Sign Up Now - March RRCC Business Show
 The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce is excited to present the 2012 RRCC Business Show sponsored by the Rutland Regional Medical Center. The 2012 Business Show will take place on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the Holiday Inn in Rutland; hours will be 4-7:30pm.
This is your opportunity to sign up as an exhibitor. Again last year space was sold out! 88 exhibitors’ participated and over 500 people attended in three and a half hours. That is 143 people in front of your booth every hour!
Please click here for the exhibitor sign up form, prices and additional information on becoming an exhibitor. If you need electricity or have any other special requests please make your reservation early and we will do our best to meet these needs.
For more information click here or call the Chamber 802-773-2747.
New Marketing Opportunity
 Do you have a Business Facebook Page? RRCC will place a Facebook icon next to your Membership Directory Lisiting on www.rutlandvermont.com with a direct link to your Business' Facebook page. The cost is only $55 per year for this direct link to your page. For more information call 802-773-2747.
Deadline December 7th - Call Now
The Mountain Times is now accepting ad orders for the next edition of the regions 2011-2012 Four Season Vacation Planner and Guidebook. The magazine is the fulfillment guide to activities and events across the regions. This color, glossy magazine is mailed to persons inquiring to the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, event organizers, colleges, and businesses; it is widely distributed through the region at hotels, resorts, and businesses. It has been selected Official State Tourist Information Centers. It is also used at regional trade and travel shows. The magazine has been recognized by the State of Vermont as the official informational guide for activities and events in our region. The deadline is December 7th, 2011. Please contact The Mountain Times with your events information and to place your advertising. For ad inquiries call Jason at 802-422-2399 or email jason@mountaintimes.info. Completed ads to stacy@mountaintimes.info or to provide area info and events send them to editor@mountaintimes.info
Pierre Masuy of OMYA Named Business Person of the Year
 The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce held their 113th Annual Meeting on November 7th. Pierre Masuy, Plant Manager, OMYA, Inc.’s Florence Verpol Plant was named the 2011 Business Person of the Year. In his remarks RRCC EVP/CEO Tom Donahue noted noted the importance of the OMYA facility. The plant is the third largest in OMYA’s worldwide system, employing a staff of 175 workers. The plant is also the largest customer of Vermont Railway. Masuy oversaw construction of the plant’s multimillion-dollar dewatering facility that came online in 2009, recycling 750,000 gallons of water a day from the calcium carbonate manufacturing process. Mr. Donahue informed those in attendance that the contributions made by Masuy and the plant go beyond its economic benefit. Donahue stated “At OMYA, they feel it is their civic responsibility to support local efforts that benefit the community and neighbors, in the past six months alone, they have made donations to 56 local organizations and community groups.” Mr. Masuy, a native of France, holds degrees in physics and engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. He relocated from his job at OMYA’s Aragon facility in France to assume the job of Florence plant manager.
While accepting the award, Mr. Masuy thanked his employees at the plant. Mr. Masuy was joined on stage by his key management team and his wife, Patricia. While introducing his team Mr. Masuy stated: “In talking about business, the first thing I have in mind to do a good business, you need to have good people around you.” Mr. Masuy said in a tough economy, his employees “work hard every day to find new ideas to keep our business strong in Vermont to support our customers, to support our people and to support our community,” he said. “It is part of our responsibility and really we like it.”
Other highlights of the meeting included an overview of the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year and goals looking forward. The meeting featured Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, as the keynote speaker.
Gift of Life Marathon - Be Part of Setting a National Record
The American Red Cross Gift of Life Marathon will take place on December 20th (9:00am-6:00pm) at three locations this year: the Paramount Theatre, The American Legion Post 31 and College of St. Joseph.
This year the Gift of Life Marathon’s goal is to break the National Record for a single day blood drive by collecting 1,968 pints of blood. Call now (1-800-RED-CROSS) to schedule an appointment to donate blood or go to www.giftoflifemarathon.com and help beat the National Record.
Chamber Nominates New Director
As prescribed by the bylaws of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, the Nominating Committee hereby proposes the following candidate for a 3 year term on the RRCC Board of Directors:
Norm Ladabouche, A.M. Peisch & Company, LLP
Additional names of candidates for directors can be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signatures of at least ten (10) qualified members of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce. Such petition shall be filed with the RRCC Nominating Committee, 50 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701 within 10 days after notice has been given of the names of those nominated or by Monday, December 12, 2011 by 5pm. The determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality of the petitions shall be final.
November Chamber Mixer
 The November Chamber Mixer was held at Rutland Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
The Holiday Mixer will be held at Heritage Family Credit Union's Allen St. location on Tuesday, December 13th, 5-7pm.
