NOV. 2007 CHAMBER NEWS

DUES STATEMENTS
Enclosed with this newsletter is your 2008 Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce dues statement. For the first time in four years, dues have increased. The Chamber Board spent considerable time at its last meeting discussing the organization's finances and needs. The increase rounds out to approximately 15% in all categories (Individual memberships did not change). With cost of living increases, loss of state funding for tourism projects, and a decline in auction revenue, the Board decided that the increase is fair and necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us. Please pay dues by the due date on the bill. It costs money and time for delays.

NEWS FROM MEMBERS
From the McKernon Group: The Extreme Home Makeover Vermont Edition will air on Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 8:00 pm on ABC. The McKernon Group of Brandon, Vermont was the lead contractor on this project, sponsored by the Emmy-winning TV show.

MIXER NEWS
Thanks so much to the folks at the Neshobe Golf Club for their fine food and good cheer at the last Chamber mixer. Our next big social event will be our Annual Dinner, tentatively scheduled for Friday, February 1. Invitations will be in the mail in January.

 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Just Results
Lyn DuMoulin
19 Sunset Dr. Brandon
247-3709   ~   e: ajacks@earthlink.net
Membership Category: Arts, Artisans & Musicians

Vermont Countryhouse
Eden or Hope Wurmfeld
mail: 329 Sackett St. Brooklyn NY 11231
location: 198 South Hill Rd., Goshen VT 05733
phone: 917-446-9753
e: eden@verizon.net or hwurmfeld@earthlink.net
www.vermontcountryhouse.com
Membership Category: Lodging

St. Thomas & Grace Episcopal Church
Rev. Margaret Lee Ferry
19 Conant Sq. Brandon   ~   247-6759
e: stthomasandgrace@verizon.net
Membership Category: Assns., Churches & Organizations

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
This is a partial list of benefits included with a business membership with the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce. For a full list, visit www.brandon.org

The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce shall be dedicated to the improvement and advancement of a positive and dynamic economic, industrial, professional, and business climate in the Brandon area (By-laws, article II).

Benefits offered by the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce are important to you, the community, and your business. Please support the Chamber with your continued membership. Each membership is imperative to sustain our current benefit level and expand into new programs. Our most valuable benefits include:

<     Access to competitively-priced health insurance from Cigna and dental insurance from Delta Dental.
<     Sale of Brandon Green - Gift Certificates to Shop in Brandon redeemable at members' businesses at no cost to members
<     Annual town-wide events which boost quality of life such as: The Great Brandon Auction, HarvestFest (make your own leaf person) Yard Sale Day, Free Summer Concert Series & Moonlight Madness.
<     Annual financial contributions are made to the Operation Santa Claus, Holiday Park Decorating, and downtown flowers throughout the summer.
<     Couples or individuals with two different businesses get the second business listed on our website and in our membership directory at no additional cost.
<     Maintenance of our popular website, www.brandon.org. Free links to all members' websites. Host members' home pages on our website for a nominal annual fee.
<     Free advertising on our economic development website page of business members' commercial properties for sale or lease.
<     Communication to members in the form of periodic newsletters and area event calendars.
<     Information Booth is open and maintained from January 1 through December 31. Business brochures and cards as well as state and regional publications and maps are displayed and available to the public free of charge.
<     Production and distribution of publications: Brandon Area Map & Guide, Celebrate Brandon Brochure, Historic Brandon Walking Tour, and annual Membership Directory.
<     Sponsor events which provide networking and socializing opportunities for members and guests: Golf Mixer, Annual Meeting/Dinner, and Wine & Cheese Mixers. Special agenda meetings held when needed such as Legislative Luncheons and Meet the Candidates.
<     Welcome packets are furnished to new area residents.
<     Visitor packets mailed in response to advertising. Member businesses may include their brochure in packets for a small postage fee.
<     Cooperative advertising opportunities.
 
If you support the activities we engage in, please support us with your membership.
DISCOUNTED IDENTITY-THEFT PROG. FOR MEMBERS
The Brandon Chamber is a member of a state-wide organization called Vermont Association of Chamber Executives (VACE). Through VACE, the Brandon Chamber is able offer additional member benefits such as access to the popular Cigna Health Insurance and Delta Dental Insurance Plans. Another benefit available to members is the ability to enroll in one of the nation's ID theft-protection programs, LifeLock. The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce has not done any research on LifeLock but the VACE affiliated committee has and they highly recommend it. This information is from them.

ALifeLock is the leading provider of identity theft-prevention services. Other similar programs promise to help you once your identity has been stolen. "Every other product on the market is either a credit-monitoring service or a restoration service for victims. They are all reactionary and do nothing to prevent the crime," said David French, who sells the service for the Chamber. "LifeLock is preventative and proactive so the crime doesn't happen to begin with."

 For more information on LifeLock, contact David French at 802-334-3176. You may also visit the LifeLock website at www.lifelock.com for testimonials and to enroll. To receive a free month and a 10-percent discount on the plan, enter the promotional code Brandon. The program costs $110 a year per person before the chamber discount, putting the final price at $99 for members entering the promotional code.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING: NOVEMBER 26
The Chamber's next meeting will be held on Monday, November 26 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. (The last Monday of the month). The meeting is open to all members and the general public. At this time, the Chamber is not planning on meeting in December.

Per By-Laws, Article IV(1)c: AElection of Board of Directors by the membership (majority vote) and election of four (4) officers by the Directors;@ This is notification that this election will be taking place at the November 26 meeting.

