking issues. Please park off-street and advise employees to do the same. It will be beneficial to your own business and everyone else=s.
CIGNA HEALTH INSURANCE INFO The new 2004 CIGNA health insurance rates are in and they are very favorable. The deductible level of $1000 had only a 4.6% increase and the $2500 level saw no increase at all. In addition, CIGNA has introduced a brand new fifth deductible level from which to choose. Other CIGNA news includes a new multi-year contract with Fletcher Allen Health Care. For more information on this Chamber benefit insurance contact Holden Financial Services at 247-5761.
BRANDON=S LAND USE ORDINANCE TO BE REWRITTEN C INPUT SOLICITED The Brandon Planning Commissioners are beginning to look at an overhaul of the Brandon Land Use Ordinance. Their first order of business will be to review the zone called Central Business District (CBD) [approximate parameters of the CBD are: Briggs Carriage Building to Crosby=s and the Mobil service station to the Brandon Inn]. The Commission=s next meeting, when this discussion will get underway, is scheduled for Monday, December 22 at 7 pm at the Senior Citizen=s Center.
If you are unable to attend but would like to provide input, please send an email to Charlie Jakiela, Planning Commission member and keeper of the email list. Also send Charlie an email if you would like to receive periodic updates on the ordinance revisions. His address is: csj@great-ideas.org.
RUTLAND COUNTY BLOOD DRIVE MARATHON CVPS is teaming up with the Red Cross to start a new holiday tradition in Rutland County B the Gift of Life Marathon. This will be Rutland=s biggest blood drive ever, intended to help alleviate a chronic blood shortage in the region. The goal is 300 pints, which means they need to get 350 people through the doors Dec. 23 at the Paramount Theatre. For more information, contact Steve Costello at CVPS.
INTERNET ACCESS SURVEY Many of you have taken the time to fill out the Chamber=s Internet Access Survey which was included with your last newsletter. We will be soon compiling responses C if you plan on sending in your completed survey, please do so in the very near future. Thanks to all who participated in this questionnaire.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Keith=s Country Store, Inc. Jon & Monica Keith mail to: PO Box 538 4085 US Route 7, Pittsford 05763 483-6489
Three Brothers Farm - Vermont Carriage Rides Peter and Beth Mantello PO Box 357 (mail) 111031 Cowdrey Path, So. Woodstock, VT 05071 802-457-4934 email: rides@vermontcarriagerides.com www.vermontcarriagerides.com (Peter and Beth will soon be relocating to the area)
Eye Care Associates Chris Denis 116 Porter Drive, Middlebury 05753 388-6565; fax: 388-3291 email: cdenis@adelphia.net www.eyecareassociates.com
NO DECEMBER C of C MEETING The Chamber=s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 26th at 7 pm at Miss B=s Kitchen. As always, are meetings are open to all members and the public. NOVEMBER 2003 CHAMBER NEWS 2004 DUES STATEMENTS ENCLOSED Well, that time of the year is here again — the Chamber has begun our membership campaign for next year, 2004. Back in 2000, the Chamber Board voted in a four-year dues structure to painlessly raise dues a small amount each year. While we skipped one year of increase back in 2001, we have been on schedule ever since and you will notice the small change in the dues for 2004. Once in a while, we examine dues structures of other Chambers of similar size and service and we feel that the Brandon Chamber is still a great value for the dollar. As always, please pay your dues timely to avoid unnecessary time and costs.
It would be helpful for you to send in the form with your check if possible. Please verify that the information is correct and make appropriate changes. We try to accommodate requests for multiple business categories in our membership directory to the extent possible but will have to edit where necessary. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
CHAMBER COOKING FOR SENIORS TUESDAY, NOV. 11 The Chamber is proud to be cooking and serving dinner for the Brandon Senior Citizens on Tuesday, Nov. 11. This is their Thanksgiving dinner and a lot of work will go into the meal. In our next newsletter, we will acknowledge all the members who are contributing to the Chamber in order for us to put on a great meal. At this time, we are still looking for someone(s) to make potates (you can use the Senior Center’s kitchen) and to help serve/clean up. If you are interested in helping, please contact us.
LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is co-sponsoring a Legislative Luncheon with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, November 12, at 12 noon at the Brandon Inn. This is an ideal opportunity to meet legislators, voice concerns, discuss key issues, and ask questions before our legislators head to Montpelier. The cost is $9.00 per person, all inclusive. You must call the Brandon Inn at 247-5766 to make a reservation if you would like to attend.
The Vermont Council on Rural Development is assisting the Chamber with the enclosed survey regarding our businesses’ current internet access and their internet needs. Once we can identify needs, it is hopeful that the Chamber can approach high speed internet access vendors showing we have "critical mass" or enough people to warrant bringing in service. Please take a moment to complete and return the survey.
