PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
WE ARE YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
of the Upper Valley Region, especially if you are a small business located in any town or village in the Upper Valley community. There are many towns that have home based businesses and we are here to serve your promotional, networking, support and benefits needs.

 If your business is located in a town that has a Chamber, such as Hanover, Randolph or Woodstock, by all means investigate the local Chamber.  But you owe it to yourself and your employees to give us a call too. As a Regional Chamber, we offer you more services, promotional programs and medical and dental services than local Chambers can. And check out our new prescription plan, totally free to you, your family, and your employees and their families, just for being a member of the Upper Valley Bi-State Regional Chamber of Commerce!

If you don't belong to a Chamber, contact us at 802-295-6200.   If you belong to a town Chamber but wish to join us, we offer special rates. Take advantage of our additional programs, services, employee retention benefits, "Supplemental Membership" programs, or free prescription plan: Contact the main office at 802-295-6200 for more information.

IT IS TIME, AGAIN, FOR OUR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE.
So if you are considering joining a chamber, consider the following: The Upper Valley Bi-State Regional Chamber of Commerce supports "free enterprise," We offer promotional and benefits opportunities to all businesses.  We "practice what we preach" by conducting business in an above board, honest manner necessary for a healthy business community in the Upper Valley. 
 We welcome new membership on a "revolving door" basis. You do not pay full fee for a portion of a year.  Your year begins when you join and we welcome payment plans. JOIN US.

NEWS & VIEWS EDITORIAL
You may have heard about the incident that started in March of this year, maybe not.  To recap briefly, this Chamber hired GPM, a promotion company, to make a bi-state regional map

But Clint Bean of the Hanover Chamber, Gayle Ottmann of the Hartford Chamber and Paul Boucher of the Lebanon Chamber intentionally interceded and nixed our promotional project before it was really off the ground because, they said, some businesses in "their" towns had been contacted. The three of them called GPM and threatened "cease and desist" orders according to the recipient. Boucher even said he was the Attorney General of New Hampshire to make the threat more realistic.

They must believe it is their right to make those decisions on behalf of "their" towns because they prevented businesses in "their towns" from learning about a particular promotional opportunity. Fraudulent misrepresentation and interfering with the day-to-day operations of any business is wrong.

In the larger scheme of things, clamping down on promotional offerings, if it persists, may ultimately tamper with potential for regional economic growth. How? Stopping any promotional opportunity from ever reaching you for consideration, is meddling with your business' options for communication, sales and success. The dollars you attract, through promotion, eventually circulate in our Region and result in economic growth for all businesses located here. Where the exchange of dollars is discouraged, whether for promotion sales or business purchasing of any kind, economic growth is impacted.

Two years ago, the three executives for Quechee, Hanover and Lebanon Chamber placed an ad in the Hanover Chamber news letter, cautioned all their members to "carefully consider" what we had to offer before joining our Chamber. They did this without provocation. Upper Valley Chamber had done nothing wrong but their "special notice" tried to imply otherwise. The intent was clear. It was a nasty tactic and a cheap shot at deformation, in an attempt to damage our reputation.

Further, in the same Hanover Chamber newsletter, the three execs stating our "recent" name change from White River Chamber to Upper Valley Chamber was causing "great confusion." even though our name change, and reflected purpose, had
occurred 5 years prior to that notice! We also received a letter from Hanover Chamber and an almost identically worded letter from Lebanon Chamber instructing the Upper Valley Chamber to only seek business in White River Junction.

Then Quechee Chamber swallowed White River Junction, changing its name to Hartford Chamber in December of 2001, while pretending months later, the idea and change to their new name had just happened.  Since then, Woodstock, Lebanon, Hartford and Hanover Chamber announced, in a local publication, their desire to merge and start an "Upper Valley Chamber of Commerce."

How are they defining the term "confusion'? Words are cheap, actions tell all. Their words and behaviors are contradictory, really are confusing and we are at a loss to explain what motivates them.
 
But there is a growing concern that the four chambers are, in part, trying to form a monopoly around marketing and advertising opportunities.

