Annual Meeting Awards

  

Thanks to all who attended our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 19 at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont.  Over 80 people attended our annual gala representing businesses of all types from throughout our region.

The highlight of the night's event was the presentation of our Annual Citizen of the Year Award and Business of the Year Award.  We were very pleased to present the Citizen of the Year Award to Wayne Fortier, who has been a devoted community supporter and volunteer in Haverhill, New Hampshire for many many years.  T he Business of the Year award was presented to Cottage Hospital, who in addition to being one of our region's largest employers, has been a vital regional asset and community supporter.

 

The Annual meeting also featured a fun regional trivia game; an update by the Chamber's new Executive Director, Erik Volk; and screenings of two of the Cohase 48 Hour Film Slam winning films: SPIKES and Close Quarters.  With delicious entrees provided by Lake Morey Resort's culinary masters and the chance to mingle and network, the event was a wonderful success.

Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, with some funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, is conducting a Creative Economy Inventory and Action Plan on behalf of the 40-towns in the East Central Vermont Economic Development District (ECVEDD).

The Creative Economy is defined as the businesses, non-profit organizations, and self-employed individuals involved in the origination, production, and distribution of goods and services in which artistic and cultural content gives the product or service value in the marketplace. The creative economy includes the following segments: Design, Film and Media, Visual Arts and Handcrafted Products, Performing Arts, Heritage, Preservation, Artisan Food and Drink, and the Literary Arts.
We want your participation. Watch the events calendar at www.ecvedd.org for upcoming meetings and events. If you'd like to be involved, or just discuss the project, please contact Loralee Morrow at 802-457-3188 or [email protected].

Member Moment

This  column i s devoted to learning more about our member businesses.  We ask the business five questions.  Questions will vary by  month.

This month we were pleased to speak with Mark Johnson of the Bliss Village Store in Bradford, Vermont.  The Bliss Village Store is located in the center of the Bradford Village Historic District and is a classic general store offering groceries, baked goods, beverages, cigarettes, beer, wine, souvenirs and a thriving deli with cafe seating in the rear.

Q. When did your purchase the Bliss Village Store and why did you decide to get into this business?

A.  I purchased the store in 1998.  I actually sold the store in April of 2011 but because of the economic downturn and other factors, the new owners were unsuccessful with it.  I took it back in 2012 and have owned it ever since.   I had been in the Education field as both a teacher and administrator and after 23 years, I wanted to do something for myself and purchased the store.

Q. Why is the store named the "Bliss" Village Store?  Was the original owner of the store named Bliss?

Ask The Chamber

Q.    Is the Cohase Chamber involved in any lobbying efforts?  I have issues with taxation and business regulation that I would like to see addressed.  Can the Chamber assist with that?

A. Unlike some Chambers, the Cohase Chamber has chosen to not engage in lobbying or take positions on political issues or candidates.   We believe our goals are better served by working in our communities to help improve the economic climate.  Our unique presence as a Chamber that represents communities in two states, each with their own challenges and priorities, as well the size of our Chamber and Chamber staff, make such an effort difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, we have learned that our Chamber members have a wide assortment of political viewpoints and we do not wish to alienate any of our members by taking a stance that is opposition to their viewpoints.  

It should be noted that both Vermont and New Hampshire have statewide Chambers of Commerce who are actively involved in lobbying efforts.  While we are not currently members of those Chambers, we certainly encourage members who share their political viewpoints to support them as well as to individually contact their legislators to voice their opinions.  In Vermont, you can visit the Vermont Chamber of Commerce's Web site at  http://www.vtchamber.com/ or call them directly at (802) 223-3443.  In New Hampshire, you can visit the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire at  http://www.biaofnh.com/ or call them at (603) 224-5388.

• Windy Ridge Orchard  i n Haverhill is expanding their Cider House Cafe.  The Cafe will move into the orchard's Seven Birches winery space to increase its kitchen and seating capacity.  The Winery at Seven Birches is moving to a new space in Lincoln, NH.
• We were greatly saddened to hear of the closing of The Brick Store in Bath, NH.  The owners have stated that after 24 years, they do not have the financial, emotional or physical resources to keep it open.
• The town of Fairlee Vermont was recently awarded a $9608 Planning Grant from the Department  of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to conduct a Fairlee Village Center Build-Out and Capacity study. Faiirlee will have a year and a half to complete this project.
• The Newbury Village Store in Newbury, VT is looking for locally produced products.  If you produce or know someone who produces local products (food, clothing, art items, etc.), stop in and talk with Dave!
• The Aldrich General Store in North Haverhill, NH recently announced their own line of quality sauces, relishes and other products.  Stop by and try them today!
• Always Fit Athletic Club in Woodsville, NH is sponsoring a monthly raffle for the chance to win a 1 month membership. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity each for a total of 12 donations to 12 different charities.
• Nootka Lodge in Woodsville, NH is offering Ski & Stay specials for Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain.  Significant savings available!  Check their WEB site for details at www.nootkalodge.com
• Old Church Theater is looking for a Stage Manager and light/sounds person for their upcoming performances of Baggage.  Contact Peter Richards at 802-222-5801 for more information. 
• River Bend Career and Technical Center in Bradford, VT has announced their new WEB site which allows students to apply online.  Visit their site at www.rbctc.org for more information.