 

SEPT. 2007 CHAMBER NEWS

AUCTION PROCEEDS EXPENDED
At their last meeting, the Chamber Board started the process of divvying up Auction proceeds for several Brandon causes. The Board is still contemplating other projects, but as of this writing, $3,000 is being donated to the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace; $1,000 is being donated to Brandon Tree Committee and $1,000 is being donated to the Friends of the Brandon Town Hall. The Chamber Auction raises funds each year to benefit the Brandon community.

VOLUNTEERS / CLOTHES / ACCESSORIES NEEDED FOR LEAF PEOPLE
The days are cooling off and that means that Brandon's Harvest People will be back soon! On Saturday, September 29, the Brandon Chamber will once again host our ever-popular HarvestFest in Central Park (beginning at 10 am). Community members will be able to make Leaf People with our experts (free guidance and free materials). We are in need of:
1) LOTS of volunteers to help (no experience necessary, we'll train and make sure you have a great time)
2) Colorful clothes and accessories, especially hats, handbags, backpacks, shoes, socks, boots, belts, beads, and gloves. Kids clothes are especially needed.
There will be a rain location announced. For information on where to drop off your clothes, please call the Chamber

SEPTEMBER 29 EVENTS
Besides making Leaf People on September 29, participants can partake in the Brandon Rotary Club's delicious apple pies, take a hay ride with the Harvest Program or buy their pumpkins, and fill up on the Brandon Lions Club BBQ. This is a superb fall day activity and all starts at 10 am.

MOONLIGHT MADNESS / DOWNTOWN LIGHTS
For those who participated last year in Moonlight Madness or holiday wreaths and garlands, a participation form is enclosed with this newsletter. If you did not participate last year but are interested to know more, please let us know and we'll get you a form.

CONCERT SERIES ENDS
The Chamber's free summer concerts ended with a spectacular show on August 31. Brandon's very own Town Band opened with their debut performance under the direction of Kim Nelson. The Doughboys took the stage soon thereafter and played to an enthusiastic crowd. Thanks once again to concert sponsors Casella Waste Management and First Brandon Bank for making the series possible.

MIXER NEWS
Our membership definitely loves mixers! Thanks so much to Jon Satz and the crew at Wood's Market Garden — Jason, Beth, and Elsie + Shelley Brown for the wonderful farm-fresh munchies at the last mixer.

The Chamber's next mixer will be on Thursday, October 11 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at National Bank of Middlebury (5 Carver Street; the Ayrshire Building). Delicious appetizers and cash bar. Door prizes!

UPDATES
BRANDON IS FOR BRIDES wedding took place on Saturday, September 1 at the Lilac Inn under blue skies. Brandon is still gaining publicity for the wonderful gift our businesses gave this lucky couple. Our business community should be very proud of itself for their generosity, professionalism, and cooperativeness with each other and the bridal party.
Congratulations Brandon — We Did It!

STEPHEN A DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE Board of Directors announce they have hired Architect Jay White of Robert Carl Williams Associates (of Pittsfield, VT) to do the architectural design work for this historic building. Jay has a tremendous amount of experience working with historic buildings and has recently done work for the Brandon Town Hall. The Board is excited to begin the design phase of the project.

TWO GREAT BRANDON CHAMBER BENEFITS: BRANDON GREEN
Make Sure Your Employees Know To Accept Them
Brandon Green gift certificates are one of the Brandon Chamber's excellent benefits. The certificates come in $5 increments and are to be accepted at your place of business in lieu of cash. Deposit them as you would a check. They are green in color and look like an oversized check. The certificates can be purchased only at the Brandon Park Street and OVUHS branches of the First Brandon Bank. Please make sure your employees are aware of them and that you accept them. There is no cost for you to accept them. For more information or if you have questions, contact the Chamber.

LOW INTEREST LOANS AVAILABLE
A number of years ago, the Chamber and the now-defunct downtown revitalization organization called Brandon Village Partnership established a low-interest loan fund available for qualifying businesses. The intent of the fund is to make money available at low interest, without a lot of paperwork and without collateral. The money is to be used for building and facade improvements. One requirement is that the monthly payments must be charged to a First Brandon Bank account. The fund has been lent a number of times and is now available again. There is approximately $2500 available. For more information and to see if your project qualifies, contact the Chamber.

NEWS FROM AROUND TOWN: FRIENDS OF THE BRANDON TOWN HALL
The Walter Cerf Community Fund with the Vermont Community Foundation has awarded the Friends of the Brandon Town Hall a grant in the amount of $5,000 towards the purchase and installation of a fire suppression system for the building.

A fire suppression system is the next phase in the rehabilitation of the building and has a price tag of $75,000. The Friends have an ambitious agenda to complete the renovations necessary to make Town Hall a Community Center for all to use and enjoy. The anticipated cost of those improvements is $927,000.

To date, $364,000 was been put into building renovations and improvements through grants, fundraisers and donations. Of this, $129,000 has come from the Walter Cerf Community Fund and $52,000 from individual donations.

Hopefully you have enjoyed the events held at the Town Hall this summer and have seen what the Friends have done. If you would like to learn more about the plans for the Town Hall, please visit www.brandontownhall.org. In addition you can contact Mei Mei Brown at 247-3971 with any questions.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MCKERNON GROUP
The McKernon Group successfully completed the "race against time" construction on a new home for the Vitale family of Athens, VT as part of the ABC program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". The McKernon Group of Brandon managed the entire construction project.

The McKernon Group was not given much advance notice to organize and supervise the construction project. Congratulations to their entire staff and all the volunteers who helped turn this into a reality for a deserving family. The TV show will air later in the year.

SONS OF THE AMER. LEGION COMEDY NIGHT
The Boston Comedy Fundraising Tour will be appearing in Brandon on Saturday, September 22 at 8 pm at the American Legion Post 55. Three comedians will be featured in this important fundraiser for the Legion. Donation: $15. Help the Legion and Share some Laughs.

