Contact:
Lisa Goodell
Communications Coordinator
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
(802) 262-0147
lgoodell@vtchamber.com

Foley Family of Companies Receives Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award

Burlington, Vt. – This morning at the Opening Ceremonies of the Vermont Chamber Business & Industry EXPO, organized by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Governor Peter Shumlin presented the highly anticipated Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award to Foley Family of Companies of Rutland.

In an effort to recognize and honor Vermont’s best companies, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine created the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award in 1990. Named for the former Governor of Vermont, this annual award honors a Vermont business that shows an outstanding history of sustained growth while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique.

This year’s finalists each exemplify the resourcefulness, innovation and success that radiates from all corners of the state capturing the essence of Vermont business. All share in common a dedication to their employees, communities and Vermont’s natural environment. However, each tells a unique story of vision, commitment and growth.

The Foley Family of Companies started in 1879, when Michael Foley purchased Goodwin’s Laundry in Rutland, Vermont. The business grew over generations and eventually became Foley Laundry, a business still in operation today. The Foley family used the small operation to launch new business ideas and in 1973, the Foley Family of Companies was created. Today, the thriving business owns and operates The Party Store, Pistols & Roses, Foley Services and Foley Distributing.

The Foley Family of Companies attributes over 130 years of success to the dedication of their customers and employees. The company business model is built on the work and creativity of its staff; empowering their workforce to continually develop new ideas to better serve existing customers. Weekly staff meetings and semi-annual reviews keep the business on track to continually set benchmarks and goals for both employee performance and customer service.

One criterion for the Deane C. Davis award is a company’s recognition of the environment as a natural and economic resource for Vermont. The Foley Family of Companies has promoted green initiatives over the last 20 years, beginning with the simple act of partnering with companies that produce recycled products such as paper, towels and GreenSeal certified cleaning chemicals. The company led regional hospitals in a composting project and helped initiate the first large scale composting program in healthcare foodservice. The Foley Family of Companies has also implemented a new Power of Three® closed loop recycling system. The Power of Three ® is a partnership with three innovative companies, Casella Waste Systems, SCA Tork® and Foley Distributing. Casella Zero Sort® collects Foleys customer’s recyclables and sorts the materials using state-of-the-art technology. SCA purchases the Zero Sort® recycled paper from Casella to be made into various paper and tissue products. Closing the Loop, Foley Distributing delivers these renewed resources back to their customers.

The Foley Family of Companies embodies the very essence of the Deane C. Davis award. They have struck a balance between serving their community and workforce while maintaining a savvy business sense enabling them to stay profitable. Congratulations Foley Family of Companies!

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The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest state-wide private, not-for-profit business organization, represents nearly every sector of the state’s corporate/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life

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Contact
John Boutin
Publisher VBM
Phone: 802-863-8038
Email: john@vermontbiz.com

Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce revealed the rankings of the Best Places to Work in Vermont at a special awards ceremony on Thursday, April 5th. The ceremony was held at the Main Street Landing Film House on Burlington’s waterfront. Governor Peter Shumlin was there to congratulate the winners and Lt Governor Phil Scott presented the awards along with John Boutin, Publisher, Vermont Business Magazine and Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Over two hundred fifty people were in attendance

Ranking of the 2012 Best Places to Work in Vermont winners:

Small/Medium Size Companies
(15-149 employees)

1 Resource Systems Group Inc.
2 Instrumart
3 Fuse
4 Heritage Aviation
5 Hickok & Boardman Financial Planning & Group Benefits, Inc.
6 ASIC North, Inc.
7 Wells River Savings Bank
8 Wild Apple Graphics
9 Liquid Measurement Systems, Inc.
10 Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP
11 Seventh Generation
12 Farm & Wilderness Foundation
13 Sonnax Industries, Inc.

Large Companies
(150 or more employees)

1 Edward Jones
2 BioTek Instruments, Inc.
3 Entergy Vermont Yankee
4 King Arthur Flour
5 Merchants Bank
6 Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.
7 Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
8 Comcast Cable
9 Country Home Products

The awards program was created in 2006 and is presented in partnership with the Vermont State Council SHRM, Vermont Department of Labor and the Vermont Department of Economic Development and Best Companies Group. This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Vermont, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses.