A monopoly, of any form, is not good for businesses, and particularly in our Upper Valley Community. A monopoly is about controlling product, dollars and participation. Without competition, to keep things honest and fair, advertisement opportunities may become too expensive for the small businesses. Businesses may have to be "good friends" with the "leaders," or own a "prominent" business," which may, one day even have to be in the "right" town, in order to participate in certain opportunities.
 
Operating a sound Chamber should never be about "taking sides." So, when encouraging area businesses to join or rejoin chambers, it has been the Upper Valley Chamber's policy to promote all other local chambers, as well as our Bi-State Regional Chamber. But we now need to add caution, based upon continual and recent events, before making that suggestion.

While representing a chamber of commerce, individual leaders sometimes have an unorthodox plan only they really know about. And it may not involve good business practices. So, unless you really know and condone what a particular local chamber is really about, you might want to first consider which chamber affiliations are best for your business' reputation and success. And thank you for supporting the Upper Valley Bi-State Regional Chamber of Commerce.

              Geoffrey S. Ross, Chairman

GREAT NEWS
 -  Through the efforts of Dunn & Bradstreet, Catherine Carter, President of the Upper Valley Chamber of Commerce has been chosen and is being listed in the National Register's "Who's Who in Executive and Professionals.  She is being recognized in the 2003-2004 Edition of National Register's Who's Who as a business leader in her field. The publication is registered at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.  Congratulations!  We are proud to have Ms. Carter leading the way for our Chamber.

 - Our brand new Visitor Information Cabin is just about ready to open! It is located at the highway intersections of 89 and 91, the second busiest intersection in Vermont. The cabin will be open every day from 8 am to 5 pm where someone will be on-hand to answer questions and hand out membership brochures and general information. We are promoting businesses on both sides of the River at both of our Information Cabins. There is rack space available to our members, in order to place brochures, business cards and general information. Please contact the office to reserve space.

 -  The Upper Valley Bi-State Regional Chamber of Commerce held a very successful 1st Annual Business Persons Luncheon, in Vermont, at the Coach an Four Motel located at the intersections of 89 and 91.  Two radio stations were on hand and lots of door prizes were given out including two free round trip airfares to New York City won by Patrice Torcivia of the Pampered Chef of Quechee, VT.

-  Our 2ond Annual Business Card Swap Barbeque will be held in Piermont, New Hampshire, at the Round Barn Shoppe in the spring. 2003. We decided to change the name from Business Persons' Luncheon so people would not be worried about formal attire or enough seating. All business members of the Upper Valley Community are welcome. If you stop by that day with your business card, lunch is on us! We'll keep you informed at the date approaches.

- In the spring, the Upper Valley Chamber will be opening a second Visitor Information Cabin on route 10 in Piermont, New Hampshire. It will act as a tourist and general information service.  This means there will be two locations the Chamber will be promoting your business interests on both sides of the River.

BECOME A SPONSOR!
What does it mean to be a SPONSOR?
Being a SPONSOR Means you go the extra distance for your Chamber and your Business is promoted frequently and for free.  Being a SPONSOR Means your Business will be listed in the "Chamber News & Views" newsletter.  The Chamber Newsletter will be published in "It's Classified."  The Chamber Newsletter will also be sent directly to our membership and posted on our "uppervalleychamber.com" web site. Being a SPONSOR Means your Business will appear in all Membership Information documents distributed in the Upper Valley Region. Being a SPONSOR Means your Business "LOGO" will appear on our web site HOME PAGE at www.uppervalleychamber.com. Your LOGO then acts as a "Hot Button" directly to your Business Home Page. Our Chamber Web Site Home Page is primmer Advertising Space.

