Central Vermont Biz Bits

dbate Speaking is the area’s first firm to step forward to sponsor the Shop Locally and Visit Locally initiatives with the Chamber for 2010. The summer effort will focus on encouraging residents and visitors to tour the region’s many free attractions. With verification from six of nearly two dozen such attractions, participants will receive a $15 voucher for Lost Nation Theater. The December campaign will urge shopping locally for the holidays.

Monday’s first meeting to energize fan support for Frost Heaves basketball drew far fewer fans than needed for the task at hand. With at least $100,000 need in the next 30 days, the challenge is daunting. Many, many more fans - at their energized best - are needed. Three more meetings are planned by July 12. Information at 479-5456.

The Vermont Frost Heaves are great for Barre and important to the region. Besides serving as a source of winter entertainment, they provide positive press and spur economic activity. Can they become the Green Bay Packers of minor league basketball? Organizers certainly hope so. A series of community meetings begins this evening at Twin City Lanes, 6:30-7:30 pm. Info at 479-5456.

The public safety authority committee met Thursday evening with the department heads for public safety services in Barre City, Barre Town, Berlin and Montpelier. The participation of municipal personnel was outstanding in both numbers and discussion. The information and assistance of police, dispatch, ambulance and fire chiefs was deeply appreciated and the committee looks forward to continuing the dialogue in the months ahead. Video of the meeting is posted at ustream.tv/cvchamber

Tragic as Barre’s fire is, it could have been much worse. Adjoining buildings could easily have been lost. Credit the talent, volume and cooperation of personnel from many departments, cities and towns with a very professional performance. Hats off as well to building owner Thom Lauzon for his unequivocal pledge to rebuild with all prudent haste. In spite of terrible potential loss, Barre seems on the verge of a very tolerable outcome. The trifecta would be a sound exterior that can be efficiently renovated.