Living and Working in Burlington Vermont

As we all gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we should take time to reflect on how truly lucky we are to live in this state and, in particular, the Lake Champlain region. No matter where I walked on the day before Thanksgiving, Vermonters were out on the streets engaged in conversations with friends and acquaintances. They all seemed genuinely pleased to see acquaintances and to be genuinely interested in their plans for the holiday weekend. Here at the Chamber, the Council on World Affairs is hosting a delegation from the Ukraine who is interested in learning about Vermont’s tourism industry. They asked to experience some Vermont traditions while they were with us. Families of staff have opened their homes to share with our guests the traditions of a traditional Thanksgiving. I know of many others that are volunteering at food shelves; shelters and crisis centers so that those less fortunate can share in the fellowship and bounty of this day. It is easy to take these simple outreaches for granted. After all, it is the Vermont way. We tend to accept people for whom and what they are and we tend not to judge those that are different from us. The motto ‘freedom and unity’ about sums it up. We want to be able to conduct our lives in the manner we see fit but we come together to celebrate community.

I guess it is the concept of community that makes us a bit unique. On a daily basis we experience the seamless transition from the world of business to the world of community engagement and volunteerism. Vermonters seem to understand that we are stronger when we work together and share our skills and strengths to shore up areas needing improvement in other. Likewise each of us if better off for the strength and talent we absorb from others.

Sure, there are always things that can be done better and issues that make us want to pull out our hair. But, when all is said and done, most of us choose to remain firmly rooted in the solid soil of Vermont.

Back in June, I commended Congressman Peter Welch for joining sixty-five members of the House of Representatives in signing on to a letter condemning Russell Athletics for "severe violations of internationally recognized labor rights" based on "troubling reports from credible labor rights monitors [that] detail numerous violations of workers' associational rights at Jerzees de Honduras", one of Russell's plants. Russell Athletics, the owner of the contract to produce NBA and NCAA basketball apparel, is alleged to have routinely threatened to close its factory if the workers pressed for better wages and working conditions.

These comments earned me the ire and condemnation of one of Vermont’s premier economists for allegedly preaching protectionism. His point was that if the workers pressed for improved working conditions and wage increases above the $13 dollars a day that they are paid, then the company would probably close.

To quote his letter posted on the Vermont Tiger website: “What is more important is that the workers in the Russell plant earn more than they could earn elsewhere in Honduras, and if Russell was forced to pay higher wages, it might decide to close the plant and move it to a lower wage Asian country.”

It is heartening to see that sometimes corporations act in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of its workers while protecting its own long term interests. It was reported in the November 18th edition of the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/business/18labor.html?_r=1) that Russell had agreed to rehire 1,200 workers in Honduras who lost their jobs when Russell closed their factory soon after the workers had unionized. I am sure that concerns for the workers wellbeing in part drove this decision. However, it is just as likely that the cacophony of protests from a newly awakened student protest movement that boycotted campus bookstores selling Russell made collegiate wear; NBA teams that were rethinking the lucrative contracts they had signed with Russell; and the on-site protests at stores like Target had a profound effect as well. Whatever the reason, we should all applaud corporate social responsibility.

Speaking of which, it is easy in this day and age to take a factory from one country to another in search of cheaper labor, reduced work site protections and lower environmental standards. We have seen the flight of manufacturing from our country and our own state. Those who remain, especially businesses in Vermont, struggle to be competitive in the face of the ever-risings costs of doing businesses. Let’s all take time out to thank those business owners and CEOs that have decided not to move out of state or to off-shore its manufacturing and who have committed to trying to make it work in Vermont.

Once again the change in seasons reminds us why Vermont, and in particular Burlington and the Lake Champlain region, is a great place to live and to visit. By now, most of us have winterized our boats; docks have been stored; fishing gear readied for a winters hibernation; golf clubs (except for the real die-hards) tucked away in a shed, garage or shrine; and we are now looking forward to two more seasons of wonderful outdoor recreation.

