OKEMO VALLEY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER BENEFITS

“We are a member driven organization striving to increase marketing & support our business members”

 2010 Member Application

2009/2010 M2M Member Benefit Program

Member Advertising Opportunities

Benefits of Membership:

 Health Insurance:  Your membership allows your employees to access the VACE health insurance program through CIGNA.  This is a competitive health insurance program. Call to request an information packet.

Dental Insurance - Save $$ through the Chamber's Delta Dental program.

The Chamber Web Site:  All members are provided a free listing on the Chamber website; YourPlaceInVermont.com.  Members have the option to purchase one or more web links.  Call our office for more information.

Okemo Valley Regional Guide:  Members receive a basic listing in the semi-annual regional guide books which are published in November and May. Company narratives and advertising space are also available to further highlight your business.   Guide Book distribution totals 60,000 annually to regional lodging properties, restaurants, realtors, resort information desks, State Welcome Centers, and are mailed out as requested.

    Brand Logo & Tag Lines:  Your membership allows you to use our Okemo Valley-Your Place in Vermont brand!  Use it on your website, business card, letterhead, and ad campaigns.  

Cost-Saving Benefits:  OVRCC is working to increase your savings in the areas of telecommunications, advertising, and our Member to Member Benefit Program (see list below)

Co-op ads are a great way to offer potential visitors a sense of what our Okemo Valley Region has to offer. From time to time you will be notified of co-op ad opportunities in Yankee Magazine, Vermont Life and Boston Globe, just to name a few.

Constant Contact - Email marketing service to connect with your customers - and take advantage of a special member benefit with training.  Sign up

Quarterly Education Series:   Guest speakers to present important topics of interest to our member business owners – free of charge.

Free Rack Card Space:  Brochure space is available at the Ludlow Information Center and the Chester Information booth.

Referrals:  The Chamber office is currently open six days a week Monday – Friday 8:30-4:30pm and Saturday 11-4:30pm to assist visitors with area amenities such as lodging, dining, shopping, attractions and various services. 

Business After Hours:  Held from 5:30-7:30pm on the second Wednesday of every month.  Sponsored and hosted by you as a Chamber member enables you to promote your business and to provide excellent networking opportunities for business development.  Learn from and teach fellow business owners while enjoying a social break.  Monthly locations are listed on the website and in our newsletter.  Call to inquire about hosting a “mixer” to showcase your business.

Events:  The Chamber markets; The Chester Fall Craft Show, Chester’s Overture to Christmas, Ludlow’s Winter Carnival and the Zucchini Festival;  Belmont Cider Days and many more regional events.  We urge all Chamber members to share their ideas and to volunteer for events of interest to them.

Executive and Local Board Meetings:  Elected board members meet to discuss current state of affairs and future programs.  The Executive Board oversees the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber staff and together with the Board of Directors reviews events and policy.  There are always opportunities to serve on a Board or Task Force.  OVRCC is open to new and fresh marketing concepts.

Chamber Work Groups:  Each year the Chamber forms work groups (task forces) to focus on areas of interest, such as marketing, membership development, wedding promotion, communications and more.  Work groups help direct the Chamber with new programs and initiatives, which are presented to the Board for approval.  All members are encouraged to become involved.

Membership Lists:  Upon request, members are provided, once a year, with mailing labels of all chamber members.

Information:  Chamber Staff is available to you, in person, by email, or by phone to address your questions and concerns.

Testimonial from Willow Draws:

