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Programs and Services
WHY WOULD YOU INVEST IN A VERMONT CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP?
Please see our detailed investment opportunities and dues investment schedule at http://www.vtchamber.com/services/dues.html.
We are a private, nonprofit, business organization with more than 1,600 members employing 50,000 people. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and preservation of the Vermont quality of life. Our goals include having your business become more prosperous and profitable. We offer service, value and return on member dues investments. Our funding comes from our members' businesses.
Our five member lobbying team and committee volunteers work on business legislation that saves you money. The savings heavily outweigh the cost of a membership investment.
In 2004, we successfully advocated for Act 250 and storm water regulation reform, and legislation was completed to reduce workers' compensation costs and clarify other parts of the workers' comp regulations. We lobbied for phasing out the corporate income tax, strengthening workforce development, retaining Vermont businesses and recruiting out-of-state businesses. Health care reform will be a major issue in the 2005 legislative session.
In 2003, we were successful in getting the House to pass much of what we wanted with Act 250, but the Senate bill fell short. With Act 60, we were able to get the sharing pool eliminated.
In 2002, we were successful in revising drug testing laws and defeating legislation that would have used unemployment compensation funds for parental leave.
The Vermont Chamber is an effective and influential voice in Montpelier. They employ a balanced approach to the challenges facing the Vermont business community. A membership investment is well worth the money. Our membership has paid for itself many times over the years.
Jim Pratt, Senior Vice President of Operations
Cabot Creamery Cooperative
Montpelier
As a member, you stay informed with our timely Legislative Updates (now available via email), Legislative Report Cards, and our member newsletters, Business Vermont and Vermont Connections. We are also involved in the election process through our Campaign Research Center (CRC). Membership also enables you to:
Save money on group health and dental insurances through CIGNA and Delta Dental. (For more information please contact VACE Insurance at 802-229-2231).
Save on phone and Internet costs through our SoVerNet program.
Save on payroll and human resource services through PayData.
Save on monthly and annual issues of Vermont Business Magazine.
Save on wage information via Gallagher, Flynn & Company's Salary Survey web site (www.newenglandsalarysurvey.com).
Save money, time and aggravation by using our Vermont and Federal Law Manual and the Internet-based human resource product, HR Comply Survival Guide.
Gain exposure with a 10-word listing and ads in our annual Membership Directory, on our web site version and with your link.
Market your business with ads in the Legislative Update, Business Vermont, and Vermont Connections.
Educate your employees about the cost of traffic accidents via the Vermont Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS).
For 20 years, we have sponsored the annual Vermont Business and Industry Exposition (EXPO). As a member, you receive a 10% discount on your booth price. We have almost 200 booths and 3,000 attendees.
Our International Business Council promotes international exporting activities by Vermont companies and coordinates trade missions of Vermont businesspeople to Taiwan and China.
The Business/Education Partnership seeks to improve the lifelong educational and economic opportunities of Vermonters by creating partnerships among employers, educators and communities.
Here are the details!
Legislative Advocacy Saves You Money
Our five member lobbying team and committee volunteers work on business legislation that saves you money. When we influence even one piece of business legislation, you save. The savings certainly outweigh the cost of a membership investment.
Stay informed with our timely Legislative Updates (now available via email), Legislative Report Cards, and member newslettersVermont Connections (our hard copy quarterly feature piece) and Business Vermont (our monthly e-newsletter highlighting the programs and opportunities of the Vermont Chamber). We are also involved in the election process through our Campaign Research Center (CRC). For more information on legislative issues, contact Vicky Tebbetts, Vemont Chamber Vice President of Communications (229-2259 or vtebbetts@vtchamber.com).
SAVE on a Vermont Business Magazine (VBM) subscription
Can You Afford Not To Have the Best Vermont Business Information?
Knowledge is power and business information means increased revenues. Vermont Business Magazine (VBM),Vermont's best business information resource, is offering a special subscription rate of only $20 per year (a savings of $58.50 off the newsstand price) to Vermont Chamber members. Also, a subscription to the online version is only an extra $20 with the magazine subscription.
Receive 12 monthly issues, the annual Manufacturers' and Business Directory, Book of Lists, and the biennial Vermont At A Glance and/or the Non-Profit Directory: all for only $20. Call VBM at 800-639-1838 or 802-863-8038, today.