MURDER AT THE BANQUET
The Brandon Town Players will be presenting Murder at the Banquet, a dinner theater murder mystery comedy on Sat., September 29 at the Brandon Inn. The night will also include a Silent Auction featuring wonderful items! Reservations are required - contact Debbie at 247-6660 or 345-3033 or Kathy at 247-6720.

25th ANNUAL SUDBURY ROAD RACE
Sudbury's Country School will host their 25th annual Road Race on Saturday, September 22 starting at 10 am. The event features a 10K run, a 1.2 mile fun run and a 5 mile walk. Lots of food, fun, and games. For more information and to register call 623-7771

CATS AND DOGS ON THE AUCTION BLOCK
The Brandon Artist Guild's delightful and captivatingly created cats and dogs are going on the auction block on Saturday, October 6. There will be music, entertainment, and of course, the much-awaited animal auction. Time and location of auction will be announced. Check local papers.

BRANDON FARMER'S MARKET HARVEST FAIR
The Brandon Farmer's Market vendors and friends will be hosting their annual Harvest Fair on Saturday, Oct. 6from 10 am - 4 pm. Catch a glimpse of the spinning wheel at work. See treasures in wood, iron, wool, and fabric. Taste quality baked goods, vinegars, honey, mustards, and maple syrup. See the patchwork of color. Pumpkins, gourds, indian corn, and wreaths. Bring home the charm of small town. Savor the tastes and treasure tomorrow's antiques.

THINKING AHEAD
Just a heads up -- The State's annual historic preservation conference will be held in Brandon on Friday, May 2, 2008. This annual event brings in hundreds of participants and speakers for a day-long event focused on preservation.

www.brandon.org
The Chamber's website is packed full of useful information for both visitors and locals. As a membership benefit, all members receive a free link to their own website and we encourage everyone to link from their site to our's. In addition, some members have a paragraph describing their business. Check out the site and let us know how we can better serve you.

REMINDER - CALENDAR HAPPENINGS
Find out what is happening in Brandon and make sure to submit all public events to the town's community calendar: www.brandontownhall.org.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING: SEPTEMBER 24
The Chamber's next meeting will be held on Monday, September 24 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. The meeting is open to all members and the general public.

AUG. 2007 CHAMBER NEWS

NEW BRANDON BROCHURE
Enclosed, please find the Chamber's new lure piece. The publication's production took longer than expected but we think the outcome is great! The brochure was paid for by the advertisers. Thanks so much to photographers Caleb Kenna, Tad Merrick, Jim Germond, Louis Pattis, Frank Farnsworth and Anthony Albarello for sharing their shots. Thanks also to Liza Myers and Sarah Pattis for all their production work. The brochure is already being distributed at a couple of Vermont Welcome Centers and by mail to people who inquire about Brandon. If you would like a supply for your customers, please contact the Chamber.

AUCTION
Thanks so much to all donors, bidders and buyers at the 19th Annual Great Brandon Auction. The weather was beautiful, the crowd was generous, and the community spirit was better than ever. Everyone who gave, bid and bought made it a great day. There are way too many people to name and you all know who you are. Most importantly, we couldn't do it without the team behind the scenes — Bernie Carr and Joel Mondlak, and Auctioneers Barb Watters with Guest Auctioneer Warren Kimble! Special note of thanks to Tom Millington for the tents (good for rain or sun; we are glad this was a "sun" year), Casella Waste Management for the port-a-let donation, Naylor & Breen Builders for the use of their truck for the entire day, and awesome storage from High Pond Woodworks and Richard Baker. Proceeds from this year's auction are being donated to the ongoing Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace and Brandon Town Hall projects as well as the Brandon Tree Fund.

YARD SALE DAY — GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY
Brandon's annual Yard Sale Day is a great event which helps recycle and reuse. With more than 65 yard sales registered on the official map and scores more set up around town, Brandon was a busy place last Saturday. At the end of the day, many "free boxes" were being picked over. The event provides residents with a great way to earn some cash for their unwanted things, for others to pick up needed items at a fraction of their original cost, and to reduce what might otherwise have gone to the transfer station! If you registered your sale, thanks so much. The small fee helped pay for all the advertising of the event, which in turn brought all those shoppers to your sale! If you still have a yard sale stick, please return it to the Information Booth.

PARADE
Thanks so much to the good folks who helped out with the Chamber / Rotary food tent at the Independence Day Parade and also to Blue Seal and Celebration Rentals for their contributions. The Chamber and Rotary appreciate the community's support on Parade Day and enjoy the cooperative effort. In addition, many thanks to the hard- working Independence Day Celebration Committee volunteers for their terrific job!

MIXER NEWS
Please note the Mixer Invitation on the other side of this newsletter for Sept. 6 at Wood's Market Garden. Note the change in time from our norm.

Mark your calendars for an October mixer hosted and sponsored by National Bank of Middlebury in their new Brandon office. The mixer is set for Thursday, Oct. 11.

FREE CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH TWO AUGUST CONCERTS

The rain location for both concerts will be the Brandon Town Hall.

August 16 - Thursday - 6:30 pm in Central Park - Treat yourself to this night out — The Starline Rhythm Boys are well known throughout the state and will be bringing their fans. Get your piece of lawn early!

August 31 - Friday - in Brandon Green Park
At 6:00 pm - Start the Labor Day weekend and your evening early with the premiere performance of the brand new Brandon Town Band. Comprised of kids, adults, and grandparents, the Band will perform as "warm-up" to the evening's headliners, under the direction of Kim Nelson.
At 6:30 pm - Middlebury favorites The Doughboys will guarantee a great night of entertainment. Bring your dancing shoes.