"Willow Bascom, owner of Plymouth-based Willow Draws - producers of paper and textile goods featuring Willow's unique art - says she joined the Okemo Valley Region Chamber of Commerce for a very practical reason: she needed health insurance coverage for herself and her husband. What she found was much more, and much more valuable.
Chamber Director Marji Graf provided a warm and friendly face for the Chamber, which enticed Willow to attend Chamber mixers. As a new business, and a new resident of Vermont, Willow found other Chamber members to be a welcoming and supportive group of people. Through those mixers, she met other entrepreneurs and small business owners, which led to some of her earliest business relationships. Within the Chamber, Willow Draws items can now be found at The Book Nook, Chapter XIV, Fletcher Farm Gift Shop, and Green Mountain Sugar House. Some of her framed art decorates Good Commons in Plymouth.
Also, it was a chance comment at another Chamber mixer that led to Willow's introduction to the publisher of her first art book, Paisley Pig & Friends: A Multicultural ABC. And through Green Mountain Sugar House owner, Ann Rose, Willow met her Vermont/Western Massachusetts sales representative.
Though Willow prints many of her own products, she produces some items that are beyond her current capabilities. Chamber member Okemo Print Shop has become her supplier. The Shop's manager, Tim Morton, has also offered valuable technical support and education, which has allowed Willow to expand her product line and generate more top-line sales.
Technical support and education of another kind has come directly from the Chamber. Marji Graf has taken the time to understand Willow's business and business plans, which she has then used to offer connections and advice. Through Marji, Willow was able to meet and interview an area artist who licenses her own artwork. And through Marji, Willow has been able to identify Chamber-sponsored cooperative marketing efforts that can help grow her business, while avoiding those which will not add to her bottom line. Willow credits that guidance with helping her to make money while also saving her both time and money. She points to Marji's willingness to share the knowledge she gained as a businesswoman as another example of the many benefits Willow has received over her two-year association with the Chamber. She says that joining the Okemo Valley Region Chamber of Commerce has proven to be one of the best business decisions she has made since launching her enterprise."

2009/2010 M2M Benefit Program

Allen Pools & Spa - 10% off on all cash and carry items   Allen Pools

All Seasons - 10% off room rates   All Seaons Motel

Andrie Rose Inn - 10% off room rates    www.Andrieroseinn.com

Best Western - Ludlow - 10% off room rates   www.bestwesternludlow.com

Blue Sky Trading - 10% off   www.blueskyvt.com

Brandmeyer's Mountainside Lodge - 10% off lodging for members and/or their families; Moose Lounge Restaurant, Friday & Sat night, buy one dinner, get 50% off the second (higher price applies to the full price dinner).  Soup to nuts catering - 10% off any order $500 or more.  www.brandmeyerslodge.com

Calm Moments Spa Services - 10% off any 1+ hour service  www.calmmoments.vpweb.com

Castle Hill Resort & Spa, Vermont  - 15% off lodging   www.castlehillresort.com

Chapter XIV - 10% off clothing     www.ChapterXIV.com

Chef Mei Restaurant - 10% off   www.chefmei.com

Chester Hardware - 15% off retail on Benjamin Moore paints     www.chesterhardware.doitbest.com

Chester House Inn - 10% off room rates for members and/or their families   www.chesterhouseinn.com

Chrisandra's - 10% off Main Street store items and 25% off 72A Pond Street location on custom ordered upholstery  www.chrisandras.com

Clear Lake Furniture - 10% off all new wood or upholstery orders to all chamber members and their employees.(not valid with sale items or combined with other offers).  www.clearlakefurniture.com

Combes Family Inn - 10% off lodging and dinner  www.combesfamilyinn.com

Constant Contact - http://www.constantcontact.com/features/signup.jsp?pn=okemochamber

Cool Moose Cafe - Locals lunch discount 25% off.   www.coolmoosecafevt.com

Gallery 103 - 10% off   www.gallery103.com

Giggs Antiques - 35% off   giggs22@comcast.net

Golden Stage Inn - 15% off room rates   www.goldenstageinn.com

Graham & Graham - $500 annual discount on professional services over $1500 OR 15% discount on professional services   www.grahamcpa.com

Green Mountain Railroad offers a group rate discount system to individuals instead of the full ticket price $16.00  www.rails-vt.com

Hawk Mountain Resort - 10% off all pool and gym memberships and 10% off food at The River Tavern - www.hawkresort.com

HB Fuels - .10 cents off every gallon of oil for new customers   www.hbplumbingandheating.com

