Living and Working in Burlington Vermont

As many folks know, the Chamber is celebrating its centennial year. While there are many unifying links between then and now, there is one that I think rises above all others. It is powerful and speaks volumes about what we value most. At the core of what we believe is the view that the employees of our member companies are the most valuable asset that a company possesses. The LCRCC member businesses employ roughly 60,000 staff. Every president, CEO or business owner that I speak is quick to attribute their success to the skill, dedication and commitment of their employees. Their view is a predictable as the sun rising in the east. Industries may change names of companies change, ownership can change, physical plants get altered but the constant in any business remains the people. It’s for this reason that the Chamber focuses so intently on training, leadership development and the dissemination of information. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to increase the value that an employee can make to a business. It is our critical point of differentiation and is one point that makes membership in the chamber so important.

So as we begin to celebrate our centennial year, we cannot ever lose sight of the fact that the people who constitute the membership create not only our success but the success of their companies.

 

 

Lake Champlain and those who advocate for its water quality and sustainable habitat recently won a major battle on the state and federal level.

In December 2009, environmental groups from around the country came together to launch the national "Great Waters Coalition", namely to collectively lobby for more federal funding to clean up polluted bodies of water including the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Maine, and Chesapeake Bay. There was one glaring exception from the list – Lake Champlain. Vermont groups such as Business Alliance for a Clean Lake (of which your Chamber is a founding member) and the Lake Champlain Committee were immediately galvanized into action and swiftly applied to join the Great Waters Coalition. Their entreatment was accepted – which brings Lake Champlain into a national alliance whose watersheds are home to over half of the entire country’s population.

Lake Champlain is arguably the lifeblood of the Champlain Valley if not the entire state of Vermont. However, many have not yet adequately attributed the proper importance to this essential ecosystem that shapes our daily lives and that fuels our economy in countless seen and unseen ways. As a result, the warnings of algae blooms, invasive species, and harmful climate change have often fallen on deaf ears – those who need to hear the message the loudest.

The Business Alliance for a Clean Lake (BACL) has a simple, clear mission: we support efforts to clean the lake, to prevent further man-made impacts that would reduce its safe and enjoyable use, and to protect the Lake for the future of our economy and for future generations. Restoration efforts have been slow and are hampered by lack of funding, limited interest on the part of residents and businesses, or perhaps simple ignorance that the smallest acts can make the biggest impact.

BACL has come together to make the cleanup of our state treasure a reality. Only by raising awareness and implementing educational programs, backed by state and national support, can we change the status quo. Lake Champlain joining the list of other prized bodies of water in the Great Waters Coalition will not only elevate Vermont’s efforts, but also bring us into the national movement to preserve and restore all the Great Waters in America.

The holiday season is supposed to be a festive one filled with family and friends. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs there seems to be an omnipresent sense of goodwill in the air. That’s why it is particularly tough to lose friends and associates at this time.

Late last week, we mourned the loss of Ira Trombley, a state representative from Grand Isle County. Ira was a quiet and steady legislator that could always be counted on to keep the best interests of his constituents first and foremost in his political deliberations. A couple of years back, Ira was instrumental in ensuring that new boating regulations did not work against the growing lake-based economy in our region. He talked to local business leaders, researched the subject and offered excellent amendments to a pending bill. More recently, he approached Chamber staff and simply asked how he could be of help in moving some key economic development initiatives forward. He didn’t need the limelight; he just simply wanted to be of service to Vermont. He was true citizen-legislator in the best sense. Ira, we will miss you.

Last night, we were informed that Rick Hube, the state representative from the southern Vermont region of Londonderry, had passed away while visiting his sister in Florida. Rick was one of those rare breeds of legislators that made it look simple to be bi-partisan. He would argue tenaciously for his position and, win-lose-or draw, would socialize with those with whom he just fought. Battles were not personal and politics never trumped relationships. Much will be said about Rick and his penchant for good natured practical jokes and sense of humor, much of which lampooned himself. Those of us in the Chamber will remember his work to make Vermont’s tax and fiscal system one which made responsible development a centerpiece economic growth. We will remember that whenever he gave his word, we could take it to the bank. We will remember that he was the master of assuring the fair deal. For some of us who knew him before he became a legislator, we will remember Stratton Mountain, the Jamaica House and the Red Fox. Rick, the memories will be with us until the day we join you.

Vermont has lost two treasures and our political landscape is diminished because of it. So, in keeping with their spirit, let our advocacy and legislative work be guided this year by their legacies.

Happy Holidays.

 

 

 

When an ambulance crew arrives on the scene of an accident, and the victim is in a bad way, the general expectation is that the crew will know how to stabilize the victim and start the person on the long road to recovery. So why is it that when our health care system is in a bad way, the ambulance crew that arrives on the scene can do nothing more than argue, posture and dither?

American businesses are hemorrhaging from the cost of health care and their employees are offered less care for a higher cost. Bottom lines are being squeezed and business is doing what it can to hold up its end of the social compact. Don’t we have a right to expect that our elected officials will do more than pontificate and stamp their feet demanding ‘their way or the highway’? Vermont can and should be proud that our entire delegation has carried themselves with dignity and with our best interests at heart. Surely there are provisions in the many bills floating around that they like and other provisions that they don’t. Each one has compromised and collaborated in the hopes of getting a bill passed that will stabilize the situation and offer hope for the future. If the rest of the Congress followed this lead and demonstrated those same Vermont values of common sense and working for the common good, we might actually move towards affordable health care for all.

