AUGUST 2008 CHAMBER NEWS

THE AMAIZING BRANDON CORNBREAD CHALLENGE, STREET FEST AND STREET DANCE
CELEBRATE CORN
Its time to brush off granny's recipe and make some good ol' fashioned cornbread. Or maybe you have a new-fangled twist on an old recipe you'd like to share. Or you think you make the best cornbread this side of the Green Mountains. Whatever the case may be, please join us for the Amaizing Cornbread Challenge, scheduled for Wednesday, August 13 in Brandon's Central Park. The rules are easy and anyone can enter.
• Any corn bread or muffin entry is eligible.
• There is no fee to enter.
• Food must be brought to Central Park by 2:45 pm on Wed., Aug. 13. You do not have to stay with your food but you are welcome to.
• Entrants must bring 100 bite-sized samples for their entry.
• There will be citizen judges.
• Prizes will be awarded based upon most number of votes.
• All entrants must sign a provided statement stating they carry homeowners insurance.

The Cornbread Challenge is part of Brandon's Amaizing StreetFest, which begins at 3 pm on Wed., Aug. 13. Other activities ongoing that afternoon include food (corn dish) demos from Chefs Robert and Louis, sample-sized corn dishes for sale from area vendors, children's activities, open mic time for "corny" jokes, and much more.

After all the corn is eaten, the crowd is invited to stay and learn a few "zydeco two-step" dance moves with Mike and Rosie starting at 5:45 pm. This will be just in time so you can dance to the wonderful tunes of Mango Jam, starting at 6:30 pm. Dance the night away in the park and the closed street in front of the Methodist Church. The concert is part of the Chamber's Free Summer Concert Series and sponsored by Casella Waste Management.

SUMMER CONCERTS CONTINUE
Mango Jam
Wed., Aug. 13 at 6:30 pm
Central Park and the road in front of the Methodist Church
(street dance)
* * *
Ten Rod Road
Fri., Aug. 29 at 6:30 pm
Brandon Green Park
* * *
Sponsored by Casella Waste Management
Rain locations if necessary

GREAT BRANDON AUCTION A SUCCESS
The Great Brandon Auction 2008 was held during a soggy week but the sun shone on us. Chamber volunteers worked from sun up to the late hours of the night on July 22 to produce a fabulous auction. Auctioneer Barb Watters did a terrific job cajoling the highest bid possible from the crowd of hundreds.

Thanks to our donors, bidders, and buyers for the success. While we didn't smash any records, earnings are close to some of our highest auctions. Proceeds from the 2008 auction are being donated to the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace for the creation of a new visitor's center. The Birthplace's construction phase should begin in the coming months.

VERMONT SKETCHES
The historic Brandon Town Hall will re-open to the public with the premiere of Gene Childers's Vermont Sketches. After many years of work by dedicated community members, the building will re-open on August 16 with the premiere of Vermont Sketches, a comic, family-friendly musical revue of 19 original songs written and directed by Brandon's own Gene Childers and featuring virtuoso saxophonist Nathan Childers. The premiere of Vermont Sketches will mark the return of the Brandon Town Hall to seasonal service as an accessible, dynamic and multi-purpose community center. The Friends of the Brandon Town Hall, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization leading the restoration effort, hopes to return the hall to year-round service, and its role as the civic and cultural center of Brandon, by 2011--when the people of Brandon will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the hall and the 250th anniversary of their town. Vermont Sketches will be performed on Saturday, August 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday August 17 at 2 p.m.! Admission is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at Carr's Florist & Gifts and the Briggs Carriage Bookstore. All profits will go to the Brandon Town Hall restoration project. For more information about the Brandon Town Hall, please visit www.brandontownhall.org.

BRANDON PD TO HOST FORUM ON VERMONT'S SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY
The Brandon Police Dept. will host a community forum on the topic of Vermont's Sex Offender Registry. Members present to discuss this topic will be Sherri Englert, an employee of the Vermont Criminal Information Center (VCIC), Brandon Police Chief Christopher Brickell, Mike O'Malley, Department of Corrections District Manager, Hans Johnson Regional Director, and Bill Wiles, Sex offender Probation Officer. The intent is to make the community aware of the information available to them through the registry, what is not available to the public, what law enforcement's role is, and what the Department of Corrections does to treat and supervise offenders. The forum will be from Aug. 12 from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Brandon Fire House.

DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE MOVING FORWARD
The Board of Directors of the Stephen A Douglas Birthplace is pleased to announce they have entered the bidding phase for construction services for the revitalization project at that building. The Board has completed the architectural design phase and has received all necessary state, federal and local permits in order to proceed. Last month, the Board completed a contractor pre-qualification process. All pre-qualified firms will have the opportunity to bid on the construction project and bids will be opened in early September.

The Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace is one of Brandon's most historic buildings. When the construction project is completed, the building will be the home of a visitor's center, historic museum, and municipal restroom. Besides being the birthplace of an important 19th century American statesman, the building is an excellent example of a first-generation Vermont home. While there were upgrades and changes throughout the 19th century, very little in the home changed in the 20th century.

In the fall, planning of the historic museum will continue and implementation will follow. The Birthplace's Board of Directors encourages financial donations and memorial gifts, which can be arranged through the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce, 802-247-6401 or email at: info@brandon.org

TUBBS EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DINNER
Thanks to Louis and Sarah Pattis of the Brandon Inn, their staff, and other Chamber volunteers who helped to put on a wonderful dinner for Vermont Tubbs Employees in late July. The intent of the low-profile event sponsored by the Chamber was to let the Tubbs employees know that the community is thinking of them. The community appreciates the excellent product and craftsmanship produced in Brandon over many years under the Vermont Tubbs name. We wish the former employees the best as they move into new chapters in their lives.

MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations to The New England Slate Company on their recent move to Poultney. Their expanded yard / office will provide more space and is more centrally located to the slate region. Their new info is:

The New England Slate Co.
363 VT Route 30 South
Poultney VT 05764
phone: 287-2295

YARD SALE DAY
Anyone who was in Brandon on Aug. 2 certainly knows that traffic was practically at a standstill. Yard Sale Day registered more than 70 sales on the Official Map plus dozens more which crept up around town. Early reports show that some folks did very well and those in some out-of-the-locations were looking for more of the Park St. overflow. Any ideas to get the bargain hunters off the main roads next year are appreciated.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Ault Commercial
Realty, Inc.
Ray Ault
PO Box 6306
Rutland 05702
773-0600; f: 459-3665
t.f.: 866-773-0600
e: ray@aultcommercial.com
www.aultcommercial.com
Membership Category:
Real Estate

Dotty White
7 High St., Brandon
247-3612
Membership Category: Individual

CHAMBER NEXT MEETING
The Chamber's next regular meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 25 starting at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. The meeting is open to the general membership and the public.

 

 

JULY 2008 CHAMBER NEWS

GREAT BRANDON AUCTION
This year's Great Brandon Auction on Tuesday, July 22, marks the Chamber's 20th annual. The auction has resulted in wonderful memories for volunteers, donors, and bidders. (Log on to www.brandon.org/auction_memories.php) If you are going to attend one auction this season, make it this one! We have some fantastic donations already in storage and are collecting more. This event is the Chamber's one and only annual fundraiser.

This year, the Chamber will be donating auction proceeds to the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace visitor's center. With a generous donation from Brandon's Trustees of Public Funds and the Chamber's support, the Douglas Birthplace historic museum and visitor's center are off to a good start. As of this writing, it is hopeful that the building will be completed and open by late spring 2009.

What and how can you donate? We collect all kinds of things -- gift certificates, new merchandise and used quality items in sale-able condition. We can't take clothes or linens and are restricted from just about all types of electronics unless they are late model and in excellent condition. Same goes for exercise equipment. We will pick up at your place or you can drop things in Central Park the morning of July 22.

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. Rain or shine. Under the Tent. Auctioneer: Barb Watters. For more information, to answer questions, or to let us know about your donation, please contact the Chamber.

BRANDON YARD SALE REGISTRATION - AUGUST 2, 2008
If you would like to Yard Sale with us on Saturday, August 2, you can get a registration form at Carr’s Florist & Gifts or The Inside Scoop, check local newspapers, or log onto www.brandon.org. The fee is $7 per yard sale which goes toward advertising the event. As an OPTION, new this year, the Chamber is partnering with the Friends of the Brandon Town Hall to help them raise funds for the continuing restoration project. The registration form will have an option for you to check off, if you'd like to donate a portion of your yard-sale income to the Brandon Town Hall.

AMAIZING BRANDON STREETFEST AND DANCE
Wed., Aug. 13 starting at 3 pm
in Central Park and the closed road in front of the Methodist Church

Celebrating CORN and
EVERYTHING CORNY
and MANGOES - MANGO JAM to be exact!
AN OL' FASHIONED STREET DANCE
with the band MANGO JAM
WILL FOLLOW THE CORNFEST

Brandon Chamber members are invited to help celebrate CORN at our first (and hopefully) annual AMAIZING STREETFEST. All vendors will charge their own fees and keep all proceeds. We recommend sample-sized portions and moderate pricing. The Chamber is not charging members to participate so here is an opportunity for you to be creative and earn some revenue! Log onto www.brandon.org/events and follow the link to the Amaizing Streetfest for a registration form or contact the Chamber.

CHAMBER E-NEWSLETTER WELL-RECEIVED
The first edition of the Chamber's e-newsletter was well-received by the membership. There are still some email addresses we are trying to confirm. If you receive this newsletter by snail mail and have an email address, please send it to us at info@brandon.org so we can continue to reap the savings. Also, if you would like to receive the newsletter at a different or additional email address, please send it to us. We appreciate all feedback.

PARADE THANKS
Brandon's Independence Day Celebration was a huge hit this past weeked. Outgoing event Chair, Kelly Weigand, has been leading the charge for more than ten years. She announced her retirement well in advance of next year's event. Kelly has kicked this event up many notches and deserves a huge round of community applause. Other committee members also a superb job and the town is a better place to live and work as a result. If you would like to get involved with the Parade, please contact the Chamber and we will put you in touch with committee members.

The Chamber's parade helpers did a great job in tandem with Brandon Rotarians selling out of hot dogs, hamburgers and cold drinks. Many thanks to Nancy and Bruce Ness, Dick and Martha Wood, Carolyn Whittaker, Wayne Rausenberger, and Nancy and Gary Meffe.

TOP TEN AWARD - THINK SNOW
Congratulations to Art In The Snow - Brandon's winter event has just received a Vermont Chamber of Commerce Top Ten Award for 2009. Art In The Snow has been held in Brandon for the past four years, organized by a group of dedicated individuals. The event will be run this coming year in a collaborative effort by the Chamber and the Brandon Artists Guild. As a great kick off to the partnership, the Vermont Chamber will help us with marketing as a result of the Top Ten Award. The event is scheduled for the last weekend in Jan., Feb. and March 2009. Congratulations are in order to Judy and George Reilly who have worked so hard the past few years to make this event flourish.