Workers' Comp Corner
Cost Saving Tips for Employers from the Vermont Workers’ Compensation Division Part 5 of 5
For each $1.00 spent on workplace safety – $3.00 to $10.00 are saved.
Treat workers’ comp like is impacts your profit, your payroll, your staff level and productivity – because it does.
Enhancing workplace safety is the primary means for an employer to reduce injuries, illnesses and costs. Employers often feel that they care about workplace safety, but true workplace safety requires time, attention and resources. The following tips can help an employer become more familiar with and proactive in workplace safety. These target areas offer a workplace safety start for any employer:
Return to Work. Returning the injured worker to safe suitable work is a primary goal after an injury. The work injury often imposes physical limitations on the injured worker. It is in everyone’s best interest for the employer to be informed of the worker’s specific functional abilities and to provide modified or transitional work for the worker to return in a limited or part time capacity. The workplace offers financial, social and psychological benefits to the injured worker that cannot be replaced by disability at home. Similarly, workers who see their employers applying time and effort to transitional work restructuring know that they are valued and often respond with an improved outlook and greater productivity.
Studies confirm that the longer a worker is out of work, the less likely it is they will return to work at all.
Workers Comp Corner is sponsored by Poulos Insurance: For more information or rates on Workers' Compensation or any other business insurance contact Chuck Rose at Poulos Insurance, 802-775-4443.
Membership Directors Report - Joan HIll
 Hi Everyone,
Thank you to Rutland Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center for hosting the November Chamber Mixer. The food and presentation was wonderful.
The new perk cards for 2012 have arrived and I will be delivering or mailing them this month. Over 20,000 are distributed in Rutland County and this is a great way for you to showcase your business by offering a discount. The chamber does not charge for the listing but asks that you offer the discount for at least 1 year.
Thank you to General Electric for sponsoring the Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn and to all the members that attended.
Kudos to Kinney Pike Insurance for being awarded a Best Practices Agency designation. More than 1,200 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated but only 224 agencies qualified.
Congratulations to The Bus for providing service to Rutland County for the past 35 years and to Café Provence and to owners/chef Robert and Line Barral on their expansion which includes a bar, private dining room, culinary theater and a satellite store for supplies.
Don’t forget to give blood at the Gift of Lift Marathon on December 20. Call 1-800-Red-Cross or visit www.giftoflifemarathon.com to register.
Join a committee, offer perk card discounts and get involved to receive the most benefits from your Chamber. I look forward to seeing you all at our next mixer at Heritage Family Credit Union on December 13th.
I hope everyone has a happy holiday and safe and healthy New Year.
Welcome New Members
Gramps Shuttle
John J. King
PO Box 1065, Killington, VT 05751
Ph: 802-558-1543 Fax: 802-422-3074
Email: gramps.shuttle@comcast.net
www.grampsshuttle.net
NEED TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM KILLINGTON? Ask anyone, they will simply say, "Call Gramps Anytime. Groups, events, weddings, ski trips or best way to get here, Gramps does it all! We service Train/Bus station and most airports.
Mama T’s Country Kitchen
Theresa House
254 S. Main St., Rutland, VT 05701
Ph: 802-353-6262
Mama T's Country Kitchen would like to welcome everyone to Rutland's only South Texas BBQ and cuisine restaurant, filled with
southern hospitality and home cooking. "Welcome Home."
Casella Waste Systems Opens New Rutland Call Center and Zero Sort Recycling Facility.
 The ribbon is cut at the Grand Opening of Casella Waste Systems new Rutalnd Call Center.
 The ribbon is cut at the Grand Opening of the Casella Waste Systems new Zero Sort Recycling Facility.
From Our Members
Catamount Radio presents The Santa Train - will be departing the Downtown Rutland, Vermont Amtrak station at 5 different departures times on December 3rd & 4th throughout the day - 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm. An approximate 45 minute ride will take you through a magical Santa's Village that you'll never forget. There, you'll watch Mrs. Claus and the elves as they prepare for the biggest event of the year, $10.00 - Children (Ages 12 & Under), $10.00 - Senior Citizens (Ages 62 & Over), $22.00 – Adult, to purchase tickets click here.
Chaffee Art Center holds a special reception on Friday December 9 from 5-8 PM to announce the People's Choice Winner of the Annual Gingerbread House Contest, Participants will exhibit their creations December 1-18, 2011 during the Chaffee's Winter All Members' Exhibit.
Downtown Rutland Partnership announces The Annual Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Rutland on December 2nd at 6pm. The tradition continues with caroling, refreshments and much more. After the tree is lit, Santa will visit with children at the Brick box on Center Street to listen to their holiday wishes.