BRANDON GREEN For a number of years, the Chamber has sold Brandon Green — Gift Certificates to Shop in Brandon. These certificates are available for sale at the Brandon office of First Brandon National Bank. The Chamber asks all members to accept these Gift Certificates. When sold, the Certificates are packaged in a special envelope with current membership directories. Businesses redeem the certificates just like cash or a check — just add to your bank deposit. They are available in $5 increments. Certificates are light green in color, larger than a dollar bill and are pre-signed by Chamber Treasurer Bob Schmidt. Consider giving Brandon Green as gifts at holiday time — a great idea for employee gifts, stocking stuffers, teacher presents, the kids, the grandparents, etc. ~ THINK LOCAL ~ BUY LOCAL ~ SUPPORT NEIGHBORS IN LOCAL BUSINESSES
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Brandon Artists Guild Jane Skakel, Executive Director 7 Center St., Brandon 247-4956 www.brandonartistsguild.org
My Sisters Yarn Shop Jayne Bruce 1820 Forestdale Rd., Brandon 247-5512 email: jbruce9455@aol.com
MEMBERS NEWS & PR Lagasse’s Steak House is now taking reservations for holiday parties for up to 150 people. Reserve your holiday party before Dec. 14 and receive a 10% discount. Call Scott or Kim at 247-6644 to book your party.
The Holiday Season is right around the corner. Make one phone call to Plan-It Sheri Caterer and give yourself the gift of a no-stress party. It could be drop off hors d'ourves or an employee luncheon, ready to heat lasagnas or a formal sit down New Year’s Eve dinner. Whatever your holiday needs are, Plan-It Sheri can accomodate you! Call 247-8837 or visit www.planitsheri.com.
Congratulations to Jon McNeill and the great team at Vermont Tubbs for their "Continuing the Tradition" Celebration held on Oct. 24. Jon and staff celebrated the renewed future of the company.
Alpaca Farm Holiday Open House - Maple View Farm Alpacas will again participate in the New England Alpaca Breeders Holiday Open House on Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7. Visit the alpacas upclose while learning about these gentle, intelligent creatures and their luxurious fiber. Enjoy cider and cookies, then browse the farm store where you’ll find wonderful alpaca gifts. Located 2.5 miles from the center of Brandon at 185 Adams Road. For information or directions, contact Deb Bratton at 802.247.5412 or email to mvfalpacas@earthlink.net. BRANDON CHAMBER BENEFITS*** *** partial listing
If you support the activities we engage in, please support us with your membership.
If you support the activities we engage in, please support us with your membership.
A BIT OF PYGG HISTORY "In medieval England, clay was known as "pygg." People would usually store their coins in their pygg dishes or jars, which were commonly known as "pygg banks." About 400 years ago, an English potter received a request to make several pygg banks. Unfamiliar with the term, he produced banks shaped like pigs, with a slot in the back for the coins. The customer was pleased with the result and ordered more made for his friends. The idea caught on and spread rapidly through Europe. The popularity of "piggy banks" continues today." NEXT C of C MEETING The Chamber’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 24th at 7 pm at Miss B’s Kitchen. As always, are meetings are open to all members and the public.
OCTOBER 2003 CHAMBER NEWS LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is co-sponsoring a Legislative Luncheon with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, November 12, at 12 noon at the Brandon Inn. This is an ideal opportunity to meet legislators, voice concerns, discuss key issues, and ask questions before our legislators head to Montpelier. The cost is $9.00 per person, all inclusive. You must call the Brandon Inn at 247-5766 to make a reservation if you would like to attend.
MOONLIGHT MADNESS It may feel like autumn, but the Chamber is already planning Moonlight Madness. This year, the event will be held on Wed., Dec. 3. All of last year’s participants will be receiving a registration form in the near future. If you would like to participate in the event, please contact the Chamber for the details. LODGING MEMBERS The Brandon Chamber is offering a new service to lodging members. All on-line lodging properties are now connected to the Chamber’s Accommodations Page form. Visitors will fill out a simple form which asks for their name, address, phone number, email address, time of visit and length of stay. With one click, they will be able to send one email to ALL on-line properties. If you would like to respond to the potential visitor, please don't hit "reply" but cut and paste their email address into the "to" line of your new mail. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email the Chamber. CHAMBER DIRECTORS SOUGHT At our November meeting, the Chamber will be replacing several retiring Board members. If you are interested in learning more about serving on the Chamber Board of Directors, please contact President Stephanie Jerome at Visual Learning Co., 247-3214.
MIXER NEWS Save the date - Friday, November 7 - Mixer at the Gazebo Inn. Thanks to Brandon Motor Lodge and Plan-It Sheri Caterer for our last mixer. We had great food and a huge turnout for the event. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Liza Myers Aartz Gallery 10 Conant Square, Brandon 247-5229 e-mail: liza@lizamyers.com web: www.lizamyers.com Art Gallery, Art Education
Norma S. Page 343-1 Town Farm Rd., Brandon 247-6488 Individual Membership
David Gibson, Jr. 7 Leonard Lane, Brandon 247-8264 Individual Membership
BRANDON TOWN PLAYERS "An Evening with Rodgers and Hammerstein," the Brandon Town Players first performance, will be performed on October 17 and 18 at 7:30 pm with a Sunday matinee on October 19 at 2:00 pm at Otter Valley Union High School Auditorium.
