Around the Chamber Addison County Chamber of Commerce E-Magazine
IN THIS ISSUE 4 - Director's Cut - Non Profit Board Development 5 - Year In Review 8 - Behind the Scenes - with Tom Thompson 12 - Community/Member Updates 16 - Legislative Updates 17 - Member Spotlights
DECEMBER, 2021
Friday, January 14 Sophie Shao, Cello Anna Polonsky, Piano Performing a tribute to cellist Pablo Casals Friday, January 21 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Musical Heritage: Pablo Casals A virtual event exploring of the world's most revered cellist. Free! Friday, January 28 Zoë Keating, Cello A visionary evening of contemporary cello
Thursday, March 10 Danú Ancient Irish music and new repertoire from the star Celtic ensemble Friday & Saturday, March 11 &12 Anikaya Dance: Conference of the Birds International contemporary dance exploring themes of migration Friday, April 1 David Finckel, Cello Wu Han, Piano "Chamber music's busy power couple" -NY Times Free!
Friday, February 18 Friday, April 22 Nobuntu Takács Quartet The sensational all-female a cappella ensemble Julien Labro, Bandoneón One of the world’s top string quartets meets concertina from Zimbabwe
Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5 Actors from the London Stage: Much Ado About Nothing Five British Actors, one unforgettable week
Open to campus and community audiences. Vaccinations (or valid medical or religious exemptions) and masks required. Tickets go on sale January 4. For tickets, go HERE
Table of Contents
4 Director's Cut
5
8
12
16
17
2021 Behind Community/ Legislative Member Updates Spotlights Year In the Scenes Member Updates Review
ture! New Fea SCENES E H T D BEHIN pson, m o h T m o th: T This Mon er Health t r o P f o & CEO President (Page 8)
ACCOC publishes our e-magazine monthly and reaches thousands of business, non profit leaders and other decision makers in Addison County and beyond. Members are encouraged to supply their announcements and events by e-mailing phil@addisioncounty.com. For ad availability and rate card email phil@addisoncounty.com. Addison County Chamber of Commerce. 2021, All Rights Reserved
Director's Cut Phil Summers - ACCOC Executive Director
Grow Your Non-Profit Via an Effective Board of Directors Many non-profits are largely managed via the oversight of a board of directors. Recruiting and maintaining an effective board is critical to your success. It is important that you view board candidates for what they bring to the table individually as well as how they will work with other board members to promote and extend your mission and goals. The task of recruiting qualified, effective board members often falls to the Executive Director or existing board member or committee. This task should not be taken lightly without careful consideration and vetting of candidates. Here are some qualitied you should consider in board candidates:
Experience
for not being diligent about fulfilling them. It is essential for non-profit boards to have at least a few board directors who understand legal, financial and basic governance matters in order to ensure that the organization is in legal compliance. Board members with professional experience in areas like marketing, law, finance and human resources are particularly valuable in the non profit environment.
Passion for the Mission
Having passion and enthusiasm for the mission of the organization is a valuable quality in your board members. Enthusiasm is often contagious, and their excitement over the board's work tends to ignite passion for the organization's mission with others.
Vision and Leadership Non-profits should have a wide range of experience on their board. Critically, you should have some board members with experience serving on a non-profit board. Non-profit board directors have fiduciary duties and they can be held personally liable
The collective board needs to be able to work together to solve difficult issues. Your organization's board must be able to tackle problems and challenges together and work through them with mutual respect and confidence.
Phil Summers is the Executive Director of the Addison County Chamber of Commerce. Prior to ACCOC, Phil was the Executive Director of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and earlier held senior marketing positions at the National Football League, Sirius Satellite Radio and MSG Varsity where he was a two time Emmy Award winner (2011 & 2012) and two time Silver Addy Award winner (2013). Phil has also taught undergraduate courses in advertising and marketing at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.
2021 Year In Review 2021 marked a 2nd year in the battle with the Covid epidemic and its impact on the business and non-profit communities in Addison County. The ACCOC, together with partners including ACDED, the Downtown Partnerships of Bristol, Middlebury and Vergennes, United Way and others continued to support our members and the community at large as we moved toward a more normal post-Covid era.
Monthly Educational Seminars Throughout the year, Chamber staff held member meetings to provide support via marketing consults, strategic planning and more. The Chamber added 30 new members during the year despite the financial impact on our business community.
October Networking Mixer at Vermont Cider Company In 2021, the ACCOC continued to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic in our community with specific communications about regulations, funding and special programs. Despite governmental regulation restricting gatherings, ACCOC held monthly virtual mixers and educational webinars to keep our membership informed and engaged. As restrictions began to be lifted, we moved to in-person Mixers and in October, held our Annual Meeting and Awards in-person at the Middlebury Inn!
Annual Meeting and Awards
2021 Year In Review Late summer and early fall saw the return of two iconic Addison County community events administered by ACCOC. In August, Vergennes Day returned to America's "Smallest City" after a year off due to Covid and brought the community back together for a much welcomed and well attended event. In late September, the Bristol Harvest Festival also returned from a pandemic induced layoff and was embraced and welcomed by the community. Both events garnered broad media coverage including several Burlington TV outlets. In 4Q, the ACCOC began upgrading existing digital and social media platforms and creating new ones to provide more outlets to disseminate member programs, events and news.