Hugging Bear Inn & Shoppe - 10% off purchases in the Teddy Bear Shoppe   www.huggingbear.com

Images by Donald Dill - 10% off photos   www.imagesbydonalddill.com

In Touch Therapeutic Massage is offering $30 off 1 hour plus session for Chamber members - $55 instead of $85. www.intouchtherapeutics.com

Inn @ Weathersfield - 10% off your dinner bill (excludes holidays and special events/limit 6 people per visit)  www.weathersfieldinn.com

JNB Country Shoppe - 10% off (excludes consignment and fund raising products)  www.jnbcountryshoppe.com

Martha's Folk Art - 10% off retail sales at gallery and on website  www.marthasfolkart.com

Massage by Patrice - Pay for a 60 minute massage and receive an additional 15 minutes for free.  802-236-4168  www.calmmomentsspa.com

Misty Valley Books - 10% off purchases (excluding already discounted or sale items) www.mvbooks.com

Motel in the Meadow - 10% off room rates   www.motelinthemeadow.com

NorthTech Systems - 10% discount on professional services.  802-259-3328

Okemo Sign Shop - 20% print jobs   www.okemo.com/signshop

Pam Nelligan Photography - 15% off photographic services and prints   www.pjnvt.com

Riverside Pet Care at Ludlow - 25% off next purchase OR free first exam for new clients only  www.riversidevetcare.com

Rockledge Farm - 20% discount on purchases or custom orders of furniture, woodwork, accessories and gifts from our showroom.  www.rockledgefarm.com

SSmith Graphics & Framing - 15% off graphic design or picture framing services to any new client  ssmithgraphics@comcast.net

Stone Health Inn & Tavern - 10% off room rates  www.stonehearthinnvermont.com

Summit Soapworks - 10% discount at the shop  www.summitsoapworks.com

The Book Nook - 10% discount   www.thebooknookvt.com

The Message of the Week - Any new Chamber member as of March 1, 2010 or new advertiser to The Message, receives 2 free 1/8 page ads.

The Pointe at Castle Hill - Vermont - 15% off lodging  www.cavendishpointe.com

The Good Bus - 15% off all local transportation discount   www.goodcommons.com

www.Vermont.com - 2010 special:  Basic Info: Direct hyperlink to your website; 30-word descripton of your business; 1 category listing (statewide and regional) - example - Lodging; 1 Subcategory listing (statewide and regional) - example - B&B.  Add an extra lodging sub-category page at no extra charge - example - Country Inns  $560/year for OVRCC members) plus get a 13th month FREE!  Call John at 802-362-2000 to design a package for you.  www.vermont.com/enteronline.cfm

Vermont Journal - Any new Vermont Journal advertiser will receive 10% off 1st 4 weeks.  www.vermontjournal.com

Vermont Wedding Association - 10% off shows.  October 24 show at Jackson Gore Inn.  

William Austin Antiques - 20% off   www.wmaustin.com

WillowDraws - 10% off and free personalization of any product

MENU OF ADVERTISING OPTIONS:

 New yearly marketing program for service companies beginning May 2010.  www.okemo.chambermail.us Renews annually for service companies.

 

 

 

PRINT & ONLINE - OUT OF STATE:

 

1)            Next winters 2011/12 Vermont Vacation Guide.  Distribution 100,000.

We're taking reservations NOW for the winter 2011/12 Vermont Vacation Guide (inside front and back covers).   It's also online www.visitvt.com  Deadline May 1st.  $370.

The Vermont Vacation Guide is the Official State of Vermont Visitor's Guidebook. It provides guests with timely articles about what makes Vermont a special place to visit. Whenever someone calls 1-800-VERMONT this is the publication that is sent to them.  This guidebook is at every trade show the State attends as well as in every Welcome Center statewide.  This publication is great for getting visitors to our State and the Okemo Valley has the inside front and inside back covers!!  Contact Marji.

2)            Southern Vermont Arts & Living co-op.  Distribution 7,500

This is a quarterly publication.   Okemo Valley has a co-op section, focusing on our individual towns.  This is distributed throughout Southern Vermont and the outskirts of NH, MA & NY, as well as welcome centers.