BRANDON INTERNAL MEDICINE MEMORY SCREENING Free Memory Screening will be offered at Brandon Internal Medicine, 420 Grove St (Rte. 7) on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 9:30 am - noon. "Alzheimer’s" What Is It and Can It Be Treated?" presented by Stephen Brittain, MD will be held from 9:30 - 10:00 am. Participants will be able to take a free 10-minute paper and pencil test and discuss the test results. Pre-registration is suggested. Call 747-3713 or visit www.rrmc.org PIG ROAST The Community Church of the Nazarene is holding a Pig Roast on October 18, 2003. Proceeds will go to "Cry Hope," a feeding program and orphanage for children suffering from A.I.D.S in Capetown, Republic of South Africa. Dinner, either eaten in or taken out, will be available from 1:00 - 6:00pm at the Church of the Nazarene, six miles north of Brandon on Route 7. The fee is $12.00 adults (16 and older) or $8.50 children (6-15). Tickets are available at Miss B's in Brandon, at the Church or at the door. For more information, call 247-8428 or 247-3117. NEWS FROM THE OUTSIDE Vermont Downtown Program Conference The 5th annual Vermont Downtown Program Conference is scheduled for October 30 in Montpelier. They will have great guest speakers as well as 12 separate sessions on business development, public and private improvements, and marketing/promotions for downtown revitalization. The conference is open to everyone interested in downtown revitalization. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 802-828-3211 or visit www.HistoricVermont.org. October Is Disability Awareness Month The VT Association of Business, Industry and Rehabilitation will be offering a series of free workshops to businesses on a variety of topics regarding disability awareness in the workplace. Mental Illness, the Workshop and You. October 7 from 8:00 - 10:00 am. Alcohol and other Drugs in the Workplace: Issues, Strategies and Resources. October 20 from 8:00 - 10:00 am. Disability Etiquette. October 28 from 8:00 - 10:00 am. For more information and workshop locations, contact Karen Letourneau at 786-5875 or 786-5839 or by email at karenl@dad.state.vt.us
Creative Economy Forum How do Vermont’s arts, humanities, historical, folklife and other cultural organizations build jobs, create the ‘sense of place’ that is so essential to who we are as Vermonters, and attract creative entrepreneurs and businesses to our state? The Vermont Council on Culture and Innovation (VCCI) is examining the relationship between Vermont’s community development, cultural life and economic activity. This forum is for anyone with an interest in job growth, cultural life, tourism, downtown revitalization, strengthening communities, or public policy. The forum will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Vergennes Opera House. For more information contact Michael Levine at 802-223-1192
Business Lecture Series Rutland Economic Development Corporation and College of St. Joseph present a free Business Lecture Series which is open to the public. Courses are: Leveraging Your Vermont Identity on Nov. 18, 2003 Connecting Business to Customers Through Technology on Feb. 24, 2004 Vermont Employment Law and Practical Application on April 27, 2004. For more information, contact Dr. Bill Godair at 776-5242
Career Fair The Castleton State College Fall Career Fair is being held on November 5. Recruiters should contact Judith Carruthers at 468-1339 for more information.
Vtrans meeting
A VTrans meeting to address the connection between public transit and economic development as well as local transportation concerns will be held on Oct. 23 at OVUHS from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to generate public discussion and input.DOWNTOWN PARKING In the Chamber’s last newsletter, we noted the new parking spaces behind the Center Street shops. We mistakenly invited all downtown business people to use the back lot in order to save street parking for customers. The McKernon Group has pointed out that the parking lot is actually privately owned and spaces are reserved for certain businesses. The lot is not actually public parking. NEXT C of C MEETING The Chamber’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 27th at 7 pm at Miss B’s Kitchen. As always, are meetings are open to all members and the public. AUG./SEPT 2003 CHAMBER NEWS
The Chamber’s 2004 tourism marketing campaign is now being planned. We will be placing one full-color co-op ad in the 2004 summer Vermont Traveler’s Guidebook. The Vermont Chamber of Commerce will be printing 200,000 copies of this magazine, which is the state’s fulfillment piece.
Many of the businesses which have advertised for years with the Chamber report satisfactory results and receive an abundance of e-mail and phone inquiries as a result of this ad. The more businesses we have participating, the stronger we look.
We invite you to participate. The cost for each business is $300, payable to the Chamber. The Vermont Chamber has a co-op ad condition which requires each business to purchase a listing in the same magazine. The listing is $125, which will buy you an extended listing for VT Chamber members or a basic listing for non-VT Chamber members.
Our ad is professionally designed and is annually one of the most attractive pages in the Traveler’s Guidebook. If you would like to participate, please contact the Chamber and we will work together on the text and your photo. Commitment deadline is September 12. Don’t delay!
PIGS SOON TO GO ON THE BLOCK Brandon’s pigs will go on the Auction Block beginning September 8. Log onto www.pigsofbrandon.org to track their ebay results. Approximately 30 pigs will be offered in lots of six with the remainder being offered at a live auction on October 11 right here in Brandon.
WEEKEND OF FUN Since there will be many people coming into town for the pig auction (Columbus Day weekend), the Chamber is encouraging all downtown shops to stay open at night until 8 p.m. and give our visitors something to do! Other activities are being planned to make the pig’s last weekend in Brandon as much fun as their first!
MIXER NEWS Our next mixer is being held on Thursday, September 18 at the Brandon Motor Lodge. Stan and Patricia Lopata have done a beautiful job renovating this Brandon landmark. Come see the improvements they have made and enjoy the company. See the enclosed flier for details. Save the date - Friday, November 7 - Mixer at the Gazebo Inn. Thanks to Neshobe Golf Club for being so flexible and hosting our Golf Mixer over two weeks! The food and atmosphere were great on the 12th and the golfing was even better (and drier) on the 19th! Thanks to Nexus for sponsoring the Mixer, Joan Rowe for organizing it, and Shelley Brown and Charlene Bryant for their assistance.