TOWN OF BRANDON BOARD VACANCIES
The Town of Brandon Select Board is seeking people interested filling the following vacancies:

* Historic Preservation Commission
* Brandon Downtown Community Development Corporation
* Planning Commission
* Development Review Board
* Brandon Revolving Loan Fund Committee
* B/L/S Insect Control District
* Brandon Independence Day Committee

Anyone with interests and / or knowledge in any of the above groups is encouraged to send a letter of interest or contact Anna Scheck, at Brandon Town Office, 49 Center Street, Brandon VT 05733, call 247-0223 or send an email to ascheck@sover.net.

SECURITY ISSUES
Lt. Chris Brickell announced at the last Chamber meeting that the Brandon Police Department has performed close to 600 security checks on Brandon businesses since the beginning of the year. If you haven't already done so, make sure you send the following information to Lt. Brickell for the department's database. He 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

The Chamber appreciates Chief Brickell's pro-active approach to working with the business community.

Also at the Chamber meeting, Marlene Gardner of Lake Sunapee Bank gave an excellent presentation on frauds and scams. Here are a few tips to help protect yourself and your business:

* Every year, Vermont residents are entitled to a free credit bureau report from each of three agencies. Make sure the credit on your report belongs to you: www.annualcreditreport.com.
* Counterfeit bills - Hold a bill up to light and look for a watermark. If you can see the watermark when the bill is on a surface like a table, it is counterfeit. Also, look for red and blue thread marks in bills.
* When doing financial transactions on-line, make sure the web address begins with https://. The "s" after http means the site is secure.

The Chamber is thankful to Marlene for her tips and time!

THANKS
√ Thanks to Kerry Weeks and Steven Zorn for their work on the Chamber's TV commercial which will be airing all summer on WCAX-TV. Its great to have professionals to help us out! Many thanks also to Liza Myers, Mike Carr, and Bruce Perlow for starring in the commercial! Watch for them this summer on Vermont's Channel 3.

SUPPORT BRANDON FERAL CATS
Mark your calendars for Sat., July 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the 4th annual Brandon Feral Cat Yard Sale! The event will take place in Central Park. If you would like to donate your gently used items, contact Mei Mei Brown at 247-3971 or via e-mail at BrandonFCAP@verizon.net. Thank you for continuing to support the efforts to spay/neuter Brandon's feral cats and provide them with food, medicine and shelter for the remainder of their lives.

MEMBER NEWS
√ Congratulations to Stacey Doucette and Aaron Kerins, new owners at Brandon Motor Lodge.
√ Congratulations to Heritage Federal Family Credit Union on their grand opening in the old Brandon Fire Station.
√ Apple Hill Design~Build, Inc. proudly announces the addition of three new members to their team. Pam Swatkins joined Apple Hill as a Project Manager/Estimator. Peter Bicknell is lead carpenter and Kelli Crapo is the director of communications and marketing. Congratulations to Apple Hill on their staff expansion.

SALES TAX HOLIDAY
July 12 & 13 - this Sat. & Sun. - Items costing $2,000 or less purchased for personal use are exempt from VT sales tax.

BRANDON TOWN BAND PLAYING EVERY MON.
Just a reminder that the Brandon Town Band is playing in Central Park every Monday night (with the exception of this coming Monday, July 14) throughout the summer starting at 6:30 pm. Enjoy the sounds of this talented multi-
generational group of musicians! Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy!

 

JUNE 2008 CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER SWITCHING TO E-NEWSLETTER
The Chamber Board has decided to save paper and postage by switching to an e-newsletter. Don’t be concerned if you don’t use e-mail, you can still receive our newsletter by mail. However, we would like to get as many members as possible to be on e-distribution. In addition, it will be easy to get the newsletter at more than one email address. Feel free to register more than one business e-address, your personal e-address, or have it sent to your employees and company associates’ desks.

We will try to transition as easily as possible. If we have your current e-mail address, you will also receive this newsletter electronically. This will be the principal e-mail address we will send future newsletters. You will be able to send us other e-mail addresses you would like to have receive future publications.

If you don’t receive this newsletter by e-mail, it means we don’t have your current address. We would appreciate you sending an e-mail to us requesting to be on e-distribution. You may send the email to info@brandon.org.

The more money the Chamber saves on postage, the more we have to spend on meaningful programs and initiatives.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING - FRAUD, SCAMS, & BRANDON PD UPDATE
At the June 30 Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, there will be a presentation on scams and fraud which will be of value to both business people and individuals. Marlene Gardner, of Lake Sunapee Bank, will be presenting an overview of scams, fraud, “love interests,” lottery, business deals, internet purchases, advanced fee fraud, the secret shopper scam, and phishing. Marlene, VP of Compliance / BSA / AML / OFAC / Security Officer, will also provide websites for people to learn more and how to protect their personal information. Marlene has been with Lake Sunapee Bank for 19 years and has been dealing with security and compliance issues for ten years.

Following the fraud and scam presentation, Brandon Police Chief Chris Brickell will address the Chamber with an update on the town’s police activity. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm on Monday, June 30, at the Ball & Chain Café at Briggs Carriage Bookstore.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
The Chamber’s Free Summer Concert Series moves into full swing this month with the Gene Childers and the Jubilee Jazz Band. Gene and his crew are so good, we just have to invite them back each year! They’ll be playing on Sunday afternoon, June 22, at 4 pm in Central Park. Rain location will be announced if necessary. Many thanks to First Brandon Bank for their sponsorship.

CHAMBER - TOWN CONVERSATION
At the last Chamber meeting, two members of Brandon’s Selectboard, Richard Baker and Bruce Brown, addressed the group and answered questions on topics of interest to the business community:

Economic Development Officer: The town is recruiting volunteers to repopulate the Downtown Development Corp. Board of Directors. This organization is responsible for helping maintain the town’s Designated Downtown status with the State. Interested people should contact Keith Arlund, Town Manager. Once the Board is back up to full numbers, the Selectboard will recruit an Economic Development Officer. The Chamber Board is interested in seeing the position filled in a timely fashion.

