Around the Chamber Addison County Chamber of Commerce E-Magazine
FEBRUARY, 2022
IN THIS ISSUE 4 - Director's Cut - Hiring Tips 6 - Member Buzz - Middlebury College 10 - Behind the Scenes with Amy Carlin
15 - Focus on Non-Profits - Turning Point Center 18 - Community/Member Updates 21 - Legislative Updates 22 - Member Spotlights
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Table of Contents
10
4
6
Director's Cut
Member Buzz
15 18
21 22
Behind the Focus on Community Legislative Member Scenes Non-Profits Member Updates Spotlights Updates
This month we want to know how your organization is dealing with the labor shortage? Send your comments to phil@addisoncounty.com and we will feature them here next month!
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. 2022, All Rights Reserved
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Director's Cut Phil Summers - ACCOC Executive Director
SMALL BUSINESS HIRING TIPS IN A TIGHT LABOR MARKET Small business owners struggle with hiring employees for many reasons, including: Having less money for competitive offers Having no visible brand Lacking an HR team Little recruitment or networking opportunities
Use social media for recruiting: Small businesses are not only using social media to market their product to potential customers, but also their company to potential employees. Companies can share content on social media platforms that showcases their culture and work environment for recruitment purposes.
However, job seekers believe that working for small businesses have many advantages, including less bureaucracy, a collaborative environment, greater responsibility, more creative freedom and an entrepreneurial experience.
There are many tips for hiring for small business in this tight job market starting with dramatically adjusting your hiring strategy in order to hire the right people for your organization. To stand out from the crowd, small businesses need to be creative in their hiring practices. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Write detailed job descriptions: ZipRecruiter recently found that employers have been writing longer, specific and detailed job descriptions. This will ultimately help prospective applicants figure out if the job is right for them.
Lowering credentials and college requirements: To get the workers they need, some small companies have begun to lower their credentials and college requirements. Increase wages: In such a competitive market, small business owners will need to increase their job offers to attract prospective employees. This can be more difficult for small businesses on a tight budget, but could be worthwhile in the long run.
Flexible work culture: Small businesses are known for offering more creative freedom compared to larger organizations. Employers should embrace a more flexible work culture including offering remote work, flextime and even a casual dress code.
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.
Friday, February 18 Nobuntu The sensational all-female a cappella ensemble from Zimbabwe Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5 Actors from the London Stage: Much Ado About Nothing Five British Actors, one unforgettable week Thursday, March 10 Danú
Friday, April 1 David Finckel, Cello Wu Han, Piano "Chamber music's busy power couple" -NY Times Free! Friday, April 22 Takács Quartet Julien Labro, Bandoneón One of the world’s top string quartets meets concertina
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 themes of migration.
exploring
Open to campus and community audiences. Vaccinations (or valid medical or religious exemptions) and masks required. Tickets are on sale now. For tickets, go HERE
MEMBER buzz "Member Buzz" features special topics of interest each month that can benefit individual members and our Chamber as a whole. If you have something you would like featured in a future edition, contact phil@addisoncounty.com
ACCOC Members. Want help getting the word out? If you’re a Middlebury/Addison County organization (for-profit or non-profit) working to get a message to a target audience, here’s a special opportunity: Partner with a service-learning course at Middlebury College, called Oratory In Action. Each semester, teams of college students run communication/presentation workshops for local organizations. Students in the course will work with you to custom design workshops that enable staff and volunteers to improve both online and in-person presentations. The goal is to measurably optimize internal and external communication, such as meetings, pitches, marketing, events, social media, videos, and organizational storytelling/branding.
Recent projects include workshopping recruitment videos and research presentations, online trivia social events, as well as interview prep and fundraising support. Time Commitment: Roughly 1 hr per week for 8 weeks. “I wish I could give a higher rating than "very satisfied" for the professionalism of the students! It can be difficult to get field staff engaged in projects which take them away from their work. The students made this activity very worthwhile for our employees and they were all happy to participate. Thank you for this opportunity!” -OIA Community Partner For more information, reach out to Ben Powers, Oratory In Action Instructor Oratory In Action, INTD 0115 bpowers@middlebury.edu 802-734-0590
Join us for a Financial Reality Fair! The Addison County Workforce Alliance is hosting a Financial Reality Fair on Tuesday, March 22nd, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m., at the Hannaford Career Center - all are welcome to attend! Gain the skills to make solid financial decisions, connect with potential employers, and get support with career, education, training, money and lifestyle choices. Local experts and resources are available to answer your questions! Sponsored, in part, by VSAC and Advance Vermont.