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Contact
Jessica Gingras
Phone: (802) 343-3164
jgingras@vtchamber.com

Vermont Chamber Legislative Lunch, February 1

State Leaders Hear from Businesses

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce Legislative Lunch is tomorrow, February 1, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center in Montpelier. The agenda includes:

Noon              Mark Saba, Chair, Vermont Chamber of Commerce

12:25 pm         John Sutich, Comcast

12:30 pm         Speaker of the House Shap Smith

12:45 pm         Senate President Pro Tempore John Campbell

1:00 pm           Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott

1:20 pm           Governor Peter Shumlin

The forum, sponsored by Comcast, is an opportunity for Vermont business leaders to discuss economic development with the state’s head policy makers and political officials. Among other issues, Vermont Chamber members have identified the following business priorities for the 2012 legislative session.

Health Care: The Vermont Chamber advocates for more choice for employers inside the Health Care Exchange, implementing the Exchange initially for businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and prioritizing cost containment in reform implementation decisions.

Workers’ Compensation: The Vermont Chamber supports simplifying the definition of “independent contractor” in Vermont, resolving conflicts within statute and interpretation.

Economic Development: The Vermont Chamber of Commerce advocates that the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive program be made permanent in the state, enticing new and existing businesses to expand and remain in Vermont.

Tourism Funding: The Vermont Chamber urges the Legislature to adopt a permanent funding formula for out-of-state tourism promotion to supplement the existing promotional budget of the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.

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Contact
Chris Carrigan
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
(802) 223-0904
ccarrigan@vtchamber.com

Berlin, VT: In an effort to recognize and honor Vermont’s best companies, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine created the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award in 1990. Named for the former Governor of Vermont, this annual award honors a Vermont business that shows an outstanding history of sustained growth while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique.

Each year the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine present the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award during the annual Vermont Business & Industry EXPO. The award is given to the Vermont business that has made exceptional accomplishments on a consistent basis and demonstrated success by:

Continued growth in number of employees and/or sales;
Commitment of company resources, including employees, to community projects;
Recognition of the environment as a natural and economic resource for Vermont; and
Creation of a positive work environment for all employees.

The finalists will be announced in the May edition ofVermont Business Magazine and the winner will be announced during the opening ceremonies of the Vermont Chamber’s Vermont Business & Industry EXPO on Wednesday, May 23, 2012.

Nominees and applicants are encouraged to complete the 2011 Deane C. Davis Award Nomination Form online at: http://www.jotform.com/form/13424041985 . Hardcopy forms are available upon request. Please contact Lisa Goodell atlgoodell@vtchamber.com, (802) 262-0147.

Application deadline: 3/2/12

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest state-wide private, not-for-profit business organization represents nearly every sector of the state’s corporate/manufacturing/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.

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Contact
Betsy Bishop
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
(802) 595-5403
bbishop@vtchamber.com

BERLIN, Vt. – On the opening day of the 2012 Legislative Session, Sen. Vince Illuzzi and Sen. Hinda Miller introduced an important health care bill that would allow for greater choice for employers in the new health care exchange that will be implemented on January 1, 2014.

Last year, the Vermont Chamber worked closely with Sen. Illuzzi on language to amend the health care reform bill now known as Act 48. The bill introduced this year, S.272 is consistent with those amendments.

Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber said, “The Vermont Chamber supports Sen. Illuzzi and Sen. Miller’s efforts to create greater choice for employers with a focus on the cost of health care insurance and I look forward to working with them to pass this bill this session.”

Illuzzi said the focus of S. 272 is to ensure smooth transition and allow for choice.

“The goal of our legislation is to maintain existing health care plans and expand opportunities to purchase affordable health insurance. We need to ensure that we don’t restrict access to coverage and care, increase costs on employers or reduce payments to providers to the point that they stop practicing in Vermont,” Illuzzi added.

