At the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, we believe in the power of community, collaboration, and growth. As the heartbeat of the Mad River Valley’s business ecosystem, our Chamber is dedicated to fostering an environment where businesses not only survive but thrive. Our mission is simple yet profound:
To improve the economic well-being of Mad River Valley businesses through leading destination marketing, building brand equity, and creating a unified and engaged culture.
To achieve this mission, we need the full support of all sectors of our business community. While there are tangible benefits to Chamber membership, we encourage you to see your membership as more than just a transaction. It’s about supporting an entity that lays the foundation for individual and collective success. In essence, this means working together to create an environment where businesses are more likely to succeed.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
One of the keyways we support our business community is through marketing and promotion. The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce is the only entity providing a cohesive online presence that showcases our community in the best light. Here’s how we do it:
- Mad River Valley website: Our website is a well-used, welcoming landing spot for visitors, locals, and second-home owners. It’s the go-to place for finding information about the Mad River Valley, events, businesses, and more. Without this online presence, who would tell our collective story? How would people discover the charm of the Mad River Valley and decide to visit?
- Mad River Valley Welcome Center: Our new welcome enter is another critical tool for marketing our community. Hundreds of visitors and residents stop by to learn about local attractions, businesses, and activities. The Welcome Center serves as a direct point of contact, ensuring that everyone who visits our area has a memorable experience.
These two initiatives alone — our website and welcome center — are worth the investment in chamber membership. But there’s so much more we’re doing to promote our local businesses and attract visitors to our region.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Chamber is deeply committed to fostering community engagement, ensuring that all sectors of our business ecosystem are connected, informed, and empowered. Here are just a few ways we’re making a difference:
- Business Sector Collaboration: We bring together various business sectors — hospitality, retail, restaurants, consultants, and more — to engage, inform, and empower them. This collaboration helps to create a more unified and robust business community.
- Grant Initiatives: We work tirelessly to secure grants that will benefit the Mad River Valley for generations to come. For instance, the $410,000 VOREC Grant is a significant achievement that will help enhance our outdoor recreation economy.
- Advocacy: We ensure our voices are heard during the legislative process and work to develop strong relationships with local legislators. Our advocacy efforts help protect and promote the interests of our business community.
- Stand Up for Safety Program: The Stand Up for Safety program, the first of its kind in the nation, is designed to promote safety within the hospitality sector. This initiative highlights our commitment to the well-being of both businesses and visitors.
- Educational Engagement: We work with local schools to engage students with our business community, fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
FOUNDATIONAL BENEFITS
Beyond marketing and community engagement, the chamber provides a range of foundational benefits that are essential to the success of our members:
- Identity and Branding: We created the Mad River Valley logo, an identity mark that our entire community can share and rally around. This branding helps build a unified image for our region, enhancing its appeal to visitors and residents alike.
- Communication and Information: The Chamber is your go-to source for information, whether it’s answering random queries from the community or providing critical updates during crises like recent flooding and the pandemic. Our communications ensure that our business community stays informed and connected.
- Insurance Offerings: We offer supplemental vision and dental insurance for members, employees, and their families. These benefits make Chamber membership even more valuable and provide added security for our members.
- Regional Collaboration: We collaborate with neighboring organizations like the Stowe Area Association, Revitalizing Waterbury, and Montpelier Downtown to promote our region collectively. Our efforts have resulted in over $60,000 in grants, showcasing the power of regional partnerships.
These are just a few examples of what the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce does for our community. But it’s important to remember that these efforts wouldn’t happen without your support.
Benefiting from Chamber membership is not about simply writing a check each year. It’s about being involved and taking advantage of the opportunities we create together. The Mad River Valley Chamber is an essential investment for your business and for the broader community. If you’re not already a member, we invite you to join us in building a stronger, more prosperous Mad River Valley.
Friedman is the executive director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