How Can I Become a SPONSOR?  All Sponsors are major contributors to the Upper Valley Bi-State Regional Chamber of Commerce.  They accomplish this distinction a number of different ways.  If the company chooses to purchase a "web presence" such as a "Business Card" or Full Page on www.uppervalleychamber.com, it becomes a SPONSOR.  If the business is a promotional contributor OR supports the charitable, or fund raising efforts of the Upper Valley Bi-State Regional Chamber of Commerce, it becomes a SPONSOR. Your business can also gain SPONSOR status by placing a "Banner Ad" with us. If your Business is a major employer in the Upper Valley and you participate in the Upper Valley Bi-State Regional Chamber, you are a SPONSOR. And, of course, Your Business also enjoys the benefits of being an Honorary GOLD CLUB member.

SPONSORS
Alden Country Inn, Lyme, NH
Bargain Building, Fairlee, VT
Billings Farm and Museum, Woodstock, VT
Chelsea Green Publishing, WRJ, VT
Clear Channel Communications, Lebanon, NH
Coach an' Four, WRJ, VT
Country Quilters Emporium, WRJ, VT
Dale's Homes, WRJ, VT
Dana Robes Wood Craftsmen, Enfield, NH
Dowd's Country Inn, Lyme, NH
Farm-Way, Bradford, VT
Hotel Coolidge, WRJ, VT
Johnson & Dix, WRJ, VT
Long River Studio, Lyme, NH
Mad Prophet, Hartford, VT
Miller Construction, Windsor, VT
Northeast Waste Services, Hartford, VT
Randy's Sunoco, WRJ, VT
Richards Electric, Wilder, VT
Round Barn Shoppe, Piermont, NH
Scott Hawkins Group, W. Lebanon, NH
Simon Pearce, Windsor, VT
Sovernet, Winooski, VT
Valley News, W. Lebanon, NH
VOX Radio, W. Lebanon, NH
WCVR Radio, Randolph, VT
White River Toyota, WRJ, VT
WNNE-TV, WRJ, VT
WYKR-Radio, Wells River, VT

BECOME A GOLD CLUB MEMBER
What does it mean to be a GOLD CLUB MEMBER? Your Business is listed as a GOLD CLUB Member in the "Chamber News & Views," which will also appear in It's Classified.  A story about your Business will be featured. You are high lighted in Bold in TWO Chamber Web Site Directories located at www.uppervalleychamber.com. Then you receive a Hyper-Link from both Directories. You also receive Recognition at Chamber Functions & Special Seating For Members Only, for you and your employees.

How Can I Become a GOLD CLUB Member?  Your Business can be enrolled in the GOLD CLUB FOR $ 40 plus base Membership Fees! Your contributions are placed in our "Rainy Day" funds.

GOLD CLUB MEMBERS
Alden Country Inn, Lyme, NH
Bear Ridge Speedway, Bradford, VT
B & B on the Connecticut, Lyme, NH
Cannan US Speedway, Cannan, NH
Carriage Shed, WRJ, VT
Chapman's Store, Fairlee, VT
Clear Channel Communications, Lebanon, NH
Dana Robes Wood Craftsmen, Enfield, NH
Dowd's Country Inn, Lyme, NH
House Lines, Woodstock, VT
K & L Graphics, WRJ, VT
Kinney-Pike Insurance, Hartford, VT
Northeast Waste Services, Hartford, VT
Sargent Photography, Wilder, VT
Scott Hawkins Communications, W. Lebanon, NH
VOX Radio, W. Lebanon, NH
WCVR-Radio, Randolph, VT
Winslow Printing, Hartford, VT
WLTN-Radio, Littleton, NH
WNNE-TV, WRJ, VT
Worksite Solutions, Newport, VT
WYKR-Radio, Wells River, VT

WHO'S NEW -
"Who's New" is a listing of new and most recent renewals as of the last quarter:

A.B. Gile Financial Services, Hanover, NH
Adele Pastor, Esq., S. Royalton, VT
Advantage Group, Chelsea, VT
Alden's Country Inn, Lyme, NH
American Financial, WRJ, VT
Andrews Furniture, W. Hartford, VT
Baxter Mountain House B&B, Sharon, VT
Bear Ridge Speedway, Bradford, VT
Best Western at the Junction, WRJ, VT
Biebel Builders Inc., Windsor, VT
Breakfast on the Connecticut, Lyme, NH
Business Concepts, Inc., Florence, KY
Canaan Speedway, Plainfield, VT
Carriage Shed, WRJ, VT
Chapman's Store, Fairlee, VT
Clear Channel Communications, Lebanon, VT
Computer Basics, Orfordville, NH
Cramer's Sugar House, Fairlee, VT
Dale's Homes, WRJ, VT
Dame Hill Nostalgia, Orfordville, NH
Dan & Whit's General Store, Norwich, VT
Dana Robes Wood Craftsmen, Enfield, NH
Design Build Studio, Norwich, VT
Dr. Mark Adair, Worcester, VT
Dowd's Country Inn, Lyme, NH
Farm-Way, Bradford, VT
Foster Properties, Lebanon, NH
Friends of Veterans, WRJ, VT
George Wenz, Esquire, WRJ, VT
gnomon copy, Hanover, NH
Green Mountain Power, Colchester, VT
Green Mt. Economic Development Corp., N. Hartland, VT
Green Water Wells & Pumps, Fairlee, VT
Heatech, Inc., WRJ, VT
Hotel Coolidge, WRJ, VT
Jody Harvey, Consultant, Norwich, VT
J.P. Simons & Associates, Hartland, VT
K&L Color Graphics, WRJ, VT
Lake Mitchell Trout Club, Hanover, NH
Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee, VT
Lebanon Airport & Business Park, W. Lebanon, NH
Long River Studios, Lyme, NH
Mammoth Enterprises, Hartland, VT
Mascoma Savings Bank, Lebanon, NH
Mature Living Choices, Hawley, MA
Miller Construction, Windsor, VT
Mineral Optics Lab, Wilder, VT
Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, VT
New England Candle, Quechee, VT
North Star Canoe, Cornish, NH
Northeast Waste Services, WRJ, VT
Norwich Wines & Spirits, Norwich, VT
Nouveaute' Inc., Lebanon, NH
Perma-Chink Systems, Inc., Clinton, ME
Picket Fence Preview, WRJ, VT
Poverty Lane Orchards, Lebanon, NH
Professional Moving Services, Lebanon, NH
Randy's Sunoco, WRJ, VT
Real Log Homes, Hartland, VT
Rest n Nest Campgrounds, E Thetford, VT
Richards Electric, Wilder, VT
Roger's Garage, Inc., WRJ, VT
Round Barn Shoppe, Piermont, NH
RSVP, Lebanon, NH
Sabil & Sons, WRJ, VT
St. Barnabas' Church, Norwich, VT
Sargent Photography, Wilder, VT
Scott Hawkins Communications, W. Lebanon, NH
Shaker Hill B&B, Enfield, NH
Silver Maple Lodge, Fairlee, VT
Simon Pearce, Windsor, VT
SoverNet, Inc., Winooski, VT
Stephens Precision, Inc., Bradford, VT
Sweet Spot Digital, S. Pomfret, VT
Thin Air Studio ­ Norwich, VT
Top Acres Farm Vacations, S. Woodstock, VT
Trumbull House B&B, Hanover, NH
Tucker Mt. Consulting, Norwich, VT
U. S. Cellular, W. Lebanon, NH
Upper Valley Back Road Tours, Orford, NH
Upper Valley Food Coop, WRJ, VT
Upper Valley Haven, WRJ, VT
Upper Valley Lake Sunapee RPC,Lebanon, NH
Valley News, WRJ, VT
Village Enterprises, Norwich, VT
Vital Communities, WRJ, VT
Vermont Prime Emu Producers, Newbury VT
Vermont Green Mt. Guide, N. Springfield, VT
Vermont Lodging & Restaurant Ass., Burlington, VT
Westminster Financial Securities, Quechee, VT
Windsor-Orange County Credit Union, WRJ, VT
Winslow Printing, Inc., WRJ, VT
WLTN Radio, Littleton, NH
WNNE TV, WRJ, VT
Worksite Solutions, Newport, VT
WYKR Radio, Wells River, VT
VOX Radio, W. Lebanon, NH
WCVR-Radio, Randolph Center, VT