BRANDON IS FOR BRIDES
The wedding will be held on Saturday, September 1. The Bride and Groom are ready. Rooms are booked. Guests will be treated not only to world-class food all weekend, but activities such as Pilates classes and guided hiking in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. The Chamber is hoping for one more splash of publicity from the event! Thanks to all who are participating and those who have offered donations. Once the wedding is over, Brandon Is For Brides will continue! We believe Brandon is an excellent destination wedding location and we will continue to promote all our fabulous assets!

STEPHEN A DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE
By the end of the month, an architect will be chosen and the actual work will begin on the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace. The new Board of Directors is very excited to begin conceptualizing potential new uses for the building. There will be an opportunity for public comment as we move forward.

CHANGES ANNOUNCED TO MEMORY TREE LIGHTING & MOONLIGHT MADNESS EVENTS
The Chamber Board has announced a change to their Memory Tree Lighting event and Moonlight Madness evenings. Be assured, the Chamber is not making plans to change the Memory Tree — just the tree lighting event. And arrangements have been made to ensure that Santa will still come to town although another organization will be taking on the responsibility.

As the Chamber did last year, there will be two Moonlight Madness evenings in December. The first is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5. The second is scheduled for Tuesday, December 18. We will incorporate the Tree Lighting into the first Moonlight Madness evening. More details will follow as we get closer to the season!

WCAX - TV COMMERCIAL ON THE WEB
If you haven't yet caught the Brandon TV commercial running on WCAX-TV this summer, check it out at: www.brandon.org

REMINDER - CALENDAR HAPPENINGS
Find out what is happening in Brandon and make sure to submit all public events to the town's community calendar: www.brandontownhall.org.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING: AUGUST 27
The Chamber's next meeting will be held on Monday, August 27 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. The meeting is open to all members and the general public. The Chamber did not meet in July.

JULY 2007 CHAMBER NEWS

THE GREAT BRANDON AUCTION - TUESDAY, JULY 24 at 4 pm
Central Park Brandon - Preview at 2 pm

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND ONE AUCTION THIS SUMMER, MAKE IT THIS ONE. Bring your family and friends to Brandon on July 24th for the 19th Annual Great Brandon Auction sponsored by the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Community Projects of the Chamber. This year's benefits include the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace restoration and the Brandon Town Hall plus other beautification undertakings.

The Auction offers antiques, collectibles, new merchandise, services, original art; surprises and treasures from attics and barns. Also gift certificates for dinners, lodging, services, memberships, products, museums, family entertainment, and more.

AUCTIONEER - BARB WATTERS with GUEST AUCTIONEER WARREN KIMBLE

Food Available by Brandon Lions Club and Lary's Umbrella Room

Bring your chair, family, friends. Rain or Shine. Under the Tent.

Vermont State Sales Tax of 6% will apply to all purchases excluding gift certificates. Resellers - You will be required to sign an exemption form - Bring Your Number! Terms: cash or good check

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
National Bank of Middlebury
Deborah Wing
5 Carver St. Brandon
247-8513 f: 247-8512
t.f.: 877-508-8455
dwing@nationalbankmiddlebury.com
www.nationalbankmiddlebury.com
Membership Category: Bank

AUCTION LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY DONATIONS NEEDED
The Great Brandon Auction is less than a week away and the event is shaping up to be a great one. We have some fantastic donations already in storage but more are needed. The auction is the Chamber's one and only annual fundraiser.

This year, the Chamber will be donating auction proceeds to a variety of projects. Some funds will go toward the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace restoration project. Other funds will be donated to the Brandon Tree Committee and the Chamber Board is looking into possibly lighting the Falls and putting up a couple of dog hitching posts downtown.

What and how can you donate? We collect all kinds of things — new merchandise — of course. Also: used quality items in sale-able condition. We can't take clothes or linens and we are restricted from just about all types of electronics and appliances unless they are late model and in excellent condition. Same goes for exercise equipment. Otherwise, use your imagination. We will pick up at your place or you can drop things in Central Park next Tuesday morning.

Another way to help is to come to the Auction on July 24 and BID. The preview begins at 2 pm and the auction at 4 pm. This event is full of lots of laughs, great deals, good cheer and always a surprise or two. For more information, to answer questions, or to let us know about your donation, please contact the Chamber.

VERMONT VACATION GUIDE
The Brandon Chamber plans to once again purchase advertising in the state Chamber's fulfillment magazine, the Vermont Vacation Guide. There will be 200,000 magazines printed for the summer 2008 issue which are sent in response to inquiries made directly to the State of Vermont and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The audience is people have already indicated a desire to come to Vermont. Brandon's advertising page is always well- received and is being used as a model for cooperative advertising! The cost to participate is $350 (same price as last year) and is subsidized by the Brandon Chamber. Tourism-based businesses and those who participated in the past will find a registration form enclosed with this newsletter. If you are interested and would like to know more, please contact the Chamber for details.

TRANSITIONS
Congratulations on their retirement to Tom and Judy Eve Brown. Brown's of Brandon is closing their doors after 29 years. We thank Tom and Judy eve for their many years of commitment and dedication to downtown Brandon. Brown's windows have been Brandon's version of Fifth Avenue! Tom has been, (and will continue to be, so we are told), a promoter of downtown beautification, improvement, trees, window displays, and marketing. It is hoped that someone with the same determination and eye toward beauty will buy their real estate in the near future.

Congratulations to Urszula and Steve Zahn, new owners of Cozy Cottages (formerly Maple Grove Cottages). Urszula and Steve will not be opening the restaurant but are open for business selling cottages by the night or by the week! Welcome to town.