September through December.  $215 for 1/6^th page ad (2.375 x 5” high).  Reservation deadline August 11^th.   Email Lynn to participate at prime@svcable.net   This publication is great for galleries, artists, shops.

3)   May 2011 promotion with Yankee Magazine.  

Yankee Magazine’s 2010 May/June Travel Guide issue is being removed from stores this week. After its four month newsstand run (May through August), we know this issue sold at least 13% more issues than last year, and collected hundreds of leads for its advertisers. Participants in the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce co-op section received leads ranging from 730 to 1,070, depending on which target regions were selected. The online added value programs, which included a 12-month YankeeMagazine.com listing, four month reader service listing, and a Great Yankee Giveaway sponsorship totaled over $4,000 in online value for each participant. With exposure to over 2 million readers with a love of New England; the OVRCC advertising package offered tremendous print and online value for under $800.

New for 2011, along with a print ad, online listing and lead generating reader service program, we will be offering an email marketing component to your co-op package, which will allow turnkey promotion of specials and packages. We are also exploring new co-op design concepts which will help your region standout from the crowd. Next year’s Travel Guide issue will be dead lining before you know it. Call Marji for details.

 

PRINT & ONLINE  -IN STATE:

 

1)            Our Winter edition of Okemo Valley Regional Guidebook.   Distribution 25,000

Ken Saccardo from Spring River Enterprises will be handling this for us again.

We have added new features;  online coupons and online pdf version.  This publication is for our guests who are already in the Okemo Valley telling them what there is to do, where to eat, shop and stay.  BONUS:  This publication will be going with us to the NY Times Travel Show and the Boston Globe Travel Show in February 2011. 

 

2)            TravelHost Magazine.  Distribution 7,000 hotel rooms; with 300,000 readers per issue. 

This is a quarterly co-op.  This publication is in the hotel rooms statewide.  It targets the visitor that is already here and invites them to the Okemo Valley.  Great for restaurants, shops, attractions and our events.  Hotels cannot advertise in this publication (since it is distributed in hotel rooms). 

Contact: Chris McGee 802-425-2484 or travelhostvermont@gmail.com

 

ONLINE:

1)                 Enhanced listing on http://www.yourplaceinvermont.com

Every member now has their own page for $150/year.  We can change text and pictures anytime.  We also offer banner ads throughout our site.  Many members have their enhanced listing under their specific category and also place a banner ad under another category for additional exposure.  Banner ads are $150/year.

 

2)                 www.vermont.com  

2010  special:  Basic Info: Direct hyperlink to your website; 30-word descripton of your business; 1 category listing (statewide and regional) - example - Lodging; 1 Subcategory listing (statewide and regional) - example - B&B.  Add an extra lodging sub-category page at no extra charge - example - Country Inns $560/year for OVRCC members) plus get a 13th month FREE!  Call Sandra at 802-362-2000 to design a package for you.  http://www.vermont.com/enteronline.cfm

 

TELEVISION:

 1)            RSN is now Outside Television- Explore Okemo Valley television program

Call Dan Carbonara 802-258-2200.  We add your video to your enhanced listing.

 

2)            LPCtv – Okemo Valley; YourPlaceInVermont monthly program.

We invite new chamber members and list monthly events on our program.

MAPS:

1)            Okemo Valley Regional Map will be handled by Spring River Enterprises

802-228-7664   ken@springriverenterprises.com

 

2)            Resort Maps.  Contact Marlena McCue

802-496-6467  marlena@resortmaps.com

 

CALENDARS:  Okemo Valley will be offering a 2011 “Taste of Every Season” dining calendar.  Call the Chamber if you would like to purchase some for your business.  Great way to promote dining in the Okemo Valley!

 

 2^nd annual BUSINESS SHOWCASE will be held on September 22 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts.  This is retail event.  Meet your fellow businesses in the Okemo Valley and sell to the public.  Tables re $99 each and can be shared with another business.