Sidewalks: More than a decade ago, Brandon voters approved using monies left over in a dormant town account for fixing downtown sidewalks. The Selectboard has reserved the money to use as leverage against federal and state funds as part of the Route 7 realignment project, which the sidewalks were rolled in to. Seeing that the downtown portion of the Route 7 project will not be moving forward until 2013, at the earliest, the Chamber Board is asking the Town to use the voter-approved funds to work on the sidewalks now. They are dangerous and an eyesore and should be replaced, even if a small stretch at a time.

Churchill Bridge to Leicester Hollow Trail: The town-owned Churchill Bridge has been closed for several years due to its unsafe condition. There is inadequate parking on the “town” side of the bridge. There were federal funds appropriated, which Senator Leahy helped secure. The funding was sent to the State, who “rerouted” a portion of it to other projects. The bridge is in the design phase now and it has become clear that there will not be enough funding from this original source for construction. Brandon Representative Joe Acinapura assured the Chamber that there will be state funding available to build the bridge. Senator Leahy’s office is also working on trying to secure more federal funding. If all goes according to schedule, the bridge work will take place in 2009. The bridge is very important as it is Brandon’s only entrance to the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area and the Green Mountain National Forest. The Chamber has urged officials to continue to work on securing better and safer parking on the “town” side of the bridge in the interim and to keep the bridge replacement project on the front burner.

Backyard Project: More than a decade ago (like the sidewalks), the town was awarded grant funding for what is known locally as the Backyard Project. The project focuses on improvements to the land behind the Center Street shops and behind the Brandon Inn. As the years have gone by, some of those improvements are no longer viable and some are no longer desired. Property owners have changed, as have some needs. We can’t say definitively why the project has not progressed quicker, but the Town is beginning to reevaluate its status and Chamber board members will be weighing in.

VERMONT VACATION GUIDE TOURISM ADV.
The Brandon Chamber will once again purchase a full page co-op ad in the Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s signature piece – the 2009 Vermont Vacation Guide. This full color glossy magazine is the piece sent to everyone who requests a visitor packet to be mailed to them by the Vermont State Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM). The ad is being subsidized by the Brandon Chamber and a grant from VDTM, in order to keep it affordable for you. Please contact the Chamber if you’d like to participate.

CHAMBER BOARD INITIATIVES - BRANDON’S BLOGGING
As a result of an initiative that came out of the Chamber’s Board retreat in March, a small group of interested Chamber members recently met to talk about ways to market Brandon using free, new technologies. Steve Carr, Mark Zelis, Debbie Bratton and Janet Mondlak brainstormed ideas and decided to start with one initiative and one marketing approach. The initiative chosen was to start a blog and the approach is “outdoor / recreation.” Accordingly, a blog was created at http://brandonvermont.blogspot.com. It is just a start and you can help it grow! You can add a link from your website to not only www.brandon.org, but to our new blog also! In addition, if you have input on any of the following subjects, please contribute to the blog: Fresh food, recreation, geocaching, blueberry season, strawberry picking, biking, hiking, boating, Lake Dunmore, birding.

BRANDON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2008 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 has a goal of attaining a Masters of Business Administration in business management and the other has already shown promise as a young entrepreneur. Both were meritorius in the committee’s eyes.

One award goes to Alex Sienkiewicz. Alex will be attending Bentley College in Massachusetts next year and plans of pursuing a business management degree. His goal is to work in the human resource area of management for a large corporation. Alex is an honor student, athlete, community volunteer, mentor, and employee of a local company. The other award goes to Bradley Keith. Brad has a goal of continuing his business / accounting education while keeping up with his growing rubbish removal, lawn care, snowplowing and light trucking business. Brad will be attending CCV in the fall. Brad is a hard working individual who not only has kept up with his school work, but has grown his own business, worked part-time at a local business, and volunteers with the Pittsford Fire Department as a cadet.

Good luck Alex and Brad and Congratulations!

THANKS ARE IN ORDER TO:
√ Mary Cliver and her team of flower judges and all the businesses and residents who entered the Chamber’s Flower Box Competition. Judging will take place the last week of June / first week of July.

√ Jim Dassati and the 2nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery for the Brandon Civil War Days event held last week. Despite the heat and humidity, there were great crowds and wonderful living history crowds throughout town all weekend. Jim would like a local organization to take over “ownership” of the event and it is being discussed.

√ Jinny & Ross Worn for their continued hard work stuffing visitor packet envelopes for the Chamber.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Autumn of Vermont, Inc
Blanco, Barbara
352 Wheeler Rd
Brandon ~ 247-6660
e: bblanco823@comcast.net
Membership Category: Travel Subcontractors

Vermont Backroad Tours
Kelly Scocia
2788 South Main St., Wallingford 05773
446-3131
e: info@vtbackroadtours.com
www.vermontbackroadtours.com
Membership Categories:
Transportation; Attractions & Recreation

Blueberry Hill Inn
Tony Clark & Paige Sessions
1307 Goshen-Ripton Rd., Goshen 05733
247-6735
e: info@blueberryhillinn.com
www.blueberryhillinn.com
Membership Categories:
Recreation; Dining; Lodging; Weddings & Events

MIXER NEWS
We are working on a date for the Chamber’s Annual Golf Mixer. When we have something solid, we will let you know!

GREAT BRANDON AUCTION - JULY 22
YARD SALE DAY - AUGUST 2

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
The Chamber’s next regular meeting will be held on Monday, June 30 (the last Monday of the month) at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café. The agenda will include a presentation on Fraud and Scams and a discussion with Brandon Police Chief Brickell.