Condolences to the family of Edna Jones, who passed away this week. Edna has been a friend of the Chamber and the Brandon Artists Guild for many years and she will be missed.

FREE CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH TWO AUGUST CONCERTS
The rain location for both concerts will be the Brandon Town Hall.

August 16 - Thursday - 6:30 pm in Central Park - Treat yourself to this night out — The Starline Rhythm Boys are well known throughout the state and will be bringing their fans. Get your piece of lawn early!

August 31 - Friday - 6:30 pm in Brandon Green Park - Middlebury favorites The Doughboys will guarantee a great night of entertainment. Bring your dancing shoes.

PARADE THANKS
Thanks so much to the good folks who helped out with the Chamber / Rotary food tent at the Independence Day Parade. Representing the chamber were Nancy and Bruce Ness, Carolyn Whittaker, Mitch Pearl, Martha and Dick Wood, Debbie and Dan Lounsbury, and Matthew Gibbs. Thanks also to Blue Seal and Celebration Rentals for their contributions. The Chamber and Rotary appreciate the community's support on Parade Day and enjoy the cooperative effort. In addition, many thanks to the hard-working Independence Day Celebration Committee volunteers for their terrific job!

BRANDON NOW HAS A COMMUNITY CALENDAR!
Thanks to Jon Andrews, representing the Brandon Town Hall, Brandon now has a community calendar. You can check it out at www.brandontownhall.org and click on the Community Calendar button. It is hoped that many organizations, residents, and visitors will use it. If you would like to submit events, please click on Add New Entry down at the bottom, write out all the information, and submit. Jon will post it. If you'll be posting many events, you might want to request a user name and password so you can enter the events without going through Jon. He can approve requests at jon@onticpictures.com
Please use the calendar before scheduling events in which you would like public participation. If we all use the calendar, it will be very effective!

BRANDON IS FOR BRIDES
We've recently seen a lot of good Brandon PR about our free wedding giveaway. There have also been a number of anecdotal stories reported. While it is virtually impossible to quantify the results of this type of marketing campaign, the Chamber is trying to gather as many stories as possible. If your business has seen a positive impact as a result of the Chamber's efforts, please let us know. We have heard of at least three marriages which have taken place in Brandon as a result of the Chronicle TV newsmagazine show from Boston which aired in May. We also have heard of others who have traveled here, stayed at local inns, ate at our restaurants and shopped in downtown. If you have any other business results, please let us know.

STEPHEN A DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
The Douglas Birthplace has received six bids for architectural services. The Board will be spending the next month or so evaluating the bids and making an award.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING: AUGUST 27
The Chamber's next meeting will be held on Monday, August 27 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. The meeting is open to all members and the general public. The Chamber will not meet in July.

JUNE 2007 CHAMBER NEWS

FREE CONCERT SERIES
The date of the Dough Boys concert was incorrectly published in our Concert Series flier. The date is actually Friday, August 31.

Apologies to Phyllis Aitchison of Lang McLaughry Spera for mistakenly being left out of the flier advertising. Phyllis can be reached at 247- 3815 or 989-6220.

The rain location for all our concerts will be the Brandon Town Hall. We hope not to need it but its a great concert hall and we appreciate the opportunity.

The next concert is scheduled for Friday, July 6 featuring Mango Jam at 6:30 pm at Brandon Green Park. Mango Jam has been described as, "one of Vermont's leading bands." They've been a popular presence on the scene for about fifteen years. This band draws its inspiration from the music of South Louisiana and the Caribbean incorporating Zydeco, Cajun, New Orleans R&B and Mardi Gras songs along with Ska and Reggae. We are pleased that Mango Jam is coming to Brandon!

WCAX ADVERTISING
Some folks on the golf course last week may have noticed a "groom" driving up to the 13th hole. Or passers-by in downtown may have noticed a "bride" walking around. The Chamber has purchased advertising on WCAX Channel 3 to run throughout the summer. The commercial is being funded through the State of Vermont via Crossroads of Vermont partnership, our Regional Marketing Program. The commercial not only highlights Brandon as a great place to get married, but also touches on our recreational opportunities, our historic assets, and the arts. The commercial will air during morning programming throughout the summer.

Thanks so much to Kerry Weeks for technical advice and Steven Zorn for script writing; Sarah Leary and Andrew Weeks for helping with production; Jenny Nixon and Andrew Carter, our bride and groom; Warren Kimble for providing "voice," Chef Robert Barral for making a cameo appearance; JoAnne's Bridal for the gorgeous wedding gown; Everywear and Carr's Florist for helping out with props; Neshobe Golf Course for being so accommodating during filming; and the Chamber's marketing committee for helping bring it all together: Steven Zorn, Warren Kimble, Patty Fettig, Doug Sawyer, and Nancy Leary.

PARADE HELP NEEDED
We've had good volunteers come forward to help with the Chamber / Rotary hot dog / hamburger booth at the Independence Day Parade but we could use a couple more people. The festivities will be celebrated on Sat., July 7. Workers are needed for 2 hour shifts. Its fun and for a good cause.

OVUHS SCHOLARSHIP
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce Five Hundred Dollar ($500) Scholarship is awarded 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.

This year, the Chamber's Scholarship Committee had such a difficult time choosing a candidate that it has decided to award two $500 prizes. One strongly articulated a dream and one a goal and both were meritorious in the committee's eyes.

The first award goes to Paul Quesnel. Paul has spent a lot of time working on the family farm and is interested in a course of studies in Diesel Mechanics. He will be attending Vermont Technical College in the fall. The second award goes to Taryn Foster. Taryn has had a life-long goal of following in her father's footsteps and becoming a chiropractor. Taryn will be studying next year at Cornell College in Iowa.