Berkshire-Hathaway Ribbon Cutting
Community Events
ACCOC Digital and SM Platforms
HOLIDAY MIXER December 16 5:30-7:00 PM
WAYBURY INN
Bring a new unwrapped toy for HOPE
s e n e c S e h t Behind n hompso T m o T h t i w
Each month, "Behind the Scenes" features an interview with a leader in our community designed to provide readers a glimpse into his/her interests and passions inside and outside of the workplace
This month, "Behind the Scenes" sat down with Tom Thompson, President and COO of Porter Medical Center What is your hometown? Little Falls, Minnesota
Where did you go to school? Undergraduate – St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN). Graduate School – Saint Louis University.
First job? Director of Planning and Marketing for a regional health system in northern Iowa.
Greatest inspiration growing up? My father. He was a WWII paratrooper, served in the Battle of the Bulge, and was Purple Heart recipient. He was a quiet man who always gave of himself to others and was highly respected by all he met for his integrity and values. He passed away suddenly from a heart attack when I was 14 years old.
Tom Thompson Who do you most admire? Two people come to mind. First, my mother. She was a highly-dedicated grade school teacher who achieved her degree at age 50 and who always put others’ first in her life. She inspired values in me that I’ve leaned on throughout my life and career. Second, my spouse. She was first in her family to go to college, achieved a doctorate degree as she neared 50 years, and is a highly-regarded professor and lifelong learner. She inspires me to do better through her actions.
s e n e c S e h t Behind n hompso T m o T h t i w
Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere I can be adventuring with my wife, ranging from extended trips we’ve taken to South Africa and India to a day-trip hike at Camel’s Hump or a sunny afternoon on Lake Champlain. Favorite movie/TV show? I enjoy off-beat comedies (e.g., Leslie Nielson and Monty Python movies). I watch limited TV shows, but enjoy each of the NCIS series and Big Bang Theory.
Favorite type of music? I appreciate peoples’ talents and so enjoy a variety of genres. If pushed to commit, would say my bias is toward classic (Eagles, ELO), alternative (Clash, The Cure), or progressive rock (Rush, Yes).
Typical work week? My role involves setting plans and expectations and supporting a variety of teams and processes as well as representing the organization in the community. As such, I’m in a lot of meetings throughout the work day, requiring quite a bit of work time outside of “business hours.” I’m a bit of a Type A personality and so take on a pretty ambitious work schedule.
Biggest career challenge? Throughout my 30+ year career my answer would be external factors (e.g., regulation) that make it challenging to advance the organization’s Mission and serve our communities. In the past 21 months this answer has specifically become the Covid-19 virus and an overwhelmed health care system. Our staff and providers have been absolutely remarkable, but they are tired and stressed. I am privileged to work with remarkable people. One thing you would change about your industry? Eliminate factors that drive up costs without adding value for our patients and communities. I’d like to realize the day where health care organizations truly are fairly reimbursed based on performance and outcomes more than tests and procedures. Biggest risk taken in your career? This question is challenging. Professionally, teams I’ve worked with have taken very many “calculated risks,” but we always do our homework. Personally, a bit of a risk was “unretiring” to accept my Porter leadership role. Most risks have proven to be good ones, as has this role. We have a great team and a great future.
January Webinar Tuesday January 11th
830am-10am Establishing a 401K Plan for Your Small Business or Non-Profit In a labor market where employees have many options, it has become more and more critical for small businesses and non-profits to be able to offer their workforce benefits beyond just competitive salaries. Join us as we host this informative webinar led by a licensed professional who will review the benefits and steps to establishing 401K's and other retirement savings programs for your employees. Registration required. Please go HERE to register.
Community/Member Updates
Environmentally-friendly docks built by Northlands Job Corps for Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Read about it here
Get your tickets for the Sheldon's Online Miniature Christmas Tree Raffle HERE
National Bank of Middlebury is supporting our businesses. Through December 23, every purchase from a locally-owned business in Middlebury, Bristol, Vergennes, Hinesburg and Brandon can give you and the merchant a chance to win $250 each in local currency. 4 drawings each Thursday; Go HERE for more information
Keeping Vermont Families Warm Since 1945!
Rosie’s Restaurant, a family style restaurant that has been a favorite to locals and those with an appreciation for home cooking for over 30 years!
Community/Member Updates
Full service beverage store located in the heart of downtown Vergennes Vermont selling wine, beer, liquor, etc.
Our staff is professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. We offer individual attention and customized care to best suit your health and desires.
Kent Ridge Orchards is located just outside Middlebury, VT. We are a small company, focusing on the production of IPM and organic apples and other fruits.