As the Legislature moves forward in making key decisions regarding Act 48, the state’s health care reform bill enacted in the 2011 session, the Vermont Chamber will be advocating for more choice for employers in this new marketplace. The key decisions being discussed and debated this year will be:
Business size – The 2010 federal law requires businesses with 50 or fewer employees purchase health care within that state’s Exchange but it gives the state the option of also including businesses with 50-100 employees. The Vermont Chamber will encourage the Legislature to implement the exchange initially for businesses with fewer than 50 employees, which would not only comply with federal law but also provide the ability to implement the new system with the least amount of disruption, allowing a smoother start to a completely new system.
Essential health benefits – The Legislature will decide what essential health benefits will be offered within the Exchange and that package will need approval from the Green Mountain Care Board. The key factor in this decision is what benefits will be covered through federal assistance and which ones the state will add at its own expense. The Vermont Chamber will work to make sure that benefits are sufficient and cost effective.
Plan options – Act 48 currently allows for three plan options to be offered within the Exchange, eliminating two of the plans allowed by federal law that would likely provide lower cost insurance plans. S.272 would re-visit this decision and the Vermont Chamber strongly supports building a cost-effective system that allows for additional plan options, including the “Bronze Level.”
Off Exchange Market – The Vermont Chamber will advocate for allowing qualified health plans to be sold outside of the Exchange. This would allow additional options for employers after 2014 when the Exchange is implemented.

Bishop also said, “Cost containment should be in the forefront of all decisions made in the implementation of health care reform, including the efforts underway by the Green Mountain Care Board on the continuation of the Blueprint for Health, payment reform, and delivery system reform.”

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Over 150 Vermonters Certified in Safe Food Handling in 2011

Berlin, VT- In 2011 the Hospitality Education Foundation of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce partnered with Efficiency Vermont to certify 156 people in the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Food Safety program. The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is the restaurant industry’s national “gold standard,” accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

“Our members make this investment in training and certifying staff in the ServSafe program because it makes sense for the business and the employee,” noted Betsy Bishop, Vermont Chamber President. “This year we had a record number of member employers investing in staff training through our ServSafe program, as well as a 95% pass rate – certainly a reflection of the quality and commitment to excellence of Vermont businesses and their employees. Our collective goal is to provide a high quality Vermont dining experience.”

The Vermont Chamber offered twelve one-day ServSafe Food Safety trainings and exams in 2011, held in locations from Brattleboro to Burlington and many other sites statewide. Trainings cover sanitation, safe food temperatures, cross-contamination, feeding at-risk populations, and more. The Vermont Department of Health recommends ServSafe training and certification for Vermont restaurant and hospitality employees, and the National Restaurant Association estimates that an outbreak of food-borne illness can cost a food service operation over $75,000 in legal fees, medical claims, lost wages, and sanitizing costs.

“The hazards associated with serving food seem to be changing at an increasingly rapid pace,” asserts Brian Norder of Vermont Food Consulting Services, the certified instructor who partners with the Vermont Chamber to teach the classes. “What may have been thought of as safe even two years ago may now present a risk to customers. Training staff in ServSafe helps address those changing risks and demonstrates an organization’s commitment to the safety of its customers.”

The Vermont Chamber provides access to ServSafe certification classes and exams for foodservice and hospitality employees through its affiliation with the National Restaurant Association. A ServSafe Food Safety certificate is valid for five years in Vermont.

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The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest statewide, private, not-for-profit business organization represents nearly every sector of the state’s corporate/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life

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Vermont Chamber Names Bill Stenger as Citizen of the Year Jay Peak Destination Celebration Cuts the Ribbon on Innovative Waterpark as Part of Six Year Expansion

Bill Stenger, President and Chief Operating Officer at Jay Peak Resort, has been selected as the 2011 Citizen of the Year by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Stenger’s achievements will be toasted at a gala event on December 9, in coordination with the sneak preview of Jay Peak’s nationally acclaimed 50,000 square-foot Pump House indoor water park.