Late fall brings with it excellent opportunities to hike the countless trails along lakes, rivers and deep into the woods. Little-known jewels exist in the Burlington city limits, just a few miles away in Essex and down the road in quiet Richmond. Within a half hour drive, serious hikers and climbers can find challenging hand over hand climbs, serious rock walls and steeps that reward the adventurous with spectacular 360 degree views of the Green Mountains, the Adirondacks and the Canadian plains. Kayakers looking for quiet waters and all too ignored views of the landscape can find opportunities on Shelburne Pond and Mallets Bay. Birding is still active with the southward migration of many species. Soon the eerie call of Canadian Geese will fill the sky. For many, this is the true harbinger of the changing season. Once cannot talk about late fall without bragging about our mountain biking trails from single track to wide open woodland promenades. Traditional pursuit advocates can find hunting opportunities for all species along Lake Champlain and the surrounding woods. Deer, wild turkey, woodcock and duck hunting opportunities abound as do ‘hunting’ opportunities for those who stalk their prey with a camera. Finally, there is no better physical exercise for the true Vermonter (by birth or choice) than to put the garden away for the season followed by raking the same lawn four or five times as the trees torture us with their intermittent shedding of leaves.

This wonderful season is rapidly followed, and often overlapped with, Vermont’s winter season. Its beginning is determined by the date of the first snowflake and its terminus by the date of the last. So, it traditionally runs from November through late April. Kidding aside, winter activities are as numerous as people’s imagination. True, we have world class skiing at our small mountains and high end resorts. The terrain is as challenging as anyone can want and it isn’t surprising to be sitting on the lift with Olympians (skiers and boarders) that call Vermont home. For those looking for quieter outlets, nearly every town and village is home to cross country and snowshoeing trails. In fat, snowshoeing is one of the most rapidly growing winter past times requiring little investment and even less athletic skill. If you can walk, you can get outdoors and enjoy the woods. Vermont’s easily accessible state parks are open to all in the winter. Many locals and visitors take the opportunity to explore Vermont along the clearly marked trails while looking for wildlife that goes hidden when the leaves are on the trees and the landscape not so barren. One cannot talk about winter activity without shining the spotlight on the exploding snowmobile industry. The network of trails called VAST makes it possible to go from one end of the state to another on a snow mobile. Trails cross general stores, gas stations and cozy inns making overnight excursions not only possible but truly country chic for the winter activity advocate. The contribution to Vermont’s economy by these snow travelers is not to be underestimated.

So, as we inexorably move towards winter’s grip on the landscape, we should all rejoice for it brings with it many more outlets for us to enjoy the gem known as the Lake Champlain Region of Vermont.

Our National Guard is about to deploy its largest contingent since World War II. Our troops are going into harm’s way in a war without front lines and with an elusive and hardened enemy. Despite what anyone thinks about this war, or any war, there is no debate that we must support our troops and their families.

This past week, the National Guard advanced an idea put forth by Senator Shumlin of Windham County to assist Guard members in getting home for the holiday season before they deploy. Fifteen Hundred troops will be out of state for training. They are give a few days time to visit their families before the holidays which is just before they ship out for a year. However, they have to pay for their own tickets home if they want to make the trip. For many this is a financial hardship that will mean that they will have to stay behind. Senator Shumlin and to a few business philanthropists decided to kick start the fundraising campaign and try to raise the money to help them get home

To donate to the effort, please go to the Charitable Foundation’s website: www.supportvermontguard.org. Please note on this site that the donation is intended for Operation Holiday Homecoming.

Checks can also be sent directly to the Charitable Foundation. If you do send a check, please be sure to note Operation Holiday Homecoming in the memo section.

VT National Guard Charitable Foundation
Operation Holiday Homecoming
PO Box 683
Essex Junction, Vermont 05453

Thanks for caring.