HARVESTFEST PLANNING The Chamber’s summer events have been tremendous and we are rolling right into our next big event — Leaf People. Our popular Make-Your-Own-Leaf-Person HarvestFest is scheduled for Saturday, October 4. If you are interested in helping at this event, please let us know. It is always lots of fun and we could use helpers for two-hour shifts. No experience necessary! Also, we would love to take your old clothes, belts, bags, shoes, hats and gloves off your hands for you. Please contact us for drop-off information.
KUDOS TO McKERNON GROUP Congratulations to the McKernon Group for their great looking new buildings downtown. The Chamber hopes to see the buildings leased and filled quickly — these are the last empty storefronts in our newly renovated downtown and it is all very exciting.
DOWNTOWN PARKING Along with the McKernon Group’s new buildings is an impressive back parking lot. If you haven’t been behind the Center Street shops lately, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find +40 new parking spaces, paved and lined — thanks to the McKernon Group. It is now time for all downtown business owners, employees and contractors to use the back lot. Lets keep the street parking spaces open for our customers.
BRANDON TOWN PLAYERS At our last meeting, the Chamber voted to financially support the Brandon Town Players, the community theater group which recently formed in Brandon. The Chamber has a long tradition of sponsoring visual and performing artists in the area and we are proud to help out this fledgling organization. Sponsorship funds came from Auction 2003 proceeds.
THE CHAMBER’S P/R ARM! At some point, you may be contacted by Lauren Hatcher, proprietor of Inn the Attic B& B on Franklin St. and freelance writer. On behalf of the Chamber, Lauren will be writing press releases to be sent to various newspapers and business publications throughout Vermont. The goal is to highlight any news our members would like to share — about personnel, your building/space, new products, a new contract, awards received, partnerships forged, etc. If you would like to have your business included in an upcoming press release — let us know and Lauren will get in touch with you. This effort is being funded by proceeds from The Great Brandon Auction.
AUCTION THANK YOUs The 2003 Great Brandon Auction was the benefactor of the few non-rainy hours the third week in July. Under many tents (thanks to Tom Millington) we dodged the rain and pulled off a tremendously successful auction. Even the sun shone for several minutes while auctioneers Barb Watters and Tom Whittaker sing-songed their way through a 4 ½ hour production. The Chamber donates auction proceeds toward downtown improvements, our annual free summer concert series, flowers and barrel plantings downtown, and other community projects.
Thanks to all auction donors and auction bidders — without you we would have no auction! In addition, the following volunteers worked long hours making sure the auction went off without a hitch: Brian Jerome, Stephanie Jerome, Jim Jasmin, Gene Pagano, Ed & Cindy Thomas, Bruce & Nancy Ness, Bart Lund, Dick Kirby, Roy Jackson, Paul Gladding, Scott Cooper, Pat Bryant, Dave Bryant, Kevin Thornton, Fred & Joan Rowe, Carol Fjeld, Warren Kimble, Dean Ladago, Howard Giles. Special thanks to the great group of kids who helped during the day and night: Kalle Fjeld, Phoebe Lee Chestna, Jessa and Ariel Mondlak, Danielle Pinson, Natalie Merrick, Abbe & Nina Gage, Phoenix Kenney, Clairissa Quigly and Kelsey Watters. As always, a most sincere thanks to Auction Manager Joel Mondlak and Assistant Bernie Carr for all the time they put into the event year-round. Without them, the event truly would not happen.
CONCERT SERIES ENDED The Chamber’s Free Summer Concert Series has just finished another successful season. Thanks to the local performing artists who brought music to our downtown! Thanks to auction donors and bidders who helped raise the funds to support the series! Thanks to The Warren Kimble Gallery and First Brandon National Bank for co-sponsoring concerts! Thanks to the Brandon Inn for being a stand-by rain location (Distant Thunder did have to move inside!). Got a favorite local band? Let us know and we’ll try to book them next summer.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Rutland Printing Company, Inc. Sam Bellomo 267 Lincoln Ave., Rutland VT 05701 802-775-1948; fax: 802-775-6462
Computer-EZ Larry Gold 7 Meadowlake Dr., Mendon 05701 802-773-6065; fax: 802-773-6098 email: computer@together.net www.computer.rite2u.com Maurice "Buzz" Racine PO Box 31, Brandon 247-8193 (h) and 247-0227 (w) Individual Membership
Brandon Rotary Club Dick White / Buzz Racine mail to: 49 Center St., Brandon 247-0227
Brooks Pharmacy Barb Pelliccione 1 Carver St., Brandon 247-4703 www.brooks-rx.com
LEAVE A LIGHT ON! If you are a downtown business owner, think about leaving on a small light in your window until 10 pm. The more businesses who participate, the greater the effect. For a few cents a month, let’s light up the town!
NEXT C of C MEETING The Chamber’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 29th (we meet on the last Mondays of the month) at 7 pm at Miss B’s Kitchen. As always, are meetings are open to all members and the public.
JULY 2003 CHAMBER NEWS AUCTION DONATIONS NEEDED Please Help! The "Chicken Coop" Needs To Be Filled. For those unfamiliar with the Chamber’s storage barn, it is a former chicken coop and in anticipation of the 15th Annual Great Brandon Auction, it is starting to fill up — but we need more.
