Smith, in an op-ed response, suggests that The Valley Reporter is reporting a situation from a pessimist's point of view and urges all to view the glass as half full rather than half empty. But that is not really the case. The Valley Reporter just reported that there was a glass and did not mention that it was full or empty.
The restaurants that are closed were identified. The restaurants that were for sale were identified. The restaurants that are open were identified. That's a glass -- neither half full, nor half empty.
What was not said in the article about the restaurants, but perhaps needs to be said, is the fact that things are slow in The Valley this summer. Business is down. This does not make The Valley Reporter anti-business to point this out. It is realistic and it makes sense to face the truth.
There are amazing things happening at Sugarbush, including the renaissance at Lincoln Peak and this week's dowser festival, is an incredible boon for The Valley and the mountain. The Vermont Festival of the Arts is a great example of an event that is growing in success and magnitude and impact.
Smith is right to point out all the great things happening on the mountain and deserves credit for shepherding those things through. But more work is needed; the economic engine of The Valley cannot run on one convention and the wedding business, plus amazing arts events in August.
The Valley business community and the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce need to take a look at how we are marketing ourselves and either redouble or redirect our efforts.
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