Central Vermont Biz Bits

Art & Roxanne Farmer of Livingston, TX visited six free Central Vermont attractions and redeemed their verification forms for tickets to Lost Nation Theater. The couple visited the Vermont State House, Rock of Ages, Bragg and Morse farms, and Barre’s sculptures as well as enjoying the Barre downtown walking tour. Securing the required confirmations was worth $30 in theater tickets.

There are more than two dozen area attractions that cost absolutely nothing to visit. The Price of Fun is Zero brochure is available throughout Central Vermont or online. Details and Brochure Download

MVP and Snap Fitness are sponsors of a total fitness Chamber mixer Thursday Aug. 19. The event in the Chamber conference rooms will feature stations with fun fitness demonstrations for incorporating fitness and healthy choices in your daily routine. The Woods at Wihakowi will cater, and Lisa and Johnathan will share their expertise on serving healthy treats.

Mixer chair Joe Hayes announced a remarkable pricing formula for those attending. Come alone and pay $8. Bring a friend and both attend for $5. Bring two friends and all three are FREE with advanced reservation, entering together. Get together to get connected and get healthy.

Vermont’s FY2010 budget shortfall was originally pegged at 16.5% by The Taxpayers Network, the smallest deficit of the nation’s 10 worst. Ten states including Vermont faced deficits of more than 15 percent. They ranged from highs of 37.6 in Nevada and more than 20 percent in New York, California and Arizona. Vermont’s deficit challenges for next year loom even larger than those of the current budget.

In many ways, December 2008 is forever ago, but at that time Vermont had the lowest foreclosure rate (per household) in the nation - just one in 19,000 according to a recent Taxpayers Network report. However, an update for first quarter 2010 from RealtyTrac shows Vermont is still best in the nation: “One in every 8,932 Vermont housing units received a foreclosure filing during the quarter - the 50th highest state foreclosure rate in the nation.” Credit both Vermont lenders for their careful and honest evaluation of potential borrowers and Vermont residents for their tenacity when it comes to meeting their obligations. A healthier economy than most helps too. Congrats to all.

Barre’s festival activity is becoming increasingly apparent. Staging is unfolding adjacent to the gazebo. Tables on the library lawn. Lenny’s tent shading sale items. Enjoy the range of foods, events, entertainment and more throughout the weekend. Schedule of events at: Barre Heritage Schedule

All Roads Lead to Berlin has been published and distributed by the town’s economic development committee. The four-color trifold touts Berlin’s growth as a job center, its major employers, facilities and airport among other assets. Clean and simple; nicely done.

One tiny piece of the monstrous federal health care bill is now in play: the required coverage for dependent family members to age 26. Businesses in the Chamber’s Cigna Healthcare small group plan will pay an additional $1 million in premium annually (statewide) to cover the cost of this minor tweak. The price to Central Vermont Chamber members is estimated at $70,000 per year.

Many of the bill’s rules have yet to be written, and the provisions with the greatest impact become effective in 2014.

The commentary by former state rep Mark Shepard appearing in Saturday’s Times Argus is worth a read. The capsule version is that Americans now look to government to solve every problem, right every wrong, and fix everything broken - at our great peril.  Shepard reminds us, “The success of a free nation depends on its citizens, not its government.” For those who missed it, Link to Commentary

A visitor picked up Central Vermont’s Price of Fun is Zero rewards brochure and “discovered” the USS Montpelier Museum. He called the Chamber office to find out where it’s located. Wanted to visit it as his father had served on board. A chance discovery proving once again what a small world…

More than a dozen businesses from the Heritage complex on River Street to the Wayside Restaurant will offer food, discounts, music and more this Saturday. Lots of good changes along the “block.” More coming with TJ Maxx remodeling on the other end of the “street.”

“WE” the businesses and residents of Central Vermont are the local economy. Local businesses employ our friends and neighbors. Look local first. Think twice before heading elsewhere or buying online.