Whether partnering with us to sponsor or host an event,

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1 Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce 60 MAIN STREET NEWS FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS. FEATURES PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE...PAGE 2 MERRY MIXER RECAP...PAGE 3 TOP 10 REASONS TO NETWORK...PAGE 4 Whether partnering with us to sponsor or host an event, or simply joining as a member, we want you to feel part of a dynamic, connected business community. We provide exposure and the resources you need to succeed. Support your fellow business professionals, promote your services and above all, have fun - our events are here to help you get the most out of your membership. The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce believes a strong business network is paramount to success in our local business community. Our mission is to connect over nearly 2,000 businesses and 50,000 employees through our series of networking events. What events do we do? At least 11 business after hours events happen each year, and range from bi-annual Member Receptions and free Open House Summer BBQs to general networking events at area businesses like Saba Marine, Burton, KeyBank and Shelburne Vineyard. Our series of business after hours events provide our members with several laid-back and enticing opportunities to connect, promote, and decompress after a hard day's work. The Chamber's signature event, our Annual Dinner, is a night to recognize and celebrate business achievements. The Annual Dinner begins with a cocktail reception and networking event and transitions into a dinner and awards ceremony. Guests are invited to dress up, mingle, indulge in an elegantly catered meal, and toast to our members' positive community impact. UPCOMING EVENTS...PAGE 6 Our Legislative Breakfast Series takes place when the legislature is in session. It's designed to provide direct access to legislators and decision makers in Montpelier, ensuring our business community's voice is heard. Members are encouraged to join us for engaging conversations and a hot breakfast on a cold morning. We host two annual fundraisers that directly support our various youth and workforce development programs - the Chamber Challenge and Silent Auction. The Chamber Challenge is a golf tournament designed to bring together 150 Vermont business leaders from the public and private sectors to conduct "business" and golf for one magnificent day. The Silent Auction is a night dedicated to providing our members an opportunity to network and bid or raffle on hundreds of enticing prizes. On page six, you will learn about some of our upcoming events for 2018! Why events? By attending our events, you have the opportunity to meet other local business professionals, discuss and share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed setting. Check out page four for the Top 10 Reasons to Network. How can I help? Attend, host, sponsor and donate prizes - there are a number of ways to get involved with events. Keep an eye on our events calendar, social media channels, and our bi-weekly newsletters or give us a call at to learn more. CONNECT WITH YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VIMEO.COM/LCRCC LAKE CHAMPLAIN REGIONAL VERMONT@VERMONT.ORG VERMONT.ORG/CHAMBER/BLOG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE w w w. v e r m o n t. o r g 1

2 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season. In the swirl of business and politics, we sometimes forget to remember what is really important! While winter is a slow season for some, it is probably one of the more active times at the Chamber. We are in the midst of our Launch VT business accelerator work, we are engaging high school students with businesses through the TIPS program, Leadership Champlain moves towards graduation; winter events like the Silent Auction are taking shape, we are rushing head-long towards the Taste of Vermont in our nation s capital and our annual Chamber Challenge fundraiser. Member visits continue, ensuring that the Chamber really understands what you, our members, want and expect from us. One might think that tourism slows down in the winter. While the raw number of visitors decreases, we see a steady stream of folks stopping at our centers on their way to and from skiing. Our Tourism Ambassadors do their best to convert folks to 'year round' returnees. The Vermont Council on World Affairs programming offers members a diversity of opportunities from cultural trips to locations like Albania, China and Cuba; learning opportunities through its Ambassador Series; community engagement with the new American population and; opportunities to host international visitors. The Convention Bureau never slows down-especially in the winter- as staff attend trade shows and books meetings and events at venues across the state. Finally, the Quebec Initiative is diligently working with our Agency of Commerce to attract companies looking for a US presence. I am constantly asked about the Chamber's work to support its members and the communities where our members have their businesses. It s hard to give that elevator pitch answer since this Chamber is unique in the breadth and scope of its services. Our staff is always looking for ways to add value for your membership and for your employees. One of the big take-aways from our member visits was the fact that so many members were unaware of the money saving opportunities that their employees can take advantage of from insurance to savings on special events. We have committed to do a much better job at communicating the value of membership. Finally, no President s Message can be complete without a reference to our advocacy work in Montpelier. Regardless of your views or political affiliation, we need to hear from you! What is it that you need to make your business more successful, to help support the economic health of your employees and make your communities stronger? We are only as good as the input you give us. Please don t hesitate to reach out to me or any Chamber staff. We want to be your partner in success. As always, you can drop me a line at tom@vermont.org 2 L ake C hamplain R egional C hamber of C ommerce

3 THE MERRY MIXER RECAP O n December 7th, our Merry Mixer welcomed well over 300 members to KeyBank. Previously known as the KeyBank Holiday Party, the Merry Mixer is our celebratory toast to the year and one of our most beloved events. This year was no exception. KeyBank generously welcomed Chamber members in its festively decorated Bank Street home. Guests mingled beneath sparkling snowflakes while indulging in decadent appetizers catered by BEVO and drinks sponsored by Farrell Distributing. Top Hat Entertainment deejayed the event and brought along their magic mirror photobooth. Members who attended wearing festive attire had the opportunity to win the Most Merriest award. This year Chris Thompson from General Dynamics took home the award along with a gift basket from Cheese & Wine Traders and an engravable cutting board from Vermont Trophy & Engraving. Thanks to both of these fine members for their donations. Holiday gifts were collected for LUND this year. Attendees brought in well over 200 items from Lund's wishlist. Those who made a donation were entered into a raffle to win a night stay at Hotel Vermont. Tom Torti, Chamber President, and Don Baker, KeyBank Vermont Market President, addressed the crowd, generously thanked our sponsors, KeyBank employees, and all those who make our business community strong. Thank you to our Merry Mixer sponsors: And our Merry Mixer Partners: Student Prize: UVM CS Crew w w w. vermont. org 3

