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.
Central Vermont’s Price of Fun is Zero brochures have begun making their way to counter tops and wall racks at area businesses. Nassau Broadcasting will begin airing radio spots tomorrow as Chamber members urge residents and tourists to enjoy the region’s many free attractions and patronize local businesses. Visit six participating attractions and redeem the brochure/registration form for a $15 ticket to Lost Nation Theater.
Chamber members are encouraged to consider participating in the radio campaign. Information at www.cvregion.net/shoplocal
Enjoy it. Celebrate it. It’s America’s day; a day to celebrate freedom. Freedom from English rule, from oppressive government, from government intrusion in our lives. Celebrate the freedom to choose and the freedom to lose. Celebrate the freedom to succeed and the freedom to fail. Celebrate the freedom to speak and the freedom to decide - even if the speech is obnoxious and the decision self-destructive.
Independence and Freedom: Celebrate them - and guard them fiercely.
This morning the Travel Information Council approved installation of a sign for the Mad River Byway on the I-89 southbound approach to Exit 9. There is no specific timeframe for actual installation. The approval is another victory for the byway group that worked to obtain designation and recognition. Although a sign for “Granite Quarries” at Exit 6 northbound was also approved, AOT reports there is no suitable location for the physical installation. Ledge crowds the berm in the designated area, leaving no place for the sign.
The Chamber worked for months to obtain the required data and endorsements for submission. A formal request was presented to the TIC in March. Thanks are extended to all who provided support and assistance.
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.