Be creative - Be unique - Be interesting. Donations are welcome from home or the business. Attic and barn treasures gladly accepted but please make sure donations are in good sale-able condition (we don’t take clothes, appliances, metal desks, or items that really should be destined for the transfer station). Please give us a call or send an email with your donation offer.
We can always use more muscle-power in the morning hours on the 22nd. If you have a bit of time to spare between 7 - 10 am, please let us know.
POLICE NOTIFICATION After the recent vandalism to the windows at McKernon Group’s downtown building, some merchants met with Brandon Police Chief, Craig Hanson, to discuss policing issues. One of the results of the meeting was an email notification list the Chamber has coordinated with Chief Hanson. When the Police Department has news they can share with the public, it will be emailed to the Chamber. The Chamber will email it to our regular email list. If you have received several emails with Police news and don’t want to receive them in the future, please let us know. If you have not received Police news in the last couple of weeks, and would like to get them, please send us your email address and we will add you to the list.
NEWS FOR LODGING BUSINESSES FYI - The Chamber will be sponsoring a four-color cooperative advertising page in the 2004 Vermont Traveler’s Guidebook (summer edition). The cost to participate will be $300. Businesses sharing the ad space with us will be required to purchase a listing ($125) in the magazine from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, publishers. More information will be forthcoming next month.
We will be designing a lodging photo bulletin board at the Information Booth. If you would like to send a photo of your place with a caption indicating name, phone, and address, please mail it to the Chamber or drop it off in an envelope at Antiques By The Falls (use the mail slot if the shop is closed).
CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES The Chamber-sponsored Free Summer Concert Series continues on Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 pm with a performance by Woodchuck’s Revenge. This local band specializes in folk music with a classic country flavor. The well-known trio presents old and new songs, from dance tunes to western ballads and heart songs. Vocal harmonies are accompanied on guitars, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and bass. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the Brandon Inn.
MARKETING MATERIALS NEEDED As a continuation of the Chamber’s economic development efforts, we have decided to do more to publicize the good things happening in Brandon and to Brandon businesses. We will be working with a writer to develop frequent press releases which will be sent to all area print publications. If your business has any news to share — about personnel, your building/space, new products, a new contract, awards received, partnerships forged, etc. — let us know. We will have our writer get in touch with the key person from your organization to arrange for a brief interview. If you would like to write your own press release and would like us to submit it to publications on your behalf, we would be happy to do that also. This effort is being funded by proceeds from The Great Brandon Auction.
REMEMBER THE FLOWERS AND TREES Downtown merchants — please help out with a daily dose of water for the flower barrel or tree closest to you!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Antiques By The Falls Joel & Janet Mondlak 47 Center St., Brandon 802-236-3737
UVM Dr. Robert Wuagneux PO Box 1545, Castleton 802-468-2539 email: icaal@msn.com
Ray’s Lawn Care Ray & Phyllis Reed 75 Park St., Brandon 247-4855
La Chandolaine Farms Suzanne Hegarty 671 Kimball Rd., Brandon 247-6112 email: wsefarm@aol.com web: www.lachfarm.com MIXER NEWS Thanks to Scott and Jeannine Lagasse at Lagasse’s Steakhouse for hosting our last mixer on June 25. Scott and the kitchen crew did a great job with appetizers and their new deck is an enjoyable place to relax.
Our next mixer is the Golf Mixer — The invitation / registration form is enclosed. Please return by August 5 to make sure you and your guests are placed on a team.
HAVE A YARD SALE! The Chamber’s popular Yard Sale Day will be held this year on Saturday, August 9. Registration forms are available at Carr’s Florist or on-line at www.brandon.org. The cost is $5 to get your Yard Sale on the Official Map. Make sure you don’t get left out. Registrations close on August 7.
The Chamber and Brandon Rotary Club worked side-by-side once again — cooking up dogs and burgers and selling cold drinks to Independence Day Parade-goers. Special thanks to the Chamber’s great crew of volunteers: Bob Schmidt, Joanne Raleigh, Lois Jackson and Steve White.
JAZZ AT THE TOWN HALL Coming soon -- Jazz at the Brandon Town Hall. Nathan Childers is helping raise funds for the Brandon Town Hall with a jazz festival benefit the weekend of Oct. 4th. He will be playing with two groups on Friday and Saturday night at the Town Hall. Listen to Jazz in Central Park while making your leaf person on Sat., the 4th; at Brandon Green throughout the day, and at Briggs Carriage Bookstore. The committee will be looking for volunteers to help plan for the weekend. More news to follow soon. — Friends of Brandon Town Hall
A WORD FROM THE PIG EXPERTS Thank you to everyone who is hosting a pig for the summer. We know what a big job it is to drag them in and out every night, and we appreciate how well they are being cared for. The catalogues are in, and can be purchased at the BAG for $10.00. Also, please visit our new web site at www.pigsofbrandon.org. — Brandon Artists Guild DAY CARE CENTER NEWS Brandon’s only day care center, The Children’s Growth Company, is pleased to announce that we are newly reorganized. We have a new administrative team and new energy on the Board of Directors. Our childcare team is lead by Madeline Searle, Program Director, and Dr. Kevin Fleming, Interim Development and Finance Director. We continue to offer developmentally appropriate care and education as promoted by The National Associate for the Education of Young Children. Our programs are designed to be nurturing, stimulating, enriching and child-oriented.