AUCTION - JUST AROUND THE CORNER
We need your donations! Our storage is looking a bit bare considering the Great Brandon Auction is only one month away. Let us know what you've got and we'll take it from there. Auction date: Tuesday, July 24.

BRANDON IS FOR BRIDES
Brandon's free wedding is shaping up with most of Kristin and Dan's major decisions already finalized. They had a great time in Brandon in May and are coming back in July to work on a few more details. If you have any questions, just let us know.

Publicity from the Free Wedding made national media — many folks have sent us articles which appeared in newspapers all over the U.S. and even more web links to papers have been reported!

STEPHEN A DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
The new Board of Directors of the Douglas Birthplace has made progress. A Request for Proposals for Architectural services has been issued and inquiries are starting to come in. The deadline for bids is July 13. For more information or to read the RFP, check out the Chamber's website at: www.brandon.org. BRANDON PD

REQUESTS BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATION FOR DATABASE
One more time: The Brandon Police Department would like to update their database of business contact information. Lt. Chris Brickell prefers an email but regular mail is also OK.

Please send the following information:
Business name
Physical Address
Business Owner
Alarm: yes/no
Video available: yes/no
Home and Work number
Contact list (People you would like contacted in the event of an emergency, alarm, or open door. Who can help secure the building? Provide phone numbers for after hours for the contact people).

Email to: cbrickel@dps.state.vt.us (only one "l" at the end of his name)
Regular mail to: Lt. Christopher Brickell
Brandon Police Department
1 West Seminary St., Brandon VT 05733

BRANDON PD RELATIONS
From Lt. Chris Brickell: "We will properly thank all those who contributed, however I wanted to pass along through you to the Chamber that the PD was amazed at the support we received from both private contributors and business owners alike for our Safety Day event. We absolutely could not have this event without that support. This year we had many new faces and a lot of children 5 and under. We ran out of toddler and small bike helmets and will be purchasing more for those who did not receive them. I just wanted to make sure the business owners knew how much their support was appreciated. We understand how often they are asked for donations for various interests."

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Brandon Baptist Church
Bob Bove
15 Champlain St. Brandon ~ 247-6770
www.brandonbaptistchurch.org
Membership Category:
Assns, Churches & Organizations

Jeremy Singley Industrial Design and
Pauline Singley, Business, HR & Safety Solutions
PO Box 236, E Middlebury 05740
352-4427; f: 352-4248
e: sing236@earthlink.net
Membership Category: Industrial and Product Design

Gypsies Unique Boutique
Chris Russ
733 Cram Rd., Leicester ~ 247-5571
e: crussoriginals@yahoo.com
Membership Categories: Arts, Artisans & Musicians; Costume Rentals; Shops & Stores

Michael Balch Associates
29 Mt Pleasant Dr Brandon ~ 236-4581
e: mjbalch@mjbalch.com ~ www.mjbalch.com
Membership Categories: Services;
Business & Financial Plans and Models

MORE THANKS
We keep finding more people around town to thank:
Lois Acinapura for providing flowers for Central Park.
Mary Cliver for donating time to train the "weeders" the Town of Brandon is hiring this summer to keep up with our parks.
And thanks to Buzz Racine of the Town of Brandon for hiring the weeders!

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY
From time to time, advertising opportunities come across our desk. We will try to pass them on — although we don't necessarily endorse them. A new glossy magazine is being developed which is called Rutland Magazine. This will be a free pick-up and will focus on Rutland County. To find out more about advertising, contact Tim or Cassie at 802-672-2411 or by email at: rutlandmagads@vermontel.net
NEXT CHAMBER MEETING: JUNE 25, 2007
The Chamber's next meeting will be held on Monday, June 25 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. The meeting is open to all members and the general public. The Chamber will not meet in July.

 

MAY 2007 CHAMBER NEWS

BRANDON PD REQUESTS BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATION FOR DATABASE
The Brandon Police Department would like to update their database of business contact information. Lt. Chris Brickell prefers an email but regular mail is also OK. Please send the following information:
Business name
Physical Address
Business Owner
Alarm: yes/no
Video available: yes/no
Home and Work number
Contact list (People you would like contacted in the event of an emergency, alarm, or open door. Who can help secure the building? Provide phone numbers for after hours for the contact people).Email to: cbrickel@dps.state.vt.us (only one "l" at the end of his name)
Regular mail to: Lt. Christopher Brickell
Brandon Police Department
1 West Seminary St., Brandon VT 05733

POLICE INCIDENT REPORTING
Lt. Brickell has been very good at communicating with the Chamber about some police incidents which the business community has an interest in. If you have received email from the Chamber in the last two weeks regarding break-ins, it means you are on the list. If you have not received this mail and would like to be added to the list, please send an email to the Chamber.

OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND & CATS AND DOGS
Brandon's artists have been gearing up for quite some time for a busy Memorial Day Weekend. Not only is it Vermont Open Studio weekend, but the Brandon Artists Guild will be premiering their Cats & Dogs, this year's community art project. The feline and canine parade will be held on Park St. starting at 1 pm on Saturday. 15 artist studios will be open all day Saturday and Sunday throughout town. Maps are available at the Artists Guild and at the Information Booth.

PARADE HELP NEEDED
The Chamber and the Brandon Rotary Club are teaming up once again to cook hot dogs and hamburgers at the Independence Day Parade. This year's festivities will be celebrated on Sat., July 7. Workers are needed for 2 hour shifts. Its fun and for a good cause. We also need to borrow a couple of gas grills — we'll buy the propane. Please consider helping.