 

MAY 2008 CHAMBER NEWS

GREEN UP!
Green-Up Day is this coming Saturday, May 3. Help make Brandon (or your town) sparkle. In Brandon, meet Jim Leary at the Central Park bandstand between 8 - 10 am for donuts, coffee, Green-Up bags and an assignment. Call Jim at 247-9595 if you can’t make it to town but want to help. If you are not in Brandon, check with your town office for an assignment where you live.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
With this mailing, you’ll find a new and updated Brandon Chamber Membership Directory. This is a great resource to keep by your telephone. If you need additional copies, just let us know. Thanks to each and every business and individual for supporting the Chamber with your membership dues. With the economy sagging, it is more important than ever for local and small businesses to support each. To find up-to-the-minute Chamber member information, you can always consult our on-line Directory at www.brandon.org. SAVE GAS ~ SHOP LOCAL

BOSTON P/R
Last April, the Chronicle newsmagazine which is broadcast on Channel 5, WCVB Boston, taped and ran a segment all about Brandon. A few weeks ago, they aired an “encore” presentation of the show with current updates. The morning after the show aired, the Chamber’s inbox was packed with visitor packet requests from the greater Boston area. In addition, we’ve heard from several merchants and at least one inn that tourists have already come and spent money in town just because they saw the program and wanted to visit.

WCAX - TV
For the past few summers, the Brandon Chamber has spent marketing dollars with WCAX-TV, Channel 3, out of Burlington. We have bought commercial airtime during morning programming and produced an ad which promotes the town in general. We have found this media to be effective for bringing in overnight visitors and day-trippers from across the region. This year, one-half of the commercial’s airtime costs are being funded by a State of Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing grant. A committee has begun planning this summer’s ad, which will be presented at a future Chamber meeting (and which you’ll be able to catch all summer long on Channel 3).

CHAMBER BOARD INITIATIVES
One of the initiatives the Chamber Board is looking into is how to best use new technologies for marketing. A new committee will be starting up to explore opportunities using blogs and You Tube. If you are interested in helping out, please contact the Chamber.

MIXER UPDATE
Thanks so much to Sheri Sullivan of Plan-It-Sheri Catering and Christy and Hoyt Gahagan of Pillar Pilates for sponsoring our last mixer. There was a huge crowd to help celebrate the opening of Sheri, Christy and Hoyt’s new spaces at 25 Rossiter St. We wish them all well in their new location and congratulate the Gahagans for beautifully renovating an old building and putting it to new use.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
DBS Solutions
Denise Scarborough
29 Union St.
236-0585
Membership Category:
Marketing & Distribution

Jeff & Linda Stewart
PO Box 278
247-5343
jstewart22@aol.com
Indvidual Membership

Welcome Chris and John Herriman of Brandon, who are the new owners of Country Village Campground on Route 7 in Leicester. The contact information for the campground remains the same but they have a new email address: countryvillagevt@aol.com.

LOW INTEREST LOANS AVAILABLE - THINK SPRING PROJECTS
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. First come, first served. For more information and to see if your project qualifies, contact the Chamber.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
Due to the holiday, the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce will not meet in May. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, June 2 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café.

APRIL 2008 CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER BOARD NEWS
Once a year, the Chamber Board members gather in an informal setting with a trained facilitator and hammer out the details of their upcoming work plan, marketing plan, and strategies for making the most of the year. This past week, the Board had a spirited session led by Tara Kelly of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. Tara made sure the Board stayed on track and came away with a good sense of where the organization is at and where it is going. Most of the Chamber’s work plan involves “staying the course” and continuing to do what we do. However, Board members felt it is time for the Chamber to spend more resources on filling empty downtown spaces, marketing the town more to people who visit here in the summer (lots of events will help bring in people), and using new technologies to market ourselves. Other decisions of the night include finding new avenues to celebrate and promote the Great Brandon Auction – the Chamber’s one and only fundraiser – celebrating its 20th year in 2008!:

SUMMER EVENTS
There are so many events planned in Brandon this summer it’ll be hard to find the time to schedule a vacation to somewhere else! With the additions of a kicked-up-a-notch Chamber summer concert series, Town Hall activities, and the SOAR Summerfest weekend, almost every week is covered. Events are being regularly added to the Chamber’s website so log on frequently to mark your calendars.

Every year the Chamber prints a flier featuring our summer concert series and area events which is mailed to every household in the 05733 and 05745 zip codes. This year, the format of the flier will change a bit (to accommodate all the added events) but the delivery will remain the same. Enclosed, please find a registration form for advertising your business in the flier. This is first come - first serve and we do sell out so turn the form around quickly and send it in with the fee.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX ... WITH FLOWERS
This year’s Brandon Artists Guild community art project is called Brandon, Thinking Outside the Box. To help them celebrate, the Chamber is sponsoring a flower “box” competition. There will be a residential and a commercial category. Any flowers in any kind of container will be eligible to be judged. Start thinking, planning, and coordinating. Although it doesn’t look or feel like it, spring really will be here soon. Judging date will be announced as we get a little more into the season but it will be sometime in June. Downtown business / building owners: We will still be offering subsidized and professionally planted flower barrels for downtown sidewalks. A notice is enclosed.

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce 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 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 is May 2, 2008. For more information, contact the Chamber.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER
Whitney Hartshorne
55 Bryant Circle, Unit 3 ~ 247-8075
Membership Category: Individual

HISTORIC PRESERVATION CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN BRANDON MAY 2
The Preservation Trust of Vermont and the VT Division for Historic Preservation present Vermont’s 14th Annual Historic Preservation Conference: The Arts, Historic Preservation and Community Development. The Conference will be held all day on Friday, May 2, 2008 with interesting key note speakers, panels, workshops and break out sessions. Take a tour of the Brandon High School renovations or the Forestdale Iron Works, learn about Historic Preservation and Green Technology, or how Local Entrepreneurship can thrive in small towns. There is a discounted registration fee for Brandon residents. Go to <www.ptvermont.org> for more details and to register.