With dedicated staff, we provide professional childcare – ages 8 weeks to 12 years - in five programs: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and two School Age programs.
We are now accepting enrollments for this Fall and currently have some openings in our Summer programs. Please call 247-8251 for more information or stop in to see us. We are located at Park Village.
We will be having a grand re-opening, with a surprise guest star, at the end of the summer and look forward to seeing you there. Please watch for future details. — The Children’s Growth Company
NO JULY C of C MEETING We’re working our volunteers hard in July between the great crew who assisted at the Chamber/Rotary hot dog/hamburger stand at the Parade to the Auction Gang. Therefore, we will not have a regular board meeting in July. Our next meeting will be held on Monday, August 25. JUNE 2003 CHAMBER NEWSOVUHS 2003 SCHOLARSHIP The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce Five Hundred Dollar ($500) Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is well-rounded and has participated in school and outside activities. The student should also be pursuing a course of study in business or a business-related major, or who aspires to be entrepreneurial.
The Chamber is pleased to present their 2003 Scholarship to Dean Ladago. Dean’s passion is art and he has pursued this interest in his part-time work and his free time over his high school years. He is planning a career as a freelance graphic design and will be studying at Johnson State in the fall. Good luck Dean and Congratulations!
MIXER NEWS Thanks to Virginia (Russell) and Charlie Kimmel for hosting a wonderful mixer on May 16. Shelley Brown outdid herself with wonderful appetizers and we thank her for sharing her talents!
Our next mixer will be held at Lagasse’s Steakhouse "On The Deck" on Wed., June 25 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. See the invitation enclosed.
The Chamber has helped beautify downtown this summer with flowers and a new tree at Brandon Green, flowers in Kennedy Park, and flower barrels on Park and Center Streets. Thanks to Tom & Bev Sabatini of Pinewood Gardens for the beautiful flowers in Brandon Green. Thanks to Cindy and Ed Thomas of Old Mill Inn, Anita Campeau of Blue Seal Feeds, Mary Cliver of Mary Sullivan Cliver Landscape Design and Dick Kirby of Kirby’s Happy Hoofers for all their donations and work in Kennedy Park. Thanks to Jon Satz of Wood’s Market Gardens for the barrel plantings. And thanks to the McKernon Group for planting trees along Center St. and in Kennedy Park. Our streets and parks are looking great! Anyone interested in helping to water the new trees and flowers can contact the Chamber.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Supportive Computer Services Steve and Rosie Oliphant 375 Burnham Dr., Middlebury VT 05753 388-6825 steve@supportivecomputerservices.com
River’s Edge Custom Framing & Gallery Andrea Manter 16 River St., Brandon 247-4321
Plan-It Sheri Caterer Sheri Sullivan PO Box 322, Brandon ~ 247-8837 email: planitsheri@yahoo.com web: planitsheri.com
PARKING WOES It is certainly rewarding to see previously empty storefronts in downtown Brandon filling up. This is something the Chamber and its members have worked on for a long time. However, with this success comes an old problem — parking. We understand that contractors need to be in front of shops while they are working. We also understand that the back-of-Center St. lot has been inaccessible lately. Please do your best to find alternate parking locations for yourself and employees, even if it means walking a bit further to work each day. Let’s do our best to save spaces for our customers!
FROM FIRST BRANDON NATIONAL BANK "More Than Just Another Face Lift" American greenbacks are getting a bit more colorful. A touch of peach, blue and yellow along with the traditional green and black are featured on the new $20 bill, the first to be colorized in a project to thwart counterfeiters. The Treasury Department's Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which makes the nation's paper currency, recently took the wrappers off the redesigned $20. The new bills won't appear in cash registers or ATM machines until later this year. "The $20 bill is the most-counterfeited note in the United States. The purpose of the new design is to stay ahead of anyone who would compromise the security and integrity of the dollar through counterfeiting," said Treasury Secretary John Snow. On both the front and back of the new $20 bills, moving from left to right, there's a faint wash of green tint, then peach down the middle, then green again in what had been the neutral-colored background of the old notes. The Chamber will send out pamphlets on the new currency when available.
REALLY REALLY PIG SHOW NEWS The Really Really Pig Show was a huge success — a rainy day still brought out thousands of people wanting a glimpse at the spectacular pigs. The Chamber sponsored the ice cream pig-out immediately following the parade and scooped 750 servings in about 1-1/2 hours! Thanks to Anita Campeau, Joanne Raleigh, Lois Jackson and friend, Dave & Diane Bryant and Stephanie Jerome for helping with the scooping.
In case you missed the parade or haven’t seen all the pigs, check out the Chamber’s website for lots of photos! Congratulations to the members of the Brandon Artists Guild for this wonderful event. Lots of folks are already inquiring about the pig auction — as we get information, we will pass it on.
INSURANCE UPDATE Northeast Delta Dental rates for the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2003 are as follows: Single - $37.82 Two-person - $63.51 Family - $100.89 If you are interested in this membership benefit, please contact Paul Gladding at Holden Financial - 247-5761.
