Around the Chamber -April 2022

Around the Chamber Addison County Chamber of Commerce E-Magazine

APRIL, 2022

IN THIS ISSUE 4 - Meet the Board 7 - Directors Cut 10 - New Member Closeup 14 - Behind the Scenes 21 - Support our Members 24 - Focus on Non-profits 26 - Updates from Montpelier 28 - Member Spotlights 30 - More News

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Around the Chamber

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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Meet the Board Every month "Around the Chamber" will introduce our readers to a member of the Addison County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors In this issue, we introduce you to ACCOC Board Chair, Robert Feuerstein How long have you lived and worked in Addison County?

My wife, Lillian Kennedy (daughter of Paul T. Kennedy), and I moved to Addison County in 2014.

How long have you volunteered with the Chamber’s Board?

I joined the board in late 2017.

Tell us about Kennedy Brothers.

The original Kennedy Brothers Inc. began in the 1930’s.

Brothers Paul T. and John F. Kennedy started the business by making doors and other components to be used in the construction of cottages their company was building on Lake Champlain. It was a bare bones operation with the brothers using their garage as the base of operations.

Kennedy Brothers, Vergennes, VT.

The Kennedy’s were innovative and created a line of handmade wooden candle holders and bowls. While one brother worked the wood lathe the other traveled to larger metropolitan areas to sell the wares. They expanded the product line over the years.

The Kennedy’s opened a store in Charlotte called Green Mountain Wood Crafters but lost it in a devastating fire in 1942. The brothers were undaunted and moved to Bristol. They grew their woodworking business there until a larger headquarters was needed, and they relocated to the old Hood dairy building in Vergennes in 1960. The Vergennes white painted building was originally a milk plant and creamery and the large brick section manufactured Casein, a milk by-product.

In its early days Kennedy Brothers was a popular tourist destination. In 1987 the woodenware manufacturing business was reduced and antiques and crafts vendors along with retailers and professional business offices were installed.

Robert "Bob" Feuerstein

The retail operations all closed in Jan 2011.

My wife and I purchased Kennedy Brothers from the family in December of 2012, and began extensive renovations of the old buildings (the Creamery Section was built in 1909, and the brick portion in 1931). Now KBI is a commercial real estate leasing operation.

The renovations included new paved lot, new sidewalks, new roof, new energy efficient windows, new HVAC, renovated bathrooms, all LED lighting, new entrance, a cafe, and many offices.

Kennedy Brothers continues to be a family run business. Paul Kennedy, then Edwin Grant (son-in-law) and now Robert Feuerstein (son-in-law) have been the presidents over the past 85 years.

In 2022, what do you see as the most challenging issue(s) facing business in Addison County?

Like most of the country we face high housing cost with limited availability, labor shortages, inflation and over regulation. They all combine to make it a challenge to operate a business; but still a pleasure to be here in Addison County Vermont. Business people really need maximum flexibility in all aspects of business operations to stay healthy.

The Chamber of Commerce’s role in supporting business and non-profits in Addison County is always evolving. In your view, what should be the Chamber’s strategic direction in 2022?

Continuing to bring helpful seminars to members, supporting marketing efforts to bring visitors to our area, and explaining the needs of business to our elected officials.

LEARN MORE AT BIT.LY/3Q7AQHI

Director's Cut Phil Summers - ACCOC Executive Director

Drop the Surveys!

There are better ways to understand what your customers want Surveys are great for learning more about customer experience but these days they’re too overdone. No one has time for them and they’re mildly annoying when they clutter up the email inbox. That doesn’t mean you should forgo asking your customers’ opinions. You just need to do that in a fun, less intrusive way. Try these tools for better understanding your customer and their experience with your business or nonprofit Exit Drop Box If you have an in-person business, at the end of the transaction give customers a red and green card (indicating a positive or negative experience) and ask them to drop the color that best fits their experience today in the box by the door. This gives you a quick idea of whether your customer experience for a given day is as good as it should be.

Social Media Post a customer experience or product/service question to social media but invite people to answer in a fun way by using emoticons, for instance to signify their most recent experience doing business with you. Or ask them to use a gif to describe it. It’s not exact science but it can be fun.