4 TOP 10 REASONS TO NETWORK O n any given day your inbox is flooded with webinar, breakfast seminar and after-work mixer invites. With the instant gratification and simplicity of Linkedin introductions, it s easy to fall into a comfort zone behind a screen. When it comes to turning online connections into meaningful offline relationships, networking is essential. We may be in a digital age, but there is no replacing the benefits of basic professional networking, and here are 10 reasons why! Top 10 Reasons to Network EXCHANGE NEW IDEAS Most of us try to stay up-to-date in our fields through continued education, training or reading industry news, but there is something to be said about the wealth of information that can be gathered from simply speaking to other professionals in your field--or better yet, a professional from a different field. Having a support system where you are able to freely express your ideas not only improves your self-esteem but leaves you with new ideas and a fresh perspective to bring back to your workplace. IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS Every great romance and each big business deal begins with small talk. The key to successful small talk is learning how to connect with others, not just communicate with them. Bernardo J. Carducci It takes guts to walk up to a stranger and have a conversation. Small talk might not come second nature to you, and the only way to really improve your communication skills is practice. Learning to communicate more efficiently and effectively will only help you grow on both a personal and professional level. Want help? Our staff and volunteer Ambassadors are always happy to make an introduction at our events. UNDERSTAND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY Communities are unique and ever-evolving. Whether you are new to the area or a local, there is always something you can learn from the place you live and do business. Get to know the day-to-day of an executive at a big manufacturer, or see what current dilemmas a small retail business owner may be facing. The best way to learn about your community is by meeting its people. We bring our business community closer and want you to be a part of it. 4 L ake C hamplain R egional C hamber of C ommerce

5 EXPLORE NEW CAREER OPTIONS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce Whether or not you are in the market for a new job, it doesn t hurt to learn what s out there. Discover a new desired career path, develop new career goals, or take an opportunity you can t pass up: you never know what s out there waiting for you. MAKE NEW FRIENDS It can be hard to make friends as an adult. A networking event presents an opportunity to meet a handful of people who may share similar interests and goals. TIP - Invite a new contact for lunch or coffee. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS Networking event attendees are more than just business colleagues, they are potential customers. Don t be afraid to promote your services and connect with people who are either willing to invest in your services or can connect you with someone who might. And often times the best way to explain what your company has to offer is through word-ofmouth. ENCOURAGE MENTORS A mentor acts as both a connector and teacher. They connect you to the right people and share wisdom with you on an ongoing basis. Generic advice from a business publication can only get you so far, and a good business mentor picks up right where it leaves off. SOLVE PROBLEMS Come to a networking event with a dilemma, and you will likely find an answer. Provided the diversity at a networking event, there is likely someone who can solve your current problem and it's a great icebreaker. DEVELOP YOUR CAREER Attending seminars, sharpens your skills and introduces you to a network of people with similar interests. Vermont Economic Development Authority Financing for Vermont Businesses and Farms...Having resources like VEDA to help support startups like us has been incredibly helpful...we are doing business in Vermont, we are making product in Vermont and we are employing lots of people, thanks to supportive investments and enterprises like VEDA. - Sascha Mayer, CEO Mamava, Inc JOBS HAVE FUN Free drinks, snacks, friendly faces and a welcoming atmosphere--networking events are downright fun! They are a great way to ease into the work day or blow off some steam after work. The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts at least one networking event a month. Take advantage of all our networking opportunities by checking out our events calendar, connecting with us on social media, or signing up for our events s. Want to sign up for our s or learn more about how you can take full advantage of our networking services? Reach out to us at w w w. vermont. org 5

6 UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS Member Reception February 21st 5:30PM to 730PM ArtsRiot Legislative Breakfast Series March 19th 7:30AM to 9:00AM Trader Duke's Hotel Our Legislative Breakfast Series is designed to provide direct access to legislators and decision makers in Montpelier to ensure that our business community's voice is heard. Join us for engaging conversations, an opportunity to connect with others in our business community and a hot breakfast on a cold morning! Thank you to our sponsor 6 Thank you to our media sponsor L ake C hamplain R egional C hamber of C ommerce Celebrate membership, network with your neighbor-the Member Reception brings members, both new and existing, to the contemporary ArtsRiot. Enjoy the evening with a complimentary drink and locally-sourced appetizers. Representatives from each attending member organization will have the opportunity to address the crowd about their services. This is a members-only event. You must be a member in good standing of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce to attend.

7 would you rather see Your ad or someone else s ad? PLACE YOUR AD HERE membership@vermont.org to learn more LaunchVT Collegiate February 15th 3:00 PM 7:00 PM University of Vermont - Davis Center Teams of student entrepreneurs from around the State are battling it out for a spot in the 2018 LaunchVT Collegiate Final Competition. Six schools will send their winning teams to UVM to pitch their businesses and vie for thousands of dollars in cash prizes. Come see what the next generation of VT entrepreneurs are working on and network with the teams and their advisors. The event is FREE and open to the public. LaunchVT is powered by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce. THE For these other upcoming events Spring Kick - Off April 19th Saba Marine LaunchVT Finals May 17th Burlington Vermont Rail Mixer May 24th Burlington Morning Mixer August 16th Butch & Babes w w w. v e r m o n t. o r g 7

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