Clean up your towns, pay attention to the aesthetics (details), and
take pride in putting your best foot forward. Are we not even capable
of making our towns look like they are ready for tourism coming to The
Valley? Some sweat equity, a little paint and Windex would go a long
way for starters.
Inexpensive decorations throughout the town would be great as well.
(Look to Waterbury as an example.) At least they make an honest attempt
with every changing season.
The truth hurts, I know, but The Valley continues to lose business and
no one really cares. Yet the locals are the first to complain when they
see their taxes increase.
For as much as you talk about supporting local business -- the locals
don't support us, i.e., "Lily of the Mad River Valley," "Alta Day Spa,"
"Spotted Cow," not to mention the many other restaurants and businesses
that have come and gone. The restaurants here alone can't even keep
consistent regular hours, due to the lack of support.
In this ever-changing world we have seen the difference one person can
make. Can you imagine a town, or an entire valley? Whether you like it
or not, we need tourism and local support throughout the entire year,
and not just during fall foliage or ski season.
So even if it kills you, "Put on a happy face and smile, Waitsfield."
Our visitors and tourists expect it and deserve better. Let's stop
being just another one-horse "pass through" town on Route 100 and work
toward getting people to stop and stay awhile.
Remember: We need the tourists more than they need us. They can always
spend their money in Woodstock, Manchester or Stowe. Those towns also
offer everything we do, and more.
As a business owner in the tourism industry, it's up to the locals to
change the negative perception visitors have (and they do) of
"Waitsfield" and its people.
I hope this message does not fall on deaf ears and you will rise to the challenge.
Please do not continue down the path of mediocrity that has been the
"norm" for the past several years. It does a disservice to all of us
who are trying hard to attract other business and tourism to this
Valley.
Larry Richichi is the innkeeper at The Belding House B and B in Moretown.