SAVE on outstanding Payroll and Human Resources Services
We are partnering with PayData Payroll Services, a privately held Vermont company founded in 1987, to offer you not only advanced payroll services and tax filing, but also human resource solutions and electronic time clock services. PayData is a highly respected business and has over 900 clients in Vermont and New England.
This benefit is an exclusive discount offer to Vermont Chamber members. When you enroll, you receive a price assurance guarantee, the first month of payroll processing at no charge, and no set up fees.
Services that will work for you include: payroll tax service, direct deposit, new hire reporting, vacation accruals, G/L reports, E-sheet Excel worksheet, evolution P/C internet payroll, e-clock electronic time clock, evolution HR, HRSentry, COBRA administration, S125 administration, SSN verification, extensive reports, and training courses.
For more information, contact PayData's Sales department at 800-639-9058 or at sales@paydata.com.
SAVE on Telecommunications Costs
Get competitive rates, a full range of Internet and phone services, and bring it all together on one phone bill! We have joined forces with SoVerNet, a locally-owned Integrated Communications Provider, to offer you "bundled" phone and Internet services. This means you can save up to 20% on your telecommunications costs.
SoVerNet is a Vermont company with a solid reputation - the oldest (1995) and largest locally-owned statewide provider of Internet access. All services carry a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Whatever your Internet needs, SoVerNet can provide a solution: Dialup, Broadband via SDSL, Frame Relay, T1 - T3, Server Colocation, 24/7 live monitoring. SoVerNet's phone services are provided via state-of-the-art switch and network equipment (services not available in areas served by Independent Telephone Companies): Local Dialtone - choice of Measured or Unlimited service, Long Distance - Domestic, International, Toll-free, Voice -Turbo via Voice-over-DSL, Long distance rates as low as $.056/minute.
SoVerNet also offers similar "bundled" discounts on residential phone and Internet service. Start saving by contacting Dave McBride, SoVerNet's Field Sales Manager, at 802-655-7314 x121 or dmcbride@sover.net.
SAVE on group health and dental insurances with CIGNA and Delta Dental
These insurance plans are extremely competitive and include a wide range of benefits. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Lindner at 802-272-8806 or email Lisa Lindner (lisa.vtchamber@adelphia.net).
SAVE time, money and energy with the Vermont and Federal Employment Law Manual
Some of the most complex challenges facing employers pertain to employment laws and regulations. The manual was written by the employment law experts at the distinguished Burlington law firm of Paul, Frank and Collins, Inc.
It provides explanations in plain English, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), lists of what you can/not do, tips, and references. Knowing the correct procedures for handling delicate employment situations can prevent costly and embarrassing mistakes. For more information, contact Lisa Lindner at 802-272-8806 or email Lisa Lindner (lisa.vtchamber@adelphia.net).
Vermont Business and Industry EXPO 2005 Display Booths
Members SAVE 10% on booth rates. Enjoy visiting the almost 200 booths, talking with some of the 3,000 attendees, attending seminars pertinent to your business, as well as the technology and international trade events. Questions? Call 802-655-7769 or www.vtexpo.com.
The Best Compensation Information in New England - www.newenglandsalarysurvey.com
This website was created by HR professionals for HR professionals. Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP (www.gfc.com), a Vermont business and one of the largest HR consulting, CPA and general business consulting firms in New England, is harnessing the Internet to provide the best compensation data in New England. With hundreds of positions listed, GF&C is offering a discounted rate of $295 per subscription to Vermont Chamber members. Contact Frank Sadowski at 802-651-7216 or fsadowski@gfc.com for more information.
International Trade Program
The program has developed into a full-time, ongoing program, responsible for export assistance promoting Vermont's products and services in Taiwan, the Pacific Rim and Shanghai. Contact Curtis Picard at 802-223-0904 or cpicard@vtchamber.com.
The Vermont Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (Vermont NETS)
The program's mission is to demonstrate the financial impact of employee-related traffic crashes on your company's bottom line. Reducing crashes not only reduces the cost of doing business, but also influences employees' attitudes and habits in their homes. Contact Curtis Picard at cpicard@vtchamber.com.
Our Travel and Tourism publications are second to none
The 200,000 Vermont Traveler's Guidebooks and 100,000 Vermont Winter Guides are the fulfillment pieces for the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing's 1-800-VERMONT and www.vermontvacations.com marketing programs. We also produce 100,000 Vermont Country Inns and B&B brochures. As a member, save on listings, packages, and display ads. The listings appear on our website, www.vtchamber.com. Contact Tom Shampnois at 229-2294 or at toms@vtchamber.com.
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