CROSSROADS OF VERMONT; REGIONAL MARKETING ORGANIZATION
For more information about Crossroads projects, contact Joe Cerreta at 773-2747 or by email at jcerreta@aol.com.
MEMBER NEWS Welcome Kelly Ladabouche, the new coordinator of Brandon Interage. CVPS Receives Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence - Gov. James Douglas presented Central Vermont Public Service with the state’s highest environmental awards recently, honoring the company’s commitment to environmentally sound forestry management and endangered ospreys. Douglas presented President Bob Young and CVPS staff with the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in Environmental Stewardship and Resource Protection and the Governor’s Environmental Award for Advancement of Educational Excellence. The stewardship award was presented to the CVPS Forestry Department, and the education award was presented to employees involved in osprey protection and education. The website, www.cvps.com/osprey, provides detailed information on ospreys, from breeding to fishing to anatomy. NEWS FROM THE OUTSIDE The Human Resources Investment Council has prepared a plan to help Vermonters build the State’s future economy. If you are interested in a copy of the plan, please contact Denise Bergeron at 802-828-4349 or by email at: dbergeron@det.state.vt.us
NEXT C of C MEETING The Chamber will meet on the "last Monday of the month" — Monday, June 30 at 7 pm at Miss B’s Kitchen. As always, all members and the general public are invited.
APRIL 2003 CHAMBER NEWS THE REALLY REALLY PIG SHOW KICK-OFF PARADE SCHEDULED FOR MAY 24 
The Chamber is pleased to help organize and sponsor the Pig Parade and Ice Cream Pig-Out beginning at 1 p. m. on Sat., May 24. The parade will begin at the head of Park Street, wind down to the Town Offices, loop back up Center St. and head down the alley behind the Brandon Inn. At that time, the Chamber will be serving ice cream and people will be able to visit with the pigs. The OVUHS Jazz Band will be serving up their tunes in Central Park during the Parade. Brandon Artist Guild members, sponsors of The Really Really Pig Show, will be hosting Art in the Park from 10 am - 4 pm as well. After the events of May 24, the pigs will be brought to their summer locations — they will be scattered throughout town and people will be able to find them all via a published map. GREEN UP DAY - MAY 3 Vermont’s traditional Green Up Day will be held on Saturday, May 3. Please make every effort to call Eric Sanborn at 247-6263 for an assignment. Bags are available for pick-up at the town office. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ADVERTISING The deadline for advertising in our Summer Concert Series flier has been extended until May 7. If you would like to include your business-card style ad on the flier, please contact us. The cost is $30. The flier will be sent to every mailbox in the 05733 and 05745 zip codes and will feature our concerts and Brandon’s major summer events.
AUCTION - TUESDAY, JULY 22 The Chamber’s 15th Annual Great Brandon Auction will be held this year on Tuesday, July 22 starting at 4 pm. As always, the Chamber is counting on you, our members, for generous and unusual donations. Be creative, search high and low — that perfect auction donation is out there. You should receive a call in the near future from a Chamber Board member but don’t wait — you can call or email us and arrange for pick-up! MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ENCLOSED The Chamber’s latest membership directory is enclosed. Let’s keep business local — leave the directory by your phone and use it to patronize fellow members whenever possible. If you would like additional copies, they are available at the Info Booth. An electronic version is available "24/7" on our website.
Our apologies to Kokopelli’s Green Market for being omitted from the directory. Kokopelli’s offers a host of products from natural soaps, hair, and skin care products to personal hygiene and deodorants; from natural pet care products and distinctive gifts to cleaning products for dishes, laundry — all around the home. All products are friendly to both the environment and the people who produced them.
Please add Kokopelli’s to your directory and make sure to stop in and see what they have. Their address is:
Kokopelli's Green Market 20 Farr Way (former Brandon Tile location) PO Box 353, Brandon 247-4100; toll-free: 800-210-0202 e-mail: customerservice@kokogm.com web: www.kokogm.com
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND Years ago, the Chamber became the grantor agent for a revolving loan fund from Brandon Village Partnership. While BVP may have dissolved, the Chamber kept the revolving loan fund alive — lending it several times in the past and advertising its availability whenever monies were ready to be lent again. The purpose of the loan is for an approved commercial building improvement project. We are pleased to announce that the loan has recently been lent again to two different businesses who are making building improvements.
The Chamber is pleased to facilitate these loans and is making more monies available for the future with the help of FBNB. If you are interested in learning more about these low-interest funds, please contact us.
NESHOBE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC. GOLF TOURNAMENT The Neshobe Community Center, Inc. is happy to announce their first major fundraiser — a golf tournament to be held on Sat., May 10, 2003 at Neshobe Golf Club. The NCC’s goal is to build an indoor recreational facility, including an enclosed swimming pool. Currently, NCC board members are working with representatives from the Town of Brandon and the Congregational Church exploring ways to site a pool on the grounds of OVUHS. In this way, the OVUHS community at large can be part of the project and reap the benefits. The Golf Tournament will be held May 10, rain or shine, shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. promptly. This is scramble format. There is a men’s division and a mixed division. The entry fee is $65.00 per person, 4-person teams. Each entry entitles person to a chance at winning a Taylor Made Driver and includes lunch at the turn and lots of prize drawings. Entries are due Sunday, May 4. Contact George Fjeld at 247-6534 or Neshobe Golf Club for registration information. Registration forms can also be found on-line at: www.brandon.org/neshobecc/intro.htm. 