VERMONT CIVIL WAR DAYS - JUNE 6-7
Reenactors and living historians are hard at work planning the Civil War Days scheduled for June 6 - 7 on the grounds of the Brandon Inn. The event, sponsored by the 2nd Battery Vermont Light Artillery and the Living History Association, will feature Union and Confederate troops, camps, cannon firing, reenactments and displays. Free admission. If you would like to pre-order a t-shirt, they are now available at a reduced cost. Contact the Chamber for an order form.

SUMMER CONCERTS
The Chamber’s Free Summer Concert Series is being finalized and we have a great line-up planned. If you are interested in being a Concert sponsor, just let us know. We do all the publicity and you get the satisfaction of knowing you brought great entertainment to Brandon’s residents and visitors!

MIXER INFO
Thanks so much to Dr. Charles and Johnna Foster of Fostering Wellness for the wonderful mixer last month. Swept out of their old office by nature’s force a year ago, Charles and Johnna have had to move their office two times since. They are now nicely located in Park Village and their office space is a good fit for their business.

Next week’s mixer will be a chance to not only mingle and network with other business people but an opportunity to help Christy Gahagan of Pillar Pilates and Sheri Sullivan of Plan-It-Sheri Catering celebrate their grand opening at 25 Rossiter St. See flier enclosed for details.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 28 at 6:30 pm at the Ball & Chain Café.

 

MARCH 2008 mini CHAMBER NEWS

DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE
The Stephen A Douglas Birthplace Board of Directors has put together an ad-hoc committee of community members looking to help “tell the story of Brandon.” This group of individuals is helping decide what pieces of Brandon’s history should be highlighted in the history museum/exhibit space in the building. If you’d like to help out with this project, contact the Chamber.

SUMMER CONCERTS
The Chamber’s Free Summer Concert Series is being finalized and we have a great line-up planned. If you are interested in being a Concert sponsor, just let us know. We do all the publicity and you get the satisfaction of knowing you brought great entertainment to Brandon’s residents and visitors!

FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE TOWN HALL
“The Friends of the Brandon Town Hall are pleased to announce that their 2007 capital campaign has achieved its goals, and the next phase of the Town Hall restoration project has begun! With the installation of a new fire-suppression system, the Brandon Town Hall will qualify for a general occupancy permit, and will finally be re-opened for regular use by Brandon residents, organizations and businesses from May through October every year. The Town Hall will be available for dances, concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings, meetings, and most any other event that brings people together.

If you would like to learn more about the plans for our Town Hall, or to help us reach our goal, please visit our web site at www.brandontownhall.org. In addition you can contact Mei Mei Brown at 247-3971 with any questions.”

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BAGS
Hazel Wood of Brandon is working on a project to encourage more people to reduce the use of one-use plastic bags. She is looking for businesses interested in purchasing bulk quantities (it doesn’t have to be a large amount) of canvas or canvas-type reusable bags for either sale or give-away to customers. If a number of people buy bags together as one order, it will help lower costs and meet minimum purchase requirements. If you’d like to help sponsor the project, a small amount will help get it off the ground. Contact the Chamber and we’ll put you in touch with Hazel.

ART IN THE SNOW - ONE MORE TIME
Art in the Snow is happening one more time! Join Brandon’s Artists, Merchants, Restaurants and Inns the weekend of March 22 and 23. For more information contact The Brandon Artists Guild at 247-4956 or check out: www.artinthesnow.com.

OTHER THINGS IN THE WORKS:
★ A new event in August: The Amaizing Brandon Street Fest and Dance - Think corn!
★ Reprint of “the purple piece” marketing brochure
★ Flower Box contest - Start planning your boxes now – both residential and business categories.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
The Chamber will NOT hold a regular meeting in March. The Board of Directors will be meeting in a retreat-setting to review goals and set an upcoming work plan. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 28 at the Ball and Chain Café starting at 6:30 pm. The general membership is always welcome.

FEB. 2008 CHAMBER NEWS

ANNUAL DINNER / MEETING
Despite the stormy weather raging outside, more than 50 hearty Chamber members and friends showed up for our Annual Dinner / Meeting held on February 1. With the theme of Celebrate Brandon, Immediate Past President Nancy Leary and current President Sarah Pattis unveiled two important components of the Chamber’s new marketing plan.

The marketing plan celebrates four of Brandon’s special assets: Arts, History, Celebrations, and Outdoors. Accordingly, we have produced four posters with a single photographic image representing each of these assets. The posters were on display at the dinner and will next be used for our display at the Rutland Business to Business Trade Show, March 11. After that, the posters will be sent to the State of Vermont Welcome Center at Fair Haven and hopefully others.

Using the same four images, the Chamber produced a postcard which we are sharing with our members at no cost to you. You may use the postcards for your own marketing efforts, as we will be doing. Contact the Chamber for quantities.

Thanks to the Brandon Inn for the terrific meal and to everyone who braved the ice and to come out for a warm and special evening.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD ANNOUNCED
Also at the Annual Dinner / Meeting, Immediate Past Chamber President Nancy Leary presented the 2007 President’s Award to Stephanie and Brian Jerome of Visual Learning Company. This annual award is presented to a business or individual who makes Brandon a better place to work and live.