Gramps Shuttle will be providing daily free Shuttle Service to Amtrak passengers arriving on the Ethan Allen Express in Rutland going to Killington beginning December 5th. Email advanced reservations are required. Non reservation passengers will be limited to seating availability. There are some back out dates that will apply. Including December 31, January 1st, 10th and 11th, The program will end March 18th, and is subject to change or cancellation at any time. For more information or reservations call 802-558-1543 or email gramps.shuttle@comcast.net.
Greeting from Rutland, Vermont, the new book by Debby DuBay of Limoges Antiques Shop is a post card pictorial of Rutland, VT. The book benefits local nonprofit organizations including: Paramount Theatre, Rutland Free Library, Rutland Historical Society, Rutland Mental Health Services and Killington Music Festival. The book can be purchased at the Limoges Antiques Shop located at 62 Merchants Row in Downtown Rutland. For more information call 802-773-6444.
Paramount Theatre presents the 9th Annual Festival of Trees on December 3rd, there will be cocktails, music and viewing. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m., live auction featuring Box Prozzo begins at 7 p.m. Call 802-775-0903.
Rutland Community Cupboard needs your help. The Community Cupboard continues to see an increasing number of individuals and families coming to the Cupboard for help in providing the basic food needs. In 2011 alone, they have seen an increase to over 500 families being served each month. During the course of 2011 the Rutland County community has been very generous to The Community Cupboard, the need continues, particularly for monetary donations to help purchase significantly discounted foods from the Vermont Food Bank. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1272-A, Rutland, VT 05701. For more information call 802-747-6119.
Rutland County Farmers Market Christmas Fair will be held December 2nd & 3rd at College of St Joseph, Clement Road, free admission and plenty of parking, Friday Dec. 2, 10 am -5 pm; Saturday Dec 3, 9 am -4 pm, 802-772-7242.
Rutland County Housing Coalition will hold a candlelight vigil to help remember the human face of homelessness on December 22nd at 5pm in Depot Park.
Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) will be holding a benefit Texas Hold'em tournament on Saturday, December 3 at Bowlerama on South Main Street in Rutland. Registration starts at 12:45 pm, tournament starts at 1 pm. Side games will be running before and after the tournament. For more information visit www.vtpokerleague.com. Help raise needed funds for the homeless animals in Rutland County.
Rutland Free Library presents Discovering Lucy E Lecture on December 6th at 7pm, Learn about the family history research that led to a new book, Lucy E: Road to Victory, with a talk by the author. Call 802-773-1860 for more information.
Rutland Free Library holds Holiday Book Sale on December 7th, BOGO on all books under $1.00, 4 – 8 p.m., 10 Court St., Call 802-773-1860 for more information.
Rutland Winter Farmer's Market is being held at The Old Strand Theater, 77 Wales Street. Enter through the Rutland Area Food Co-op, Saturdays 10am-2pm through April 28, 2012.
The heART’s of Rutland is a new community street art project. The heART’s of Rutland is about celebrating our people and pride in everything the region has to offer. The project will begin with a series of talented local artists who will paint oversized hearts that will unveiled in late spring for all to see. The hearts will be on display in Rutland and around the region from late spring through fall. In Fall 2012 there will be a live auction of the hearts with profits benefiting victims of disaster in the Rutland Region and children’s art education. This street art project is a community partnership organized under the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Southern Vermont with support from the Downtown Rutland Partnership, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce and Rutland Economic Development Corp. The presenting sponsor is OMYA. For more information on how you can become involved as a sponsor or volunteer call Sherri Birkheimer Rooker at 802-775-8836.
Town of West Rutland Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 beginning at 6:45pm., Santa, accompanied by an antique fire truck arrives at the Town Hall where Santa throws the switch for the holiday tree, Santa visits with children to listen to their holiday wishes in the upstairs auditorium, hot chocolate, cider, and cookies provided as the carolers sing their favorite holiday tunes. Please bring a plate of cookies to share.
Vermont Achievement Center will hold a Tree lighting and visit from Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, singing, hot chocolate and cookies in December 2nd, 5-6pm. For more information call 802-775-2395
Vermont Backroad Tours is again this year doing Christmas and Holiday Lights Tours. The rate is $15 per person for a 2 hour tour. Tour times are 4:30pm and 6:30pm in December. Advance reservations are necessary. For more information call 802-446-3131.
VtSBDC presents Starting Your Own Small Business training session, three hour session will help future business owners determine the next steps toward starting and financing a new venture, workshop offers an overview of business planning, including where to find market information, how to tackle projections and writing a business plan,112 Quality Lane, December 8th, 9:30a.m - 12:00p.m, $40.00 registration fee includes a business planning workbook and access to five online workshops to help the prospective business owner get started, Registration can be done online at www.vtsbdc.org.
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