VERMONT VACATION GUIDE
It doesn't feel like the summer of 2007 has yet begun but the Vermont Chamber is already gearing up for the 2008 Vermont Vacation Guide. The Brandon Chamber once again proposes to buy a full page, 4-color ad and co-op with interested members. Even with the internet, there is still a strong demand for print literature and this guidebook is the state's tourism fulfillment piece. The cost to each business on the Brandon co-op page is $350 and the Chamber greatly subsidizes the cost of the ad. Contact the Chamber if you are interested in being a part of the ad.

AUCTION - JUST AROUND THE CORNER
The Chamber's one and only fundraiser, the Great Brandon Auction, will be here before we know it. Don't wait until you are called for a donation. Send us an email or give us a call! Accepting new and used items and gift certificates. We have storage so when you are doing your spring cleaning, think of us!

THANKS ARE IN ORDER
The Chamber is truly grateful for all our volunteers and board members. It is impossible to thank everyone for their kindnesses but here's a short list of recent contributions:
Judy Bunde and Doug Sawyer for helping to clean the Information Booth
Ross and Jinny Worn for stuffing envelopes for Chamber mailings and preparing visitor packets
Liza Myers and Sarah Pattis for all their hard work on our tourism brochure (which will be due back from the printer's soon)
Mary Cliver for helping with dues collection
Carolyn Whittaker and Mary Cliver for helping weed and garden the town's flower beds
Patty Fettig and Lorraine Kimble for making and decorating 15 Brandon Is For Brides "cakes" which will adorn shop windows all summer
Wood's Market Garden for subsidizing the cost of downtown flower barrels
High Pond Woodworking and Richard Baker for continued Chamber storage space.
Celebration Rentals for helping out with the hot dog / hamburger tent for the Independence Day Parade.

BRANDON IS FOR BRIDES
Brandon's bride and groom, Kristin and Dan, are coming to town over Memorial Day weekend to visit with our generous Brandon Is For Brides partners. Plans are coming together for a fabulous wedding, which will be held in September.

STEPHEN A DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
A new non-profit organization will soon take the reigns of the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace project. The organization's new Board of Directors met last month for the first time. Their first task will be issuing a Request for Proposal for architectural services.

PARAMOUNT CENTER HONORS WARREN KIMBLE
The Paramount Center is hosting a gala event on Saturday, June 16 to honor Warren Kimble, "The Artist and His Contribution To Our Community." The evening includes a concert featuring Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary). The entertainment begins at 7 pm. Contact the Paramount ticket box office at www.paramountvt.org or by calling 775-0570

BRANDON CIVIL WAR MONUMENT
At its last meeting, the Chamber heard a fascinating talk by Brandon resident and historian, Dr. Kevin Thornton. Kevin gave a history on the many sacrifices of Brandon's soldiers during the Civil War and some of the town politics surrounding the building of the monument. Kevin believes that the tradition of youth spreading flowers around Brandon's monument during the Memorial Day ceremonies is one that dates back more than 100 years. Brandon's kindergarten teachers have taken on the responsibility of leading first grade girls in that activity for more than 60 years. Kevin believes that making many people aware of the importance and significance of the monument is a great way to ensure its future for many years to come.

MIXER NEWS
Our second spring mixer was a great success. Congratulations to Stephanie and Brian Jerome for creating such a wonderful space at The Granary on Union St. The building is home to a dozen or so Brandon area artists, each in their own studio. Thanks for hosting our last mixer! The Chamber's next mixer will be our summer Golf Mixer. A date will be announced soon.

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY REMINDER
June 2 - Celebration marking the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area designation at Blueberry Hill Inn. Check out the details at www.moosalamoo.org

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
The summer concert series flier will be hitting mailboxes in a few weeks. We have an incredible line- up with the first concert scheduled for Wednesday, June 20 (Gene Childers and the Jubilee Jazz Band). Thanks once again to concert sponsors Casella Waste Management and First Brandon National Bank. Also thanks to all flier advertisers. You all make the event possible

.MIDDLEBURY RAIL SPUR HEARING
A public hearing will be held on Thursday, June 7 at 7 pm in the Middlebury Municipal Building Gymnasium. The public is invited to attend. A copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been sent to the Brandon Town Office. You may also learn more about this at: www.aot.state.vt.us.

YARD SALE FOR FERAL CATS
"The Brandon Feral Cat Assistance Program will be having their third annual yard sale on Saturday, June 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Central Park (rain date June 10). All proceeds from the sale will go towards spaying/neutering our community's feral and un-owned cats, as well as medical care for them and their babies. It's that time of year. We already are trapping feral cats and just found a litter of one of their kittens. For donations or questions please call Mei Mei Brown at 247-3971 or e-mail at meimeibrown@verizon.net"

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY
From time to time, advertising opportunities come across our desk. We will try to pass them on — although we don't necessarily endorse them. The Shelburne News is interested in putting together a page in their SummerView Magazine about Brandon. The goal is to create a "shopping trail" south of Shelburne. They are looking for advertisers interested in this opportunity. Contact Susan Davis, Advertising Manager, Shelburne News & Destination VT, 802-985- 3091 or susan@shelburnenews.com

FIRST INTERVENTION: THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR WITH A BRANDON CONNECTION
In 1898, this "splendid little war" lasted only three months. It's the war that most of us never learned about – or forgot we learned about. But it's here that America joined the world stage. Witness the birth of the American superpower – leading directly to our current international situation. Watch it on The History Channel. Check listings for when it is being aired. Written by Brandon resident Steven ZornNEXT CHAMBER MEETING: JUNE 25, 2007
The Chamber's next meeting will be held on Monday, June 25 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. The meeting is open to all members and the general public.

