Sports take center stage at Chamber breakfast
Toolbox
By George Malek (Chamber of Commerce) - Published: January 17, 2008
Central Vermont's sports offerings have grown rapidly in recent years, and the chamber of commerce annual meeting will focus on that growth. The organization's Jan. 30 breakfast meeting in the Capitol Plaza will feature a panel of representatives from newcomers, the Mountaineers, Frost Heaves and Ravens as well as long-time favorite Thunder Road.
Spokesmen for the professional and collegiate enterprises will address the advantages and challenges of locating here as well as how they measure success.
Current president Bill Cody has been tabbed to serve another year at the helm of the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Formal election will take place after the board of directors for 2008 has been elected. Director candidates are James Bressor of Norwich University, Steve Gilman of Builder Specialties, Jim Kurrle of Kurrle Fuels, Neal Meier of Union Institute, and Tim Ross of Northfield Savings Bank.
Vice presidents for 2008 are slated to be Bonny Downing of Kelley Services and Chuck Karparis of VSECU. Robert Lord Jr., will serve as secretary and treasurer.
On the field, central Vermont's sports newcomers have been all but perfect. The Mountaineers have won back-to-back New England Collegiate Baseball League championships. The Frost Heaves captured a national title in their inaugural season, and the football Ravens faltered only in the championship game.
However, success on the field is no guarantee of success in the business of sports. Unfortunately, victories don't pay the bills.
"The Nation's Site of Excitement" has entertained Vermont race fans for nearly 50 years, but longevity doesn't pay bills either.
All four face the ongoing challenge of maintaining a viable business enterprise.
Cody said he is excited about the upcoming meeting and the outstanding panelists, but he added that their success is a bit intimidating.
Chamber success isn't measured in wins and championships, but the president is proud of what was accomplished in 2007 and speaks enthusiastically about the past year.
Cody said he was pleased the Chamber published a new Visitors Guide, secured a $20,000 regional marketing grant, and reprinted the Historic Downtown Walking Tours to promote tourism.
Although disappointed that the Vermont Legislature failed to provide incentives for housing construction, Cody was proud of the work of the Central Vermont Economic Collaborative and Housing Partnership.
"Locally, a great deal has been done, and we continue to be optimistic the legislature will step up and address housing," Cody said.
The president credited outgoing officers Joe Hayes and Walter Oakes for exceptional effort to promote the Chamber and keep in touch with members. "Their effort and the high commitment of our member businesses resulted in more than 93 percent renewal in 2007."
The annual meeting will begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 9 a.m. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. Registration is $35 per person. Tables of eight can be reserved for $300. Reservations for individuals or tables can be made by calling the Chamber office at 229-5711.
Online registration is available at centralvt.org/annban/register.htm.
(Chamber Notes, provided by the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce is a regular feature of the business section. George Malek is executive director of the Chamber.)
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