Visual Learning Company, founded ten years, creates standards based, core curricular science videos for elementary and middle school science programs. Brian Jerome searches for authentic and original landscapes including deserts, mountaintops, remote mid ocean islands, and Vermont settings for filming. Their curriculum is distributed to more than 1,300 elementary and middle school customers around the country. Most recently, Visual Learning Company’s title “Adaptations,” was honored at the National Media Market Trade Show in Mesa, AZ as the “Best in Show” award, beating out competition from the Discovery Channel, the PBS, and Disney.

Visual Learning provides enriching jobs to more than ten Brandon locals and provides educational internships to high school and college students. Stephanie and Brian have made real estate investments surrounding their professional offices in order to turn around the neighborhood. Together, they spend countless hours each month working with area youth and non-profit organizations. They ensure their employees give back to the community by volunteering everyone’s time to a variety of causes in town.

The Jeromes have transformed the “Granary,” a run-down mill building just “over the tracks” on Union Street, into a cultural center filled with artists and craftspeople. Their recent gift of “Granary Green” to their Visual Learning employees resulted in a win/win situation. Employees received gift vouchers to shop at any artist studio at the Granary.

Brian and Stephanie chose to raise their family in Brandon and grow their business here. Visual Learning Company is a perfect example of a business which could be located anywhere in the world. We are glad they chose Brandon! The Chamber congratulates the Jeromes on their honor and wishes them continued success with their endeavors.

OUR LURE PIECE aka THE PURPLE BROCHURE
Last summer, the Chamber produced a new lure piece brochure which included downtown, retail, and service-based businesses. The brochure is often used in conjunction with our Map & Guide, which is a more comprehensive look at the region. The purple piece is full of photos, business listings, and touches upon our four special assets (as described in the Annual Dinner / Meeting article). The Chamber distributed the brochures last year at State of Vermont Welcome Centers, our own Information Booth, visitor packets, and through our members. We printed 5,000 and they are gone! We are now ready for a reprint. We will make a few changes but not many. If you were in last year’s publication, you will find a copy of your listing and a renewal form. If you were not included in last year’s, please contact us for details.

TRADE SHOW
The Brandon Chamber will be well-represented in March at the Rutland Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business-to-Business trade show. With our new Celebrate Brandon display, we will spend the late afternoon through early evening of Tuesday, March 11 at the Holiday Inn promoting our area to the region. If you would like to help us out by spending an hour or two at our booth at this enjoyable event, please contact us.

BRANDON BRIDAL BRUNCH
The Brandon Inn, Cafe Provence and The Lilac Inn are pleased to announce a follow-up to last year’s exciting “Brandon is for Brides” wedding giveaway. These three businesses are offering a complimentary farewell brunch to qualified wedding parties. For all weddings held in Brandon during July and August 2008 that include a rehearsal dinner, reception, wedding cake and accommodations at participating Brandon businesses, they will donate a free brunch to the newlyweds and their guests. Promotional materials are being sent out to the media just in time for Valentine’s Day. Check out www.brandonisforbrides.com for details.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Heritage Family Federal Credit Union
Wendy Bizzarro
30 Allen St., Rutland 05701
775-4930; f: 775-7864; t.f.: 888-252-8932
e: wendyb@hfcuvt.com
www.hfcuvt.com
Membership Category: Bank

FROM BRANDON PD
“Just wanted to let you know that since starting our business checks in September, officers have conducted property watches on over 300 properties in town. They have also found several which were unsecured. We try to follow up with locations found unsecured at night the following day to let the owners know officers found their premises unsecured. The business contact information from Chamber members has been helpful in having updated information on owners and persons to contact when officers find these locations unsecured.”
Brandon Police Chief, Chris Brickell

If you haven’t already done so, email your data information to Chief Brickell: cbrickel@dps.state.vt.us

ART IN THE SNOW CONTINUES
The Artists, Merchants, Restaurants and Inns of Brandon had a successful first Art in the Snow weekend in January. The celebration continues:
February 23 and 24, 2008
March 22 and 23, 2008
For more information contact The Brandon Artists Guild at (802) 247-4956 or check out: www.artinthesnow.com.

ROOMS, MEALS & ALCOHOL REPORT
State of VT Department of Taxes for Brandon
Meals, Rooms & Alcohol Receipts
7-1-05 through 6-30-06
Meals: $3,977,664
Rooms: $1,029,220
Alcohol: $590,158

7-1-06 through 6-30-07
Meals: $3,920,412
Rooms: $974,173
Alcohol: $764,851percentage change
Meals: -1.4%
Rooms: -5.3%
Alcohol: 29.6%

BRANDON’S BIG EVENTS 2008
SUMMER / EARLY FALL
May 24 - 25 - Open Studio Weekend
July 5 - Independence Day Celebration
July 11, 12, & 13 - Basin Bluegrass Festival
July 22 - 20th Annual Great Brandon Auction
July 25, 26 & 27 - SOAR Summerfest
August 2 - Yard Sale Day
October 4 - Brandon Harvestfest

HISTORIC PRESERVATION CONFERENCE
TO BE HELD IN BRANDON - MAY 2
Each spring, the Preservation Trust of Vermont in partnership with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation hosts a statewide Historic Preservation Conference. Participants come from all over the state to hear professional presenters and to participate in hands-on workshops and guided tours of local historic sites. This year’s event will take place in Brandon on May 2. Details will be announced in the near future.

BRANDON CIVIL WAR DAYS - JUNE 6, 7 & 8
The Living History Association of Vermont is planning a Civil War era encampment and living history display and demonstration from June 6 - 8 on the back lawn of the Brandon Inn. Details will be announced in the near future.

OPPORTUNITIES:
LOW INTEREST LOANS AVAILABLE
THINK SPRING PROJECTS
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. First come, first served. For more information and to see if your project qualifies, contact the Chamber.