The prestigious Citizen of the Year Award, now in its 48th year, highlights the work of a Vermonter who has bettered the state through self-sacrifice, service and volunteerism.

“I am delighted to accept the Vermont Chamber Citizen of the Year award. The timing could not be better as family, friends, and colleagues come together to celebrate the Pump House, a new dimension in the creation of a four-season, destination resort at Jay Peak,” Stenger noted.

Since 1985, Stenger has focused on growing the resort into a destination for Vermonters and people worldwide, as a source of fun, sport and relaxation. He has transformed the remote ski area to a premier resort, providing social and economic benefits on a regional and statewide basis.

“Bill Stenger’s innovation and determination have invigorated the economy in the Northeast Kingdom, providing excellent jobs to many in Vermont’s most rural region,” said Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “With each commitment, he has shared his entrepreneurial spirit and savvy business skills throughout the state, emerging as a dean of tourism and economic development. Bill’s vision and energy continue to be an inspiration to all.”

Stenger is a champion of the EB-5 foreign investment program, attracting capital at a time when domestic loan opportunities are in short supply. Beyond drawing growth to the Jay area, Stenger has served on a myriad of boards such as the Next Generation Commission, the Travel and Recreation Council, Vermont Ski Areas Association and the North Country Hospital.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce will honor Bill Stenger on Friday, December 9, 2011, beginning at 5:30 pm at Jay Peak Resort in Jay, Vermont. Tickets are $65 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, a plated dinner and an opportunity to toast Stenger for his many accomplishments. Special tours, and complimentary lift and water park tickets, are also on tap for event participants. To register for this event, log on to http://www.vtchamber.com or contact Lisa Goodell, Communication Coordinator: lgoodell@vtchamber.com.

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Contact
Chris Carrigan
VP Business Development
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
802-223-0904
ccarrigan@vtchamber.com

What: VAAA Event
Date: Thursday, October 6th, 2011
Time: 3 – 5:30 p.m.
Place: Mansfield Heliflight, 159 Catamount Drive, Milton, VT 05468
Registration:

• Vermont Chamber Member: No charge (benefit of membership)
• Non-member Rate: $25
• Government officials, speakers and invited guests: No charge
• Media & Press Identification (required)
• Contact Chris Carrigan at 802-223-0904, ccarrigan@vtchamber.com

Berlin – The Vermont Chamber’s Aerospace and Aviation Association (VAAA) will hold its fourth Quarterly VAAA Meeting of 2011 on Thursday, October 6th, 2011 at Mansfield Heliflight.

Sponsored by Mansfield Heliflight and underwritten by the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), this high-profile event will feature and showcase supply chain and procurement opportunities with leading aerospace primes and sub primes, including Aveos Fleet Performance, Bombardier, GE Canada and Rolls-Royce, in the Canadian Aerospace Industry, the fifth largest in the world and a $22 billion market opportunity for Vermont Chamber’s Aerospace and Aviation Association members. In 2009, total U.S. aerospace exports to Canada were approximately $6 billion. Most Canadian companies source over 50% of their aerospace products from the U.S.

“The VAAA Events are an excellent opportunity to meet senior management of leading aerospace firms,” says Bill Berg, Vermont Composites. “The Vermont Chamber’s efforts have helped us open doors and connect with new partners as we grow our business in Vermont, creating quality jobs in our communities.”

An industry seminar for Vermont Chamber members will be held prior to the 3pm event from 1:30 – 2:30pm (Vermont Chamber members only) and will cover:

• New and emerging trends in Canadian Aerospace by Gina Rebelo Bento, CS Canada Aerospace Specialist, International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service
• Export and customs compliance by Senior Trade Advisors Donna Kavanaugh and Darlene DiBernardo, Deringer
• ITAR Exemption by Aaron Melville, Law Offices of Aaron Melville
• Agenda speakers include high-level, industry procurement specialists from Aveos Fleet Performance, Bombardier, GE Canada, and Rolls-Royce.
• Robert Gogo, Director of Strategic Procurement & Vendor Management, Aveos Fleet Performance Inc.
• Jarrod Morley, Supply Chain, Major Structures & Composites, and, in attendance, Louis Bouchard, Senior Business Analyst – CSR & Industry Relations, Bombardier
• Bradley Smith, Vice President, Sourcing, Trading & Industry Benefits, GE Canada
• Geneva Taylor, Strategic Purchasing Executive, Rolls-Royce