 

APRIL 2007 CHAMBER NEWS

WE HAVE A BRIDE!

Kristin Petty and Dan Kelleher of New York City are the winners of the Brandon Is For Brides free wedding contest giveaway. Petty and Kelleher have won the complimentary wedding being provided by a consortium of Brandon businesses. Entrants submitted applications for the contest last November through Valentine’s Day.

"We’re absolutely thrilled to be selected as the winners of the ‘Brandon is for Brides’ contest. Dan and I are grateful to everyone involved, and still can’t quite believe the amazing generosity of this village. We’re honored to begin our life together in Brandon, and hope to return often in years to come."

The entire wedding for Kristin and Dan is being paid for, including the bride’s dress, wedding cake and flowers. Also included are a fully catered rehearsal dinner, wedding reception and farewell brunch, plus much more. Lodging for up to 100 guests is also being provided without charge.

Estimated value for the entire affair is $40,000. All Kristin and Dan have to think about are the rings and the guest list. A date has been set for September 1, 2007. "Brandon captures the essence of what we imagined our wedding would be – beautiful scenery, gracious hosts, and the opportunity to bring together all of our family and friends to share our special day. Thank you for making our Dream Wedding a reality!"

The businesses of Brandon has been working for a year on the Brandon is for Brides promotion. More than a hundred brides and a few grooms from several states and Canada entered the contest. Judges scored applications on a number of criteria.

"We were looking for a couple who demonstrated warmth, a sense of fun, and who could appreciate getting married in our quaint and quirky town, rather than simply wanting to get a free wedding," said Janet Mondlak, Executive Director of the Chamber. Kristin, Dan and their guests will be treated to a magical weekend.

SUPPORT LOCAL

Some Brandon Chamber Board members have been reading up on tips and ideas for small businesses and how they can survive in an era of big-box stores and the internet. In some places, "Buy Local" campaigns have made a difference. An interesting organization called the Institute for Local Self-Reliance publishes the Hometown Advantage. Their work is dedicated to reviving locally owned businesses. They have a useful website and e-newsletter for anyone to subscribe to. Go to: www.newrules.org/retail/index.php and click on "sign up for the Hometown Advantage bulletin."

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE

The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is once again 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 Chamber 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 11, 2007. For more information, contact the Chamber.

MIXER NEWS

Our next mixer will be held on Thursday, April 26 at The Granary at 29 Union St. Details enclosed.

Thanks so much to Lance and his crew at Cattails for a great mixer on March 19. We were treated to excellent food and good cheer.

PARAMOUNT CENTER HONORS WARREN KIMBLE

The Paramount Center in Rutland will host "The Paramount Honors Warren Kimble" on June 16. The celebration is part of the Theater’s week-long recognition of Warren and his efforts in support of the Arts in Our Community. Sponsorship opportunities available, call Brenda Colburn, E.D. at the Paramount 775-0570.

CHAMBER BOARD RETREAT

In mid-March, the Chamber Board met in a facilitated session to work on the organization’s goals. This annual "check-up" has proven to be an effective way of bringing Board members together to work on long-range goals without having to attend to routine business.

The top goal of the Chamber for the coming year is to work on an integrated marketing approach and branding for the town to include recreation, weddings, the arts, and history. We have put together a committee to work on this. One of the first steps will be bringing to fulfillment the tourism-based brochure which is already in development.

Other goals and issues discussed at the retreat include setting some parameters for the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace Board of Directors, rehashing (again) the parking dilemma in downtown, and determining how to market our free wedding as well as the continuation of selling Brandon as a wedding destination.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY

Don’t forget to send in your summer concert series advertising form. The deadline to participate is April 26. The flier will be sent to all households in 05733 and 05745 zip codes in June. If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber.

 

RECAP of MARCH 13

Thanks to so many volunteers who helped staff the booth and cook the meal for the Chamber’s March 13 events. Having enough volunteers to go around is instrumental in being able to accomplish our goals. The Brandon Chamber was well represented at the Rutland Business to Business Trade Show with a display on Stephen A. Douglas. Back in Brandon at the Senior Citizen’s Center, a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner was made for the Seniors and Friends as part of their ongoing fundraising efforts. Thanks to everyone who helped out!

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ANNOUNCED - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

All concerts are scheduled for 6:30 pm. Rain locations will be announced if necessary.

Gene Childers and the Jubilee Jazz Band - Wednesday, June 20

Mango Jam - Friday, July 6

Starline Rhythm Boys - Thursday, August 16

Dough Boys - Friday, August 31

FROM OUR MEMBERS

"Mark your calendar for June 2, 2007 (National Trails Day) for a celebration marking the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area designation. This will be held at Blueberry Hill Inn in Goshen where the public is invited to attend, tour the region, and take part in special events. Our congressional delegation has been invited, as well as the many partners that helped make this happen. For more information or to get involved, contact Bruce Brown at 247-3971 or Tony Clark at 247-6533. See you in Moosalamoo."

"Liza Myers invites you to join her in Peru for An Artist's Journey 2007, July 3-12. Paint, write, photograph, sketch, contemplate the mysteries and beauty... This is an opportunity to BE in Peru with a group of creative people; the emphasis being on personal artistic choice. There will be time to draw, paint, write and/or photograph. Each of the fabulous areas on the journey is chosen for its uniqueness and beauty. We will travel to each location and experience that site in an unhurried way. Liza is bi-lingual in English and Spanish. For details, visit http://lizamyers.com/PeruTripP1.html"

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING: APRIL 30, 2007

The Chamber’s next meeting will be held on Monday, April 30 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. Besides attending to regular business, Chamber Directors will host Town Manager Keith Arlund. The meeting is open to all members and the general public.