Living and Working in Burlington Vermont

Last week I wrote about the Senate Economic Development Committee’s work to restructure the Unemployment Insurance fund in the face of push back from all sides.

This week it would inconceivable not to write about the work of the Senate Appropriations Committee and their support of the Vermont Convention Bureau. Some may question why supporting an enterprise that brings thousands of room nights to Vermont that otherwise would go to other states takes courage. Well, the unexplainable reality is that the Department of Tourism and Agency of Commerce have for the past two years refused to provide any support to the Bureau making Vermont the only state that, in some way, does not support its Convention Bureau.

Last year the legislature appropriated the money requested by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber for the support of the VT Convention Bureau. This year, Representative Heath of Westford, who is the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, once again got the ball rolling by putting in half of the necessary funds. Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Committee led by Senators Shumlin and Bartlett, in the midst of the toughest recession that this state has ever seen, found and added the remaining money. These Senators understood that the ability to fill hotel beds, to fill seats in restaurants and to fill tourist venues directly returns real tax money to the state coffers. These Senators did this in the face of opposition from the administration and in light of the many others who were clamoring for money.

Please take the time to drop each member of the Senate committee and Representative Heath a note of thanks. Far too often we only take time to tell them when we disagree with their actions. Fair is fair. They really deserve kudos this time.

Many of us were pleased this week to read that the Canadian dollar is on ‘par’ with our currency. For folks in the Lake Champlain region that are in the tourism, hospitality or retail sectors, this news is welcome as the government cutting taxes. With our competitive prices and welcoming approach to our Canadian neighbors, this means that the visitor season should be even more robust than last year. It also means that enplanements from Burlington Airport should continue to feature a large percentage of Canadians from Montreal south, as they take advantage not only of our excellent air rates but the lodging deals provided by our local hotels, motels and B&B’s.

While this economic news makes us smile especially in light of the anemic improvements to our economy, there are other reasons to welcome our northern neighbors. We should never forget that the culture and heritage of Vermont is inextricably entwined with that of Canada, especially Quebec. Before the languages of late 20th and early 21st century ‘new Americans’ was heard in our schools, we heard Quebecois. Last year the Vermont Council on World Affairs hosted the Heritage in Harmony program that explored and celebrated the connections between France, Quebec and Vermont. In the years before 9/11, the border between our two countries was nearly invisible and even today the courtesy extended to those who cross the borders between both countries is very different than what one experiences when traveling internationally.

I say this not to state the obvious but to remind all of us that we should never take our friends for granted. That is as true in our personal life as it is in business and international affairs. Everyone wants to feel and truly be appreciated. So, when you have the opportunity to interact with one of our Canadian friends, take a moment to thank them, personally, for their patronage and friendship.

The Douglas administration unveiled their Challenges for Change proposal last week to a chorus of discontent from every imaginable sector. The Chamber was among those wishing to have been spared the possibility of reduced funding. The concept of shrinking government’s size while increasing its effectiveness is a wonderful one until a pet program is the one being gored. This is no different today than it was in 1994 when, in a previous life and in a previous administration, I was among those attempting to do the same thing. Our ideas were met with disdain, many were dropped and a few lived to prove themselves out. We missed huge opportunities back then and we stand to lose opportunities now if we allow the process to be derailed. It is time to come together as Vermonters and make this work.

That said, could the administration worked with constituency groups to craft, or at least review, the proposed changes before launching them? Probably. Would an inclusive process run the risk if devolving into a ‘process for process sake’ exercise that has become the hallmark of the bureaucracy today? Probably. Would the suggestions have been markedly different? Pretty Likely…. Could we have, with legislative and executive leadership, commitment and fortitude driven an inclusive process that met the financial and time constraint benchmarks? Yes. However, as the saying goes, “it is what it is.”

We are faced with a Hobson’s Choice: accept what has been proposed in the Challenges for Change and that is already marbled in the House budget that assumes the savings ($38 million) or cut a much less strategic $38 million out of that budget. To me the choice is clear.

It is up to all of us, whether we are in the economic development, environment, human services or protection sectors, to work to make the best tasting lemonade we can.

This week Burton Snowboards announced that they are moving their manufacturing operations to Austria, citing the costs associated with manufacturing in Vermont as the reason for the move. I was in Montpelier the day the decision was announced and was shocked to hear some opine that the move wasn’t such a big deal: after all, "only" 43 jobs were being lost. And, they noted, Burton has said that they would add R&D jobs. I thought all jobs were worth saving and that all jobs had value. Apparently, to some in Montpelier, all work is not equal. Some have a more erudite air about them. Too bad.

So while it is true that Burton is staying in Vermont and while it is true that higher-end R&D jobs will be created, are folks really missing the fact that good paying, (what were traditionally called) blue collar manufacturing jobs are leaving? Are they missing the fact that the quintessential Vermont success story (Burton) is publicly stating that manufacturing is no longer viable in this state? Can they be blind to the fact that not every person who wishes to live and work in this state can be an R&D engineer; or a software programmer; or work in any number of other knowledge based jobs? Vermont needs jobs for folks who either prefer to do other kinds of labor or for whom certain jobs reflect the best that they can be. We cannot continue to create a business environment where the cost of doing business is prohibitive for all but a few companies. Vermont cannot continue to turn a blind eye to large companies that would prefer to be here but who must respond to stockholders' needs. If Vermont wants to play in the global economy, we need to act like we do. Creating a business environment for boutique businesses is not going to create a world-class hub of economic development activity.

It is time to wake up and smell the coffee…………. and remember the time when young Olympian Gold Medal winners rode Burton boards made in Burlington, Vermont.

I recently returned from a trip to Dubai, having spent the last week meeting with business leaders and government officials in an attempt to learn about opportunities for Vermont businesses to take advantage of the growing markets in this region of the world. Despite some recent financial setbacks, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates hold great potential for select aspects of our business community. I will expand upon that at a later date but want to talk now about the people and culture.

For me and others on this trip, Dubai and this part of the world is a bit of an enigma. I knew little and most of that of what I did know was formed by our press and their interpretation of current geo-political occurrences. From day one, I have been impressed by the genuine warmth of its people and their openness—to talk about business but also to talk freely about their views of the United States and our interactions with the Muslim world. Most were young business professionals in their mid-thirties and many had had received some education in the west. They deeply love their country and are proud of their heritage, culture and religion. At the same time, they hold our country in high regard even if they don’t always understand our political system. To a person, they divorce our people from our political theatre in Washington. They watch CNN and Fox News and the Daily Show. From the Vice-President and Sheikh of Dubai to the women business leaders we ate our meals with, they express a hatred for terrorism and find it an affront to Islam. One spoke of living in the United States during 9/11 and his sadness at what happened was palpable. Likewise they are infuriated that their country was used to stage the assassination of a Hamas leader. The UAE and Dubai in particular is a melting pot of ethic and religious groups living harmoniously among each other. Integrated education is held out as the single best hope of eradicating intolerance and achieving world stability.

It is often noted that diplomacy is best practiced on a person to person level. I have no idea what business will come from the visit of twenty three leaders of Chambers of Commerce across America. What I do know is that each of us takes home a deeper understanding of a people and culture seen often as caricature and an understanding of the similarities that bind us.

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.