Visit https://bit.ly/FinancialRealityFair to register
2022 Member Educational Seminar Series TOPIC
PRESENTED BY
DATE *
Employer-sponsored retirement plans – options and benefits.
Tyler Wood, Client Centered Financial
Tues. January 11th
Small Business & Non-Profit Branding- Creating Your Identity
Phil Summers Executive Director, ACCOC
Tues. February 15th
Maximizing Financing Alternatives
Fred Kenney Executive Director, ACEDC
Tues. March 8th
Managing Your Digital Presence
Addison Independent
Tues. April 12th
Business Succession and Preparing for the Future
Vermont Employee Ownership Center
Thur. May 5th
Social Media- It doesn’t have to be a full-time job
Gold’s Gym International
Thur. June 9th
Legislative De-Briefing
Fred Kenney, ACEDC & Phil Summers, ACCOC
Tues. June 14th
Strategies for Business Resilience
Vermont Small Business Development Center
Tues. July 12th
Business Insurance: How much should you have?
Scott Gaines, Gaines Insurance Co.
Thur. August 11th
Retirement Planning 201
Tyler Wood, Client Centered Financial
Tues. September 13th
What's Up in HR?
Theresa Meile, HR Acquired
Wed. October 12th
Legislative Briefing
ACCOC, ACEDC & Vermont Chamber of Commerce
November TBD
Permitting: Local/State permits/Act 250
Jennifer Murray (local); ANR rep-state/Act250
Wed. December 7th
Seminars are open to ACCOC members and invited guests. Dates, times and topics are subject to change. Registration required. Registration for each seminar will open 30 days prior to the event. REGISTER HERE
s e n e c S e h t Behind with Amy Carlin
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 Amy Carlin, Community Relations Specialist and Presidential Events Coordinator at Middlebury College Where did you grow up? I was born in Connecticut where a lot of my family still resides. Moved to Addison County when I was eight years old. Graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 2004.
Where did you go to college? University of Maine, Orono Studied Philosophy and Women Studies
First ever job?
Amy Carlin Favorite vacation spot??
This is hard, I really have a strong connection to Maine. My family and I try My first job was at the Middlebury Bagel Bakery. Would to get together once a year, all the wake up at 5am to work before school - best part was that I siblings and nieces and nephews and one could bring a bagel sandwich with me for lunch! year we rented a cabin in Bridgton, Maine, absolutely beautiful location.
Greatest inspiration growing up?
I would have to say my parents. They were always there for me and allowed me to follow any dream that I had with full support - from booking me rock climbing camps at age 8 to any sport I wanted to try to even letting me win at family game nights.
s e n e c S e h t Behind with Amy Carlin
Who do you most admire?
Greatest risk you have taken in your career?
I admire anyone who gets up in the morning and tries their best. Anyone who thinks how can I help to make today a better day not just for themselves but anyone they meet or don’t get a chance to.
I would say taking on the role of community relations specialist and I am so happy that I did. I grew up in Middlebury but being an adult here and really getting involved has been very exciting for me and something that I have truly enjoyed.
Favorite type of music? Angelique Kidjo. She is magnificent. I got to meet here when she visited Middlebury College years ago and was lucky enough to attend one of her concerts at the Flynn, front row.
Typical work week? Well since Covid things have changed a little. But I would say that I am lucky enough to get to meet with locals from the town over coffee, to planning events for the President of College, to working with couples who are planning their wedding, along with sitting on the board of the Chamber and the Better Middlebury Partnership.
What's the one thing you would change about your industry/mission? I'm not sure what I would change but I would love to be on more boards and get a chance to see what all the great organizations in town have been working on from the ground level.
Favorite TV Show/Movie? I guess… Game of Thrones. But I was very annoying to everyone around me as I caught on late and had to read all the books before watching.
Biggest career challenge? Not sure. I really enjoy my job and getting to meet new people, help to plan events either at the college or in town. Maybe not getting to take part in all the fun activities that I would like to.
Thank you!
Thank you!
ACCOC would like to thank the following organizations who renewed their 2022 memberships this month.
Addison County Fair & Field Days
Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History
Art on Main
Ilsley Public Library
Bread Loaf Corporation
Maple Landmark, Inc.
Bristol Financial Services
Middlebury Inn
Cabot Creamery Cooperative
Moosalamoo Association
Carol Jean McKnight
Northlands Job Corps Center
Champlain Valley Equipment, Inc.
People's United Bank
Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating
Pike Industries
Client Centered Financial
Pregnancy Resource Center Of Addison County
Co-operative Insurance Companies
r.k. MILES
Craig Brown House & Cottage
Silloway Networks
D&F Excavating & Paving, Inc.