CONGRATULATIONS … are in order to Jon Satz of Wood’s Market Gardens and Bethany Barry of Bethany Barry Designs for the great press they each recently received in the Rutland Herald. Both Jon and Bethany are doing innovative and interesting things in their businesses.
THANKS … are in order to the OVUHS Career Center. Staff and students have worked hard all year to help the Chamber with envelope stuffing, visitor pack preparation, and other miscellaneous jobs. We appreciate their efficient help.
CROSSROADS OF VERMONT OUR REGIONAL MARKETING ORGANIZATION
For more information about Crossroads projects, contact Joe Cerreta at 775-5608 or by email at jcerreta@aol.com.
NEWS FROM THE OUTSIDE Long Distance by Cellular One has announced a name change to UNICEL Long Distance. All other info remains unchanged. Their phone number is 877-754-5083.
Publicize Events for Free: Submit fall events to Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. Events distributed broadly and listed free on www.vermontvacation.com.
The Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) promotes the employment of the citizens of Vermont with physical, mental, emotional and/or other disabilities. There are tax credits and deductions available for businesses who make their businesses accessible to employees or customers with disabilities, those who remove physical, structural and transportation barriers for people with disabilities, and for those who hire people from certain targeted group. For more information about these tax incentives, contact your accountant, the IRS, or GCEPD at 802-244-5895 or VTGCEPD@aol.com. On the web at: www.hireus.org
NEXT C of C MEETING The Chamber will meet on the "last Monday of the month" — Monday, May 26 at 7 pm at Miss B’s Kitchen. As always, all members and the general public are invited.
MARCH 2003 CHAMBER NEWS GO HOG WILD THIS SUMMER: TWO ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Its going to be a great summer in Brandon — the Really Really Pig Show is getting more exciting by the moment and the Chamber’s Free Summer Concert Series is sure to be popular with the line-up we have arranged (more about the concerts later). We encourage members to share in co-operative advertising to help spread the word and bring people to Brandon this summer. Go Hog-Wild and join us in advertising your business and our great town!
1) Are you interested in offering sales or specials the day of the Pig Parade, Saturday, May 24? We would like to see a "moonlight madness" type of atmosphere for the entire day and advertise the event in the Rutland Herald and Addison Independent. The cost of the advertising will depend on the number of merchants participating. See enclosed flier for details.
2) We will be preparing a flier advertising the summer concert series similar to the one we have sent for the past couple of years. The cost to participate is the same as last year, $30. Sign up using the enclosed flier.
Please review the enclosed information to make sure you meet deadlines.
BRANDON WELL REPRESENTED AT BUSINESS TRADE SHOW Brandon was well-represented at this year’s Business-to-Business Trade Show held on March 11 at the Holiday Inn in Rutland. The Chamber’s display focused on three essential components:
"A Cultural Town" featured upcoming 2003 events, our schools, and the Brandon Artist Guild. As part of the display, Jackee Foley’s "Brandon Pig" (which had recently been in the Brandon Artist Guild window) helped get the message out about the fun, artistic and stimulating things going on with the arts in Brandon.
"Our Growing Town" highlighted the economic development opportunities here in Brandon — Downtown Designation efforts, the high quality commercial inventory available, and significant properties recently revitalized or in the process.
"A Place To Celebrate" focused on businesses related to the wedding, special event, and conference economy. 
For every wedding or large event held in Brandon, the economic trickle-down effect is significant (gas stations, retailers, restaurants, and lodging establishments are on the first tier; businesses on the second tier include the bank, supermarket, plumbers, contractors, etc.).
The Brandon display was well-received and sparked many a conversation with huge interest in the "Pig" and its summer-long events. If you missed the show this year, make an effort to attend next year — it is fun, exciting, and interesting to see Rutland County’s thriving businesses. CHAMBER MIXER UPCOMING APRIL 4 Amanda Berry of Smart Moves, has invited Chamber members and their guests to a Wine and Hors d’oeuvres Mixer on Friday, April 4 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Smart Moves is located at 184 Jones Dr., (former BTS Laundry Building) Park Village. Amanda can be reached at 247-9500. See the enclosed invitation for more information on Smart Moves and Amanda’s program.
SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE The Chamber is pleased to announce it is now accepting scholarship application forms from graduating OVUHS students pursuing a course of study in business or business-related major. The scholarship will be presented to a student who is well-rounded, has participated in school and outside activities, who is pursuing higher education, and is planning on a career in business or aspires to be entrepreneurial. Interested students should contact the Guidance Office for applications. The deadline for applying is May 2, 2003. For more information, you may also call the Chamber. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Vicky Stevens Real Estate 1266 Brown Rd. Shoreham VT 05770 897-2576 email: vickystevensrealestate@shoreham.net
Happy Valley Painters, Inc. Garrett R. Charlton 9 Court St. Rutland 05701 775-6121; fax: 773-6863; t.f.: 888-775-6121 email: garrett@happyvalleypainters.com www.happyvalleypainters.com
Kirby’s Happy Hookers Dick & Debbie Kirby PO Box 224 (977 Forest Dale Rd.) 247-3124 email: kirby@sover.net GARDEN CLUB As reported last year, the Brandon Garden Club has dissolved an |