Just this morning former Vermont State Senator Jim Leddy dropped by the Chamber office to discuss some ideas that he and others have to level out the costs of health care in Vermont. Sure, there are parts to it that left me scratching my head and others that were very intriguing. For his part, Jim acknowledged that some ideas might have to change. What made me happy and proud to be a Vermonter was that he was still out there trying to find a solution, coming up with ideas and willing to engage in a constructive dialogue to find common ground. We agreed to keep talking, to looking for points of agreement and to keep the conversation civil. No pouting, no shouting, no histrionic diatribes ranted before a television crew ---- just dialogue.

There’s always hope when people agree to keep talking.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Before I begin, I need to state upfront that Burlington Telecom is an active member of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and that we also enjoy excellent relationships with Burlington City Hall. This post is not meant to take sides in what has become a highly political and emotional issue within the city. It is meant to take a giant step backwards and reflect on some questions that really should be at the heart of the debate.

Let’s begin with the rhetoric and theatre that has surrounded the debate. There are some legitimate questions that the city administration needs to answer concerning the transfer/loan/appropriation of cash flow dollars to cover a hole in the Burlington Telecom budget. However, until a thorough audit is conducted and until we understand the legal options and opinions that were given to the administration to consider, I’d suggest that everyone take a breath and refrain from calling for the head of Marie Antoinette. It makes for good political theatre and gets peoples' names in the paper but there is a city (with some significant challenges ahead of it) that needs to be run. Up until this point, absent particular likes or dislikes for certain personalities and normal partisan saber rattling, I have not heard many people complain about the daily operations of city hall.

To me, and to many with whom I have spoken with, there are three larger questions that should be debated before we call for draconian measures to be taken at city hall. First, is the hypothesis that created a municipality-owned and operated telecommunications utility still legitimate?; second, once there is agreement that it makes sense under some business or social construct, then is there a business plan (tax and fee model) that can ensure that the operation can remain financially viable over the long haul?; and third, does the cost of that business plan to residential and commercial tax payers justify the business or social case?

It seems to some outside observers that there is a rush to castigate those who are now in charge. Maybe we will find that here is reason to do so but until then, perhaps we should first get all the facts out on the table. In the meantime, for our financial sake, let’s review some of the basic premises that led us down this path originally.

 

 

On Wednesday the 28, the Vermont Council on World Affairs (VCWA) moved their offices into 60 Main Street and became part of the larger Lake Champlain Regional Chamber family. The VCWA retains its own Board; 501 C (3) status and its affiliation with St. Michael’s College as its academic institutional collaborative partner.

VCWA's affiliation with the Chamber offers them access to a wider audience as they promote their mission of providing a wide range of public educational programs on key foreign affairs issues and hosting international visitors from across a number of disciplines. The VCWA has a long history of bringing national and internationally renowned speakers to Vermont and is perhaps best known for both its Ambassador Speaker Series and International Visitor programs.

For the LCRCC, this affiliation brings with it a number of benefits:

1. It expands our ‘leadership and education’ programs to include an international focus. This is a value-add for our members.

2. It provides a forum for members to understand emerging markets for either the import or export of their goods and services.

3. It offers ‘business to business’ connections with foreign markets for companies that may be interested in those opportunities

4. It adds depth to our focus on youth development by building upon our successful engagement with Iraqi, Canadian and French youth this summer and expanding these opportunities.

5. As commerce becomes increasingly more globally focused, it allows the LCRCC to focus more deeply on key issues affecting the international business climate.

6. It will reconnect our region's focus with our Canadian partners as we build upon the successful trade and youth programs that VCWA has hosted in the past.

As president of this organization, I am thrilled by the promise and opportunities that this affiliation holds and I look forward to sharing more about our successes in the near future.

 

 

It always strikes me as somewhat unfair when some giant picks on the little guy. Being someone that tends to root for the underdog (baseball excluded), I was particularly disturbed to read that Monster Energy Drink is suing Rock Art Brewery, a small and funky brewery based in Morrisville. Monster Energy’s claim is that Rock Art’s signature ‘Vermonster’ brew infringes on their brand. Given that beer and caffeine-laden drinks have never ever been confused for one another, this recent David vs. Goliath seems even the more absurd. Honestly, how many times has any college student seriously trying to pull an all nighter mistakenly chugged a cold beer instead of one of the many energy drinks on the market? How many times has someone stood in front of a store cooler on a hot Vermont July afternoon dreaming about a beer and mistakenly purchased a ‘tasty’ energy drink? How many times has a family off for a wonderful birthday bash at the local scoop shop ordered up a six-pack of Vermonster brew instead of that oh so delicious Ben and Jerry’s treat…. also named a Vermonster? Hey, why doesn’t Monster Energy Drink sue Nestle? Oh, right, size does matter! Folks, despite the well known W.C. Fields line that there is a sucker born every minute, people are just not that dumb…..which brings me to the point of this blog post.

Small business is at the heart and soul of Vermont’s economy. If not for the entrepreneur, the individuals, couples, and families willing to risk their savings to launch an enterprise, our state would not have the outrageous successes that we boast today. Where would we be without IDX, Ben and Jerry’s, Dealer.com, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Green Mountain Coffee, Magic Hat Brewery, the Skinny Pancake, Epik1, a host of successful software start-ups, and our ever growing brew and wine industry?

Rock Art Brewery started as one person’s dream in his cellar. Good beer and a good business plan made him successful in a very competitive micro-brew industry. To celebrate that success and this state, he named a beer after it. God love him. For his temerity he is now being sued by a corporate giant with the financial wherewithal to tie him up in court until hell freezes over. It is the school yard bully tormenting the little kid all over again, and we should all be outraged. If the spirit that makes Vermont a fertile creative ground is allowed to be extinguished, then all of our businesses will shine just a little less brightly.