Stone Block Art & Antiques
Dakin Farm
Suburban Propane
Danforth Pewter
Town of Addison
Distinctive Paint & Interiors
Vermont Cider Company
Gary Baker
Vermont Community Foundation
Greentree Real Estate
Each month in "Around the Chamber" we will recognize new and renewing members for their support in helping ACCOC enhance and improve the business and non-profit communities in Addison County.
Shop Local !
Stone Block Antiques 219 Main St Vergennes, VT 05491
Bryn Meadow Studio, Vergennes
Shop Local !
MIDDLEBURY FRAMESHOP & GALLERY
Focus on Non-Profits Turning Point Center Celebrates a Dynamic 2021! Despite the ongoing pandemic, the staff of TPCAC experienced an 80% increase in participants receiving individual coaching in FY2021. In the same period the center had over 9,100 individual guest sign-ins from all 22 towns in Addison County. Staff increased from 3 to 13 trained Recovery Coaches, now serving over 60 individuals. We have collaborated with 30 community partners and have embedded our staff at 7 locations to create a solid framework of support for those seeking recovery.
The Rapid Access program also includes 8 iPads that have been distributed to our community partners including the Vergennes Police Department and Bristol Police Department. Deputies on duty can carry the iPad with them when they are involved in a call with a person with substance use disorder or a family member who might need immediate assistance. The iPads also have links to access recovery meetings, health or behavioral health appointments, videos on harm reduction, Good Samaritan Law, and Narcan.
Initiating iPad Rapid Access Program with Vergennes Police Dept., Allison Cherrier, Jenn Mayhew, Chip Mitiguy with Chief Merkel
TPCAC has expanded our mental and behavioral health supports for the populations we serve by providing 24/7 access to a live Recovery Coach with an initiative called “Rapid Access Recovery Coaches”. We hope this program will decrease overdoses and suicide by providing instant access to a video conferencing tool that can meet the immediate needs of those in recovery or people seeking treatment. A person can click a button on our website and see a live peer with lived experience who can help set up an individual with a recovery coach, offer treatment options, give information about harm reduction services, and provide navigation of resources to address the social determinants of health. The program improves our ongoing efforts to address overdose and suicide through linkage to evidence-based peer support treatment and recovery services for those at risk.
TPCAC Washington DC Trip, left: our team in front of the White House and right: TPCAC team visit with DC Recovery Alliance
Other highlights at TPCAC include adding 3 new recovery groups Grief and Loss, All Recovery, and Moms in Recovery for a total of 12 recovery group offerings. We added 13 volunteers to our staff who help host our Food Fun Fridays where staff, volunteers, and participants gather to socialize and share a good meal. Volunteers also helped pack and distribute over 300 harm reduction bags that include 2 doses of Narcan and Fentanyl test strips along with information about services. Staff distributed 664 doses of Narcan to individuals and community partners and our trainer gave 7 on-site Narcan trainings.
Focus on Non-Profits Volunteer Donate
The work that we have accomplished this year would not have been possible without the ongoing financial support of the Vermont State Legislature. We would also like to appreciate the hard work of the Vermont Department of Health and ADAP for their contributions. We are ramping up for another exciting year in 2022 with plans on moving into an 11,000 square foot facility in the heart of downtown Middlebury!
TPCAC Staff on Food Truck Friday. Starting left Justin Bouchard: Data & IT Specialist, Roberta Enright: Recovery Coach & Family Support Specialist, Jenn Mayhew: Executive Director, Talena Jestice: Bookkeeper, Johny Widell: Recovery Coach. Kneeling left: Nichole Bachand-Bartlett: Program Coordinator, Allison Cherrier: Administrative Assistant & Outreach Coordinator.
The year 2021 included sober events such as an overnight introduction to backpacking trip to Silver Lake and a now annual Cornhole Tournament fundraiser that supports the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences. In September, we celebrated Recovery Month and with the support of Recovery Vermont, all staff members at TPCAC traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit with legislators for advocacy. When COVID prevented staff from meeting with our representatives, the team decided to visit another Recovery Center in inner city D.C. called DC Recovery Alliance. The staff collaborated and quickly learned that although we are culturally very different, we share common problems in the work that we do.
Training on Zoom with Recovery Vermont
TPCAC tabling at Middlebury College MiddAction Volunteering & Engagement Fair Pictured left: Dane Wilson came to us as a volunteering and has moved up into a Recovery Coach staff position now, Allison Cherrier pictured right started as an intern from the Addison Cty Sheriff’s Dept and is now a full-time staff member and our Administrative & Outreach Coordinator.
enjoy a meal out!!
Community/Member Updates
Community/Member Updates
#LoveLocal Bristol Bucks Giveaway For the second half of February, #LoveLocal continues with a $100 Bristol Bucks giveaway! You can win $100 in Bristol Bucks just by shopping locally. Every time you make a purchase at participating Bristol retailers between February 15-28, you can enter to win at checkout. Go HERE for a list of participating retailers
Are you passionate about your early childhood education and your community? Evergreen Preschool, a private, nonprofit, play based preschool in Vergennes, VT serving children ages 3-5, has anticipated volunteer Board and Board committee member openings. Evergreen nurtures the growth of every child with the fundamental belief that all children succeed when their natural thirst for knowledge and meaning are cultivated through play, and when their role as our community's youngest citizens is respected and valued. Our vision is new generation of compassionate, creative, and active learners whose education was planted and nurtured at Evergreen Preschool. Evergreen's Board of Directors has responsibility for the general management, the property, business and affairs of the school and fundraising. The Board decides school policy and revises school by-laws as necessary. New members are recruited on an ongoing basis with elections for open Board seats in May annually. To find out more or to express interest, in the Board or a Board committee please complete the Board candidate survey online http://www.evergreenpreschoolvt.com/board-ofdirectors or email evergreenboardchair@gmail.com.
Updates from Montpelier Short-term Rental Registry – The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs took testimony on S.210, a Rental Registry bill intended to replace last year’s S.79 which was vetoed by the Governor. This bill includes provisions for a Short-Term Rental (STR) Registry. In deference to the Governor’s concerns that a registry would burden “mom and pop” rentals, S.210 includes an exemption for seasonal camps and for owners operating no more than three units in or on the owner’s primary residence. The administration has asked the committee to consider exempting units that are rented for fewer than 120 days. The committee heard testimony about concerns that the rise in STR business has exacerbated Vermont’s housing shortage. The committee will continue to work on this bill in the coming weeks. Economic Recovery Bridge Grants – House and Senate committees received updates from Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein regarding last year’s Bridge Grant Program. The hospitality sector joined others last year in testifying that the proposed formula for determining economic need for the grants would not work. Their warnings were confirmed in last week’s update. Only about $3 million was able to be expended, leaving $26.5 million yet to be distributed. Testimony was taken on a recommended adjustment to this formula so businesses, still desperate for support, could receive recovery grants. Contractor Registry one step closer – The long-suffering journey of the contractor registry continues, but an end may be in sight. The dollar amount of materials and labor that would trigger the need to register has been the most contentious item in the bill. The Senate had amended that figure back down to $2,500 for any contractor performing a residential construction job. Last week the House put that figure back to $3,500. The House agreed with the Senate to exempt any technician already licensed with the Department of Public Safety from having to register. If the Senate agrees with the House change, the consumer protection bill will head to the Governor.
Updating liquor laws – Multiple bills have been introduced that update Vermont’s liquor laws. Wendy Knight, Commissioner of the Department of Liquor and Lottery presented the governor’s legislative priorities to the Senate Economic Development Committee. Among them is a recommendation to exclude the category of low-ABV spirits based ready-to-drink cocktails from department-only distribution. Currently, they are only available for retail in Vermont’s 78 liquor stores. Manufacturers of this fast-growing class have testified that many of these products have similar alcohol content as beer and wine, and should be treated the same way with access to stores via private distribution channels. Debate will continue over the maximum ABV content for these drinks, with the figure of 12 percent Retail Theft Bill – A bill meant to deter retail theft, S.180, was mentioned frequently. considered by the Senate Committee on Judiciary. Small business owners from Burlington shared stories of the brazen increase in shoplifting that is affecting downtown. Erin Sigrist, President of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association, stated Updates courtesy Downs, Rachlin, Martin, PLLC that increased fines do not deter crime; getting caught is the only thing that is effective. The two main drivers of this problem are organized retail crime and theft to feed an addiction.
Member Spotlights
Member Since 1983
Member Since 2016
Member Since 2011
Member Since 1997
Member Since 2020
Member Since 1990
Every month "Around the Chamber" features six ACCOC members for recognition. Members who would like to be considered for future issues should contact Executive Director Phil Summers at phil@addisoncounty.com
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 free and paid advertising in our E-magazine and website. Networking – we help organizations connect through our monthly mixers, seminars, referrals, and introductions.
Coming Next Month
- Behind the Scenes - Focus on Non-Profits - New Member Closeup - Member Buzz - 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 Judson 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 Renny Perry, Addison County Economic Development Corp. Renny Perry, Vergennes Partnership Bill Sayre, Addison County Regional Planning Commission