EVERYBODY WINS!
Calling anyone with an hour a week to share with a local child! Volunteer mentors read once a week with a student at Neshobe Elementary School. Everybody Wins! pairs students with community volunteers. Contact Kellie Patten at 247-6683 or log onto: www.everybodywinsvermont.org for more info.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Stafford Technical center, in partnership with the Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board and Action to Excellence, Inc. announce their Leading from Within course. The course is a powerful leadership training and management seminar that focuses on developing skill sets that help participants become stronger, more confident leaders and managers. It is a 12 week session program beginning in March. The VT Department of Economic Development and the VT Training Program have created a tuition subsidy to help lower the cost. Contact Maryanna Ezzo at Stafford Technical Center at 770-1178 for more information.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING
The Chamber regularly meets on the last Monday of the month. The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 25 at the Ball and Chain Café starting at 6:30 pm. The general membership is always welcome.

JAN. 2008 CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER ELECTS NEW DIRECTORS & OFFICERS
At their last meeting, the Chamber elected new Board members and new Officers. Congratulations to Del Cook of Nexus Custom Electronics, Inc. and Jeff Faber of The Faber Group who have joined the Board. Re-elected to another three year term were Doug Sawyer of the Lilac Inn, Robert Schimdt, CPA, and Kerry Weeks of the Watershed Tavern.
   
Congratulations are also in order to new Officers. Sarah Pattis of the Brandon Inn was elected President. Beth Carr of Carr's Florist & Gifts was elected Vice-President. Mary Cliver of Mary Sullivan Cliver Landscape Design was re-elected Secretary and Bob Schimdt was re-elected Treasurer.
 
Many thanks to retiring director, Nancy Leary of Nancy Leary Design for her many years of service as a Board member and President. Also retiring is  Wendy Rowe Feldman of Rowe Real Estate. Relinquishing their seats due to time constraints are Jim Germond of Liza Myers Gallery & James Frames and Dan Pitner of First Brandon Bank. We thank them for their help.

STEPHEN A DOUGLAS BIRTHPLACE UPDATE
The Douglas Birthplace project is moving along right on schedule. Architect Jay White met with the Board of Directors in December and finalized ideas for use. As of this writing, the building is slated to house a visitor's center, historic exhibits / museum, public bathroom, and a meeting room. White expects to complete drawings and the RFP for construction by the end of the month. At that time, the next phase will be put out to bid. If all continues on schedule, the building will be completed and open to the public by the fall of 2008. If you would like more information on this project, please contact the Chamber.

WELCOME TO  ART IN THE SNOW
The Artists, Merchants, Restaurants and Inns of Brandon invite you to join them for the 4th Annual Art in the Snow Winter Weekend Celebration of the Arts!
January 26 and 27, 2008
February 23 and 24, 2008
March 22 and 23, 2008
Over twenty artist studios and galleries in town will be offering open studios; demonstrations in a variety of visual arts media; artist talks; colorful galleries; wine tasting parties; evening music; fine gourmet cuisine or casual dining; snow sculpture in the park; antiques, books and special gifts; cozy rooms in romantic Vermont Country Inns and charming B&B's; and so much more.
 
For more information contact The Brandon Artists Guild at (802) 247‑4956 or email: info@artinthesnow.com

TREES
Many thanks to Mary Cliver and Bruce & Mei Mei Brown of the Brandon Tree Committee for their work in restoring trees to our downtown area. The Chamber Board voted to donate funds from our 2007 auction to the Tree Committee. One of the things the committee did with the money is plant a beautiful, large (8-10' tall) blue spruce in Central Park. The tree is serving as our Memory Tree. The Committee has raised other funds through their spring tree sale and funds the State sent to replace trees lost in the April >07 storm.  They promise to spend the early winter months developing a plan to use this money most effectively to enhance Brandon's existing plantings next spring. 
 
The Committee will also be working on a spring 2008 tree offering. Any suggestions as to where trees are needed, types of trees that people would be interested in buying, volunteers to work on this project, or donations would be most appreciated.  Contact Mary Cliver, Landscape Designer, at 247-247-0180.

MEMORY TREE
Brandon's Memory Tree sits beautifully in Central Park, lighting the season and giving us reason to remember. The tree was lit the first week in December, kicking off Brandon's Moonlight Madness and ushering in the holiday season. This year's Memory Tree is extra special because it is a planted blue spruce tree. We hope the tree remains healthy for many years to come and it will be a beautiful reminder year-round of our loved ones.
 
Thanks to Charlene Bryant for her tallying the Memory Tree names and getting them printed. Thanks also to everyone who contributed to the Memory Tree, which helps keep our town lit during our shortest days.

STATE REMINDS EMPLOYERS OF
MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
Vermont's lowest paid workers, including wait staff, will see more in their paychecks after New Year's Day. Vermont's minimum wage increased from $7.53 per hour to $7.68 per hour on January 1, 2008. Service and tipped employees wages increased from $3.65 to $3.72 per hour.

 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
McDonough's Home Heating Oil
John McDonough
43 Conant Square, Brandon ~ 247-3900

Sally Sews Everything But Clothes
Sally G. Faber
57 Park St., Brandon ~ 247-3961
Membership Categories:
 Services; Sewing Interior Design Workshop

SUPPORT THE KITTIES
On Thursday, February 7, Lance and the folks at Cattails will host the 3rd annual fundraiser for the Brandon Feral Cat Assistance Program. Please have a meal at Cattails and a portion of the day's receipts will go to the feral cat program.

NEXT CHAMBER MEETING: JANUARY 28
The Chamber's next meeting will be held on Mon., Jan. 28 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.