WRITERS FOR RECOVERY IS BACK!!! For more information and to register go HERE
Community/Member Updates Addison County Chamber of Commerce Mixer Hosted by the Career Center
The chamber mixer on Thursday, November 18th was a huge success with about 35 people attending. Area business owners and other chamber members took tours and learned about programs the Career Center offers. There were many discussions about making more connections between the center and businesses in order to expand available opportunities for students.
A big thank you to students Mady, Lizzy and Ancel. Lizzy (left above) and Mady (right above) represented the Career Center and the culinary program with professionalism and enthusiasm while serving tasty bites to eat. Ancel wowed the crowd by fabricating a metal plaque with the Chamber logo engraved. Thank you to Chef Woody and the culinary students for the wonderful food. Thank you to Lisa, Ed and Nick for demonstrating their programs on the tours. Thank you Aaron for donating maple syrup for a door prize. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success!
Thank you Dan Callahan. The Makery is excited to announce that Dan has accepted the position as Makery Coordinator in addition to his normal role as IT Coordinator. Dan brings a lot of knowledge and connections to the Makery so we are grateful that he will be leading the mission. As Dan and I gave tours, we both kept hearing how amazed everyone was at the opportunity we provide our students and the community. It was a reminder of how important and impactful our work is. Special thanks to David Roberts for orchestrating the whole evening! (This article was reprinted with permission from the Hannaford Career Center Newsletter)
Go HERE to catch up on what's happening at the Hannaford Career Center
Now Playing! MNFF Selects ’21-22 Humans and Animals: Shared Experiences, Intersecting Worlds Monthly Screenings Now through May at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury Passes & Tickets On Sale Now!
Updates from Montpelier
Vermont Distillers Push Legislators to Modernize Liquor Laws
Vermont Creative Network Seeks $17.5 million From Legislature
Vermont Climate Council adopts CAP, administration calls process 'overzealous'
UVM Health Network and CCV launch new apprentice program to grow pharmacy workforce
ARPA provides $46 million in rural funding to support Vermont medical providers
Member Spotlights
Member Since 1982
Member Since 2021
Member Since 2003
Member Since 2012
Every month "Around the Chamber" features four ACCOC members for recognition. Members who would like to be considered for future issues should contact Executive Director Phil Summers at phil@addisoncounty.com
Member Benefit Updates ACCOC has been upgrading all of our digital platforms to provide more promotional opportunities for our members!
With over 6,000 monthly visitors, Addisoncounty.com is a dynamic way for our members to reach their target audiences
New "Top of the Fold" banner positions are available to members as well as enhanced social media promotional opportunities and paid and free positions in our monthly magazine
For information on how to take advantage of your member benefits within our digital platforms, contact: phil@addisoncounty.com
Welcome to Addison County Experience all that Vermont has to offer.
Highlights of Membership in the Addison County Chamber
JOIN US!
Employee Education – we host monthly seminars on topics including social media, Google Analytics, SEO, employee benefits plans, ownership succession, worker’s comp, cybersecurity and much more. All member employees attend at no charge.
Access to Insurance – through our partnership with other Vermont Chambers and VACEplus, we offer excellent dental and vision insurance at discounted prices. Events – we help draw customers to our area through downtown festivals, athletic events, specialty events and sponsorship of other organization’s events. Tourism – we run the Visitor’s Center which houses maps, brochures and information to direct tourists and locals to our businesses, nonprofits, historical sites, and the vast natural resources of our county. We also refer our members extensively.
Business Advocacy – we provide legislative updates for our members during the session, sponsor the Addison County legislative breakfasts, host legislative and gubernatorial candidate forums, and speak up for businesses. Marketing – with more than 60,000 visitors to our website annually, we provide members with a strong presence in search, plus a place to post events, member discounts and job openings. We also promote our members through our monthly E-magazine which reaches thousands of business leaders and others in the community. We provide our members discounted advertising opportunities in the Addison County Guide and through paid advertising in our E-magazine and website. Networking – we help organizations connect through our monthly mixers, seminars, referrals, and introductions.
Coming Next Month
- New Feature - Non-Profit Focus - New Feature - Member Closeup - Behind the Scenes - Member Spotlights - 2022 Business Preview - Community/Member Highlights - Updates from Montpelier - and more!!
Officers
Robert Feuerstein, Kennedy Brothers (Chair) Bethany Dever, Dever Accounting Services (Treasurer) Meaghan McLaughlin, National Bank of Middlebury (Secretary) Adam Rainville, Maple Landmark (Past Chair) Phil Summers, ACCOC (Executive Director)
Directors Dickie Austin, Black Sheep Bistro Amy Carlin: Middlebury College Gretchen Cotell, Hannaford Career Center Nancy Foster, Champlain Valley Properties Justin Hescock, Putnam & Menard, PLC
Ned Horton, Otter Creek Bakery and Deli Marty Kulczyk, Robert Frost Mountain Cabins Megan Mandigo, Marble Trail Financial Article IV, Section D Designate Directors Karen Duguay, Better Middlebury Partnership Kate Bentley, Bristol Core Robert Feuerstein, Addison County Economic Development Corp. Renny Perry, Vergennes Partnership Bill Sayre, Addison County Regional Planning Commission