Current News

CHAMBER HOLDING FORUM FOR BUSINESSES TO NETWORK

The Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce is offering a new monthly forum that encourages local businesses to network with each other. The NEK Chamber, based out of St. Johnsbury, has 440 members throughout the tri-county area.

The networking idea came from NEK Chamber member Robert Ziegler, who noted the chamber holds a variety of business events, but few that allow companies to network amongst themselves. Ziegler is the owner of New England Alarm Technology and an independent associate for Pre-Paid Legal Services. The sessions will be called "Business For Business."

"The chamber that my sister belongs to does a version of these forums, and they have been extremely successful," said Ziegler. "These sessions will allow local businesses - chamber members and prospective members alike - to
come and discuss what their businesses do. We hope this will result in more businesses using each other for needed services."

The first four Business For Business forums are held the last Friday of each month, at 8 a.m., at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Business & Conference Center, Hospital Hill, St. Johnsbury. There will be a small fee for the session, and a light breakfast will be offered. Businesses are urged
to bring and distribute their promotional materials. The next session will be held May 25.

According to Ziegler, NEK Chamber Director Darcie McCann will update the group for a couple minutes every month on chamber initiatives, and the remainder of the meeting will be focused on business owners being allowed to speak on their services. The first chamber update will focus on legislative
issues that affect the region.

"Some of our best initiatives come from chamber members, and this is a case in point," said Stacia Bristol, Fairbanks Scales and president of the chamber. "This not only offers our existing members an exciting opportunity to market their businesses, but also encourages non-members to see what the chamber and its members do."

WES WARD AUTO REPAIR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AAA AWARD

Wes Ward Auto Repair was recently ranked first in the state for independent shops by AAA for the second time since 2004. The business, located on Portland Street in St. Johnsbury, received the highest marks in Vermont in 2006 in the following areas: overall satisfaction, satisfaction with repairs, courtesy and efficiency of personnel, car ready when promised and would return for future repairs.

Wes Ward received a rare 100-percent satisfaction rating in all categories, with AAA noting the shop’s "concern for excellent service to the motoring public during 2006." The determinations are made from AAA evaluation cards sent to Wes Ward customers last year. The local business is expected to officially receive its Vermont’s Facility of the Year award from AAA later this spring.

The business, which became AAA approved in 2003, is the only AAA-approved independent auto repair shop in St. Johnsbury. Wes Ward handles just about every type of car work - including inspections, tires, mufflers, service, electronic work, repairs and alignments - except for body work.

The shop also handles heavy-duty trucks, buses, motorhomes and vehicles up to 60,000 pounds. Ward has been in the auto-repair business since 1981 and has been at his current Portland Street location since 1999.

"It is really quite an honor to be recognized by AAA as a leader in customer service," said Ward, in responding to the award. "We believe the best way to deal with customers is to listen to their concerns and do everything in our power to make it right. That’s the way we need to be."

CASEY & ASSOCIATES OFFERS GREAT EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Employee Assistance Programs are an employer-sponsored benefit that typically includes assessment, short-term counseling and referral assistance for a variety of personal or job-related issues. Common problems addressed by an EAP include job stress, marital/relationship issues, parent/child problems, drug/alcohol abuse, depression and financial concerns.

Casey and Associates, with offices in St. Johnsbury and Newport, is a private consulting practice specializing in services for employers, their employees and family members. The business offers a variety of programs and services to ensure that employees are supported in any circumstance where outside help is necessary.

As a business leader, you are aware the foundation of your business is based on the effectiveness of your most valuable asset - your employees. Like the preventive maintenance programs you establish for vital equipment and machines, employees need resources for addressing personal concerns and family issues.

Casey and Associates offers a wide range of services at a surprisingly economic price to ensure that your business, and more importantly your employees, function at their peak potential. The company currently provides services to more than 5,000 employees and family members in northeastern Vermont and New Hampshire.

For more details on this program, contact Dennis Casey in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3868 and Newport at 802-334-8547. You can also check out its website at www.caseyeap.com.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GRANTS BEING OFFERED BY U.S. AGRICULTURE DEPT.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the availability of $176.5 million in loan guarantees and $11.4 million in grants to support investments in renewable energy and energy-efficiency improvements by agricultural producers and small businesses. Loan guarantees cover up to 50 percent of a project's cost, not to exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project's cost, not to exceed $250,000 for energy-efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems. USDA has funded more than 400 loans and grants nationwide since the program began in 2003>Applications for grants must be completed and submitted to the appropriate USDA Rural Development state office, postmarked no later than May 18. The deadline for submitting loan applications, as well as for loan and grant combinations, is July 2. For more details, contact Lyn Millhiser at 802-828-6031 or lyn.millhiser@vt.usda.gov, or visit USDA's website at www.rurdev.usda.gov

SPECIAL EVENT BEING HELD TO HONOR KOREAN, VIETNAM VETERANS

A special recognition event will be held Saturday, May 26, from 1 to 4 p.m., to honor and thank Korean and Vietnam War veterans. The function will be held at the Elks Lodge on the Derby Road in Derby and veterans of the two wars are encouraged to attend According to Scott Wheeler, organizer of the event, "For too long, the sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars have been forgotten. Let's give them a big thank you and welcome home celebration that they never received. People with questions or veterans who plan to attend are urged to contact Scott Wheeler at 802-334-5920 or northlandjournal@gmail.com or Dennis Beauchesne at 802-766-2847. Further information on this celebration will be posted on www.northlandjournal.com