As a division of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, VAAA promotes growth and job creation in aerospace, aviation and the related manufacturing sectors in the Green Mountain State. To accomplish this, the VAAA holds events that feature high-growth sectors, market opportunities, tangible, business-to-business (B2B) networking, and sourcing, supply chain and matchmaking opportunities for members with high-level procurement specialists from leading primes and sub primes at sites around the state and throughout the year.

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The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest statewide, private, not-for-profit business organization, represents nearly every sector of the state’s corporate/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.

VTDigger

Contact: Lisa Goodell
Communication Coordinator
Vermont Chamber of Commerce/
802-262-0147
lgoodell@vtchamber.com

August 29, 2011
VisitVT Facebook Page Facilitates Conversation between Vermont’s Tourism Industry and Visitors in the Wake of Hurricane Irene

Berlin – The Vermont Chamber of Commerce today launched a social media effort to assist businesses and tourists using its facebook page, www.facebook.com/VisitVT. Businesses can go to the page to post updates and chronicle recovery efforts from Hurricane Irene, or post that they are open and ready for business. The posts will provide an up-to-date resource for tourists, visitors and local residents who are looking for information on their favorite places to visit, or to check in on vacations that are already booked.

For businesses to connect with other businesses about cleanup, repairs or estimates, the Vermont Chamber is encouraging individuals to take advantage of the Vermont Chamber Facebook profile where they can go to find information and connect with other members and businesses. Vermont Chamber staff will respond to inquiries and help with referrals.

“Many businesses have sustained damage, but many more are open as usual,” noted Vermont Chamber President, Betsy Bishop. “Since we are entering one of our busiest times of the year, we want visitors to know that they can still come to Vermont, and that the recovery is well underway. This social media initiative will not only help visitors, but also be a resource for Vermont Chamber members who are trying to get the word out that Vermont is open for business.”

Businesses are being encouraged to post remarkable stories, instances of guests or employees being heroic, and the creative ways that they are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

Businesses that are unable to access the internet or post on Facebook may contact Lindsay Lord at llord@vtchamber.com or 802-262-2114.

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Contact
Lisa Goodell
Communication Coordinator
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
802-262-0147
lgoodell@vtchamber.com

Berlin – The Vermont Chamber of Commerce announces the highly anticipated 2011-2012 Top Ten Winter Events.  Each year, a panel of independent judges chooses Vermont’s best activities, selected for their diversity, wide appeal, and consistency with Vermont’s brand.

Vicky Tebbetts, Vermont Chamber Senior VP, noted, “Vermont is known for being a destination in which to relax, reconnect with friends and family, get outdoors, and get back to basics. This year’s Vermont Chamber Top Ten Winter Events feature time-honored traditions as well as contemporary experiences from all regions of the state.”

The Vermont Chamber Top Ten Winter Events take place from November 2011 through March 2012.

The winners in chronological order are:

Thanksgiving Weekend at Billings Farm & Museum

Woodstock, November 25 – 27, 2011, 10 am – 3:30 pm

Walk back in time during Thanksgiving at Frederick Billings’ 1890 farmhouse. Visitors are greeted by costumed interpreters as they demonstrate cooking a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the historic kitchen. Relax in the Victorian parlor and learn how the American Thanksgiving evolved; ride in horse drawn wagons around the farm fields. Adults $12, seniors $11, students (5-15) $6, ages 3-4 $3, 2 and under free. www.billingsfarm.org, 802-457-2355.