Website Pop-up At the end of an online transaction, give your customer a single question based on something you want to know. Make it a radial button answer for a quick response. Don’t ask a generic question like “did you enjoy the experience?”. Make it something more revealing like “did you find our website easy to navigate?”. Ask different questions each week but stick with one at a time. Add a meaningful thank you message after they answer.

Interactive Menus Thanks to COVID, a lot of businesses like restaurants aren’t using paper menus. They’re using QR codes to access online menus. If you’re using online menus in your business, make them interactive. Allow people to hover over and see pics of the items and add comments or use emoticons. These “comments” then serve as social proof for future customers.

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, April 22 Takács Quartet Julien Labro, Bandoneón One of the world’s top string quartets meets concertina 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

New Member Closeup The Opera Company of Middlebury Every month, New Member Closeup features a recent addition to the Addison County Chamber of Commerce The Opera Company of Middlebury was established in 2004 by artists Douglas Anderson, Carol Christensen, Beth Thompson, Meredith Parsons McComb, and Greg Vitercik.

Streetcar Named Desire OCM presents two annual productions.

Following the 2019 production of Tosca, live performances went on hiatus. Undaunted, OCM produced a widely acclaimed version of Candide, filmed for streaming by videographer Tim Joy, that included narration by former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas. Live theater returned with the production of The Maid of Orleans in October of 2021.

Productions are presented in their original language, with surtitles projected over the stage. In October 2018 OCM toured its production of Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore to three Vermont cities. OCM also presents the Metropolitan Opera HD Broadcasts in conjunction with Town Hall Theater; each opera is preceded an hour ahead by a talk about it by an expert.

Maid of Orleans The Young Artists Program draws talent from all over the country. Singers are not charged to participate in the Young Artists Program but are provided a travel stipend, housing, voice training, and offered the opportunity to participate in a staged opera with full orchestra. They are invited to Master Classes and perform in a Young Artists concert.

New Member Closeup The Opera Company of Middlebury OCM has a track record of delivering fresh and exciting interpretations that draw a broad audience and have impressed national critics, selling out virtually all performances.

Our singers have a track record of success too, with alumni performing in featured roles at the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna Opera, and La Scala among others. All OCM performances are staged at the Town Hall Theater.

Douglas Anderson

The Opera Company of Middlebury presents staged grand opera–the real thing–as well as related events–live streams, tours, and lectures. Now in its 19th year, OCM is a nationally recognized regional company that brings professional singers from around the country for its two annual productions.

OCM has a track record of delivering fresh and exciting interpretations that draw a broad audience and have impressed national critics, selling out virtually all performances.

Our singers have a track record of success too, with alumni performing in featured roles at the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna Opera, and La Scala among others. All OCM performances are staged at the Town Hall Theater.

After 14 years on the theater faculty at both Middlebury and Amherst colleges, Douglas Anderson moved on to a highly successful career in theater and television as a multifaceted actor, director, and writer. He mobilized community residents who shared his passion and vision and spearheaded the purchase of Middlebury’s historic Town Hall Theater. Built in 1883, it underwent a multi-year, $5 million renovation, completed in 2008.

Now the home of several companies, including the Opera Company, the Theater’s interior has become a spacious hall. With a ceiling rising to the very peak of the roof, the Main Stage offers a beautiful and versatile space for theater, music, dances, meetings, and receptions.

s e n e c S e h t Behind with er Nancy Fost

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 Nancy Foster, Principle Broker at Champlain Valley Properties Where did you grow up?

I lived the first years of my life in a small town in the very northern part of Vermont. In fact it is right on the border with Canada. The name of the town is Richford. My parents moved our family to Middlebury the summer before I started high school.

Where did you go to college?

I am a graduate of Middlebury Union High School, and have both my undergraduate and master’s degree from the University of Vermont. I actually took a couple graduate courses at William and Mary because I took some time off from Grad School to have my first child. My husband was on active duty and was stationed close to Williamsburg, Virginia so I was able to take the few courses I needed to finish my Master’s Degree at William and Mary. The time we spent in Virginia—just a little over a year—is actually the only time I have not lived in Vermont.

First ever job?

My first job ever was a newspaper delivery Route while I was still living in Richford. My most fun job before I went to work as an adult was as a waitress at the Middlebury Inn while I was a student at UVM. The Inn hired college students during the summer, and even sometimes during our college vacations, to work.

There was always a nice group pf students who were working these.

Nancy Foster

Greatest inspiration growing up?

My greatest inspiration was several women in my life, including my mother, who made me realize that I could be as successful in my life and career choices as a man could be. I grew up in the 1960s when women’s rights was a big thing. Women were starting to enter the work force in more significant numbers than ever before. They were not even close to being treated equally, but were starting to push for that! Many younger women do not realize what being a working woman was like in the 70s and 80s. That is a good thing. It means we have come a long way.

Favorite TV Show/Movie?

We don’t watch much TV, but I think 60 Minutes is one of my favorite shows.

s e n e c S e h t Behind with er Nancy Fost

Favorite vacation spot??

My favorite vacation was several years ago when I was able to rent a restored castle in Scotland (just outside of St. Andrews) for a week. Our 3 daughters and their families—they are all married and have 2 children each for a total of 14 of us-- all enjoyed a week in a Scottish castle and touring all around that part of Scotland!

When the Chamber was sponsoring trips, we did 2 of those, one to China and the other a river boat cruise on the Rhine. My two most interesting trips were going to Moscow for a week in January with a shipment of dairy products the year after the USSR broke up and the country had major economic problems, and visiting South Africa for 2 weeks during the time our middle daughter had a Fulbright fellowship, not long after Nelson Mandella had gained power.

Typical work week?

I frequently work late afternoons and weekends because that is often when people are available to look at properties. One of the things that I have always liked about real estate is that I can set my own hours.

I can take time off when I have something else I want or need to do, and I do not mind working at times when other people are free from work. At busy times of the year, I work considerable more that the typical 40 hours a week, but I can set my own hours.

Biggest career challenge?

My biggest career challenge was deciding to own my own business.

Favorite type of music?

I like a variety of music. One of my favorite things for years has been attending the outside music concert the Sheldon Museum sponsors right around the 4th of July.

What's the one thing you would change about your industry/mission?

I wish everyone in my industry had the same level of responsibility toward their clients.

In Addison County, the industry is really good, but nationally I don’t think that is as consistent as it is locally.

Thank you!

Thank you!

ACCOC would like to thank the following organizations who renewed their 2022 memberships this month.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT! 802 Print Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op Bristol Commons Development LLC Bristol Works Champlain Valley Properties City of Vergennes Classic Stitching Collins Aerospace Community Bank N.A. Erik K. Koskinen, DDS, PC Hillside Precision LLC Home Audiology Services, P.C. HomeSmith Services, LLC Maple Meadow Farm Middlebury Regional Emergency and Medical Services Middlebury Underground Myers Electrical Company Pratt's Store & Catering Randy's Middlebury Service Center, LLC Resort Guides Round Robin Upscale Resale Shop SunCommon The Residence at Otter Creek Town of Bristol United Way of Addison County UVM Health Network/Porter Medical Center 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.

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Support Our Business Members!

Each month we select a new group of members for recognition and encourage our readers to support Chamber members

Gaines Insurance Agency Serving Vermont's Champlain Valley since 1961

RE/MAX North Professionals THE GRIDLEY GROUP

KENNEDY BROTHERS COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE

Support Our Non-Profit Members!

Each month we select a new group of non profit members for recognition and encourage our readers to support them

Mary Johnson Children's Center

enjoy a meal out!!

Focus on Non-Profits Rotary Club of Middlebury The Rotary Club of Middlebury, Vermont is a volunteer service organization whose members donate their time and resources to help others in the community and throughout the world. The club was chartered March 1, 1927, and is part of an international organization comprised of over 35,000 clubs and 1.2 million members.

Service Above Self

Rotarians worldwide share the responsibility to take action on seven areas of focus: - Promoting Peace - Fighting Disease - Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene - Saving mothers and children - Supporting education - Growing local economies - Protecting the environment

Rotary Club of Middlebury 2021 Club Photo

The 4 Way Test We use the 4 Way Test to guide our actions: Of the things we think, say, or do: 1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Rotary Club of Middlebury’s Annual Community Service Projects RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards – a retreat organized by the area Rotary clubs, RYLA offers communication and leadership skill building to local high school juniors and seniors, and aids in encouraging our youth to be strong, self-confident future leaders for our world.

Green Up Day

Green Up Day – Each year Rotarians get together and help spruce up a section of the Town of Middlebury. This past year our club helped clean the tree line, fields, and playgrounds near Mary Hogan Elementary School.

Focus on Non-Profits Rotary Club of Middlebury Bandstand on Town Green in Middlebury – Presented to the town by the Rotary Club of Middlebury in 1975, the bandstand is a well-loved icon on the green downtown.

Rotarians continue to help maintain the bandstand today with cleaning, painting, and repairs.

Backpacks for School – Each year Rotary helps collect items and pack backpacks in conjunction with the United Way of Addison County to make sure each student going to school is prepared.

Bus Stop and HOPE – Rotary really loves “hands-on” projects, and recently helped build a bus stop near HOPE, a local food shelter. We have also helped HOPE with painting, shelf construction, and packing meals during holiday seasons.

Merry Mulch – In conjunction with Casella Waste Systems and Monument Farms Dairy, Rotarians collect Christmas trees throughout the Town of Middlebury on the first Saturday after New Year’s Day. The trees are brought to Addison Solid Waste District Transfer Station and are chipped into mulch.

Flag Project – The Rotary Club of Middlebury sells subscriptions to local businesses and neighbors and Rotarians put an American flag up in front of their office or home for five major holidays throughout the year: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. With over 300 flags the The Rotary is an active club always looking town looks very proud and patriotic on for more members, sponsors, and partners! these holidays! (Interested? Contact For information, please e-mail us at rotaryflagproject@gmail.com). rotaryclubofmiddlebury@gmail.com

Updates from Montpelier These updates summarize current Statehouse activity with the potential to impact Vermont businesses and nonprofits. These updates are provided to us by the Addison County Economic Development Corporation and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and Downs, Rachlin, Martin.

Great news on H2-B visas: the Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security is adding another 35,000 non-agriculture visas starting today, a large relief to our tourism industry. About 23,000 of those will be for returning workers here in the previous three fiscal years.

Congressional Directed Spending (formerly called earmarks) requests are due April 18th for Congressman Peter Welch’s office and April 27th for Senator Sanders’ office.

The Senate unanimously passed S.286, addressing unfunded liabilities in the pension fund by implementing the final recommendations of the Pension Benefits, Design, and Funding Task Force created by the Legislature in Act 75 (2021). The steps in the bill will save the state upwards of $1.7 billion. This bill contains a $200 million one-time General Fund appropriation in FY 2022 and a $13.3 million one-time Education Fund appropriation in FY 2022 to begin pre-funding health care benefits for retired teachers.

The House Committee on General, Housing, and Military Affairs discussed H.681, which looks at creating a statutory definition for “cider,” something some in the industry have long considered. The new definition would be: “cider would be a vinous beverage, made a majority from the fermented natural sugar content of apples or pears, that contains an alcoholic content of not less than one percent or more than 16 percent by volume at 60 degrees F.

Cider includes sweetened, flavored, and carbonated cider.” Anything covered under this definition would be taxed at 26.5 cents/gallon instead of the current vinous beverage tax of 55 cents/gallon.

S.181 passed the Senate, providing a smorgasbord of miscellaneous regulatory authority for municipal governments. One item that caught our eye was new language expanding the enumerated powers to address “uninhabited” properties under 24 V.S.A. § 2291 to “vacant, or blighted” properties.

H.329, a bill lowering the threshold of discrimination bill, has been moving right along despite missing crossover, and this week, the Committee came to an agreement on the language around public accommodations and struck language that would have instructed the courts to “construed liberally to accomplish its remedial purposes…” (see full language in earlier version).

Read the Full Report

HERE

HERE

HERE

Member Spotlights

Member Since 2019 Member Since 2008

Member Since 1982 Member Since 1982

Member Since 1989

Member Since 2020

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

More News!!

NEW MEMBER REFERAL PROGRAM

RIBBON CUTTING AT MIDDLEBURY'S SPARROW ART SUPPLY

PATRICIA PRESTON, CANDIDATE FOR LT. GOVERNOR VISITS THE CHAMBER

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

Coming Next Month

- Behind the Scenes - Focus on Non-Profits - New Member Closeup - Member Buzz - Community/Member Highlights - Updates from Montpelier - and more!!