Vermont International Festival

Essex Junction, December 2-4, 2011, Fri. 5 – 8 pm, Sat. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun. 10 am – 5 pm

The Vermont International Festival is a unique, unforgettable celebration of the cultures that comprise our community. Find crafts from all over the world, ethnic and gourmet foods, and traditional international music, dance and stories. Local cultural and ethnic organizations provide information about their programs with exhibits, demonstrations and workshops. This annual gala offers a fun environment in which to learn and experience new things and appreciate other cultures. Admission is good for the entire weekend: individuals $6, seniors 65+ $3, children 6-12 $3, family passes $15. www.vermontinternationalfestival.com, 802-863-6713.

Christmas in Weston

Weston, December 3, 2011, 11 am – 4 pm

An old-fashioned Christmas festival! Tours, sleigh rides, Santa, caroling and more. Experience the Vermont Country Store, the Museum Mill, the Old Parish Church, and many other locations throughout Weston. Free. www.westonvt.com or www.yourplaceinvermont.com, 802-228-5830.

Coolidge Holiday Open House

Plymouth Notch, December 11, 2011, 10 am – 4 pm

Enjoy the traditions of the season at Plymouth Notch – one of Vermont’s most picturesque villages. Visit the Coolidge Birthplace decorated as it would have been in 1872, the year the future president was born. Several other historic buildings are also open free of charge. www.historicvermont.org/coolidge, 802-672-3773.

First Night Burlington

Burlington, December 31, 2011, noon – midnight

First Night Burlington is Vermont’s largest one-day event, celebrating New Year’s Eve in downtown Burlington. This substance-free performing arts festival is in 20 different venues downtown and is fun for all ages! Adults $18, kids $5, family pack $39. www.firstnightburlington.com, 802-863-6005.

2012 Stowe Winter Carnival

Stowe, January 16-29, 2012

The 38^th Annual Stowe Winter Carnival, “The Greatest Stowe on Earth,” is a fourteen-day festival that takes place in the heart of quintessential Stowe, Vermont. The town comes alive in late January with a celebration of winter sports and the arts. Events such as the Snowgolf and Snowvolleyball Tournaments, Stowe Schuss Ski Race, and the 12^th Annual Ice Carving Festival entice everyone to the outdoors! Free for spectators, some entry fees for participants. www.stowewintercarnival.com, 802-777-5510.

Chester Winter Carnival

Chester, February 17-19, 2012

Fun for all ages! Events are guaranteed to get one outside for winter fun. Sled races, dog sled rides, skating outdoors and broom hockey warm one’s heart and evoke laughter on the coldest February days! Free admission. www.chester.govoffice.com or www.yourplaceinvermont.com, 802-875-2693.

30^th Annual U.s. Open Snowboarding

Stratton Mountain, March 4-11, 2012, 9 am – 5 pm

The final stop of the Burton Global Open Series and the longest standing snowboarding event on the planet. Come watch as amateurs compete on the same platform as the world’s best riders including Vermont superstars Louie Vito, Hannah Teter, and 2011 defending champion Kelly Clark. Free. www.stratton.com, 800-STRATTON.

Vermont Chili Festival

Middlebury, March 10, 2012, 2 – 4 pm

Warm up with the Better Middlebury Partnership’s 4^th Annual Vermont Chili Festival! Taste the best of the best from restaurants and caterers around the state, when they flock to historic downtown Middlebury. Cast your vote for the award-winning chili! The event includes activities for all ages. Adults $3, children under 12 $2. www.bettermiddleburypartnership.org, 802-388-4126.

Green Mountain Film Festival

Montpelier, March 16-25, 2012

Expect the best at the Green Mountain Film Festival – one won’t be disappointed. Powerful programming on a wide range of subjects, interesting and often unexpected guests, and a convivial atmosphere make this ten-day event an audience favorite. “I traveled the world without leaving Vermont,” is frequent spectator sentiment. Admission fees vary. www.greenmountainfilmfestival.org, 802-262-3423.

About the Vermont Chamber of Commerce

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest statewide, private, not-for-profit business organization represents nearly every